My husband and I exchange gifts with several of our neighbors each year for the holidays. It seems that each year it gets more difficult to think of a gift. This year we decided to give them wine and cheese gift baskets. We did not like the pre-made cheese gift baskets that are available in the kiosks in the mall so we decided to create the baskets ourselves.
Often you will find the wine and cheese baskets will have processed cheese spreads. Many people like to choose cheeses that they know the recipient likes. It is also nice to include their favorite wine, red or white, if you happen to know what they really like.
Head over to an import store or a craft store to select an attractive wicker basket that will hold your selections. You will want to find an inexpensive cheese cutter as well. Choose some tasty quality cheese from a deli or the meat department at your local supermarket. Since the cheese will likely be wrapped in unattractive white paper you will likely want to rewrap it using plastic wrap. During the holiday season you can easily locate plastic wrap with holiday dcor on it. Select a few boxes of specialty crackers; don't forget to shop for the wine. Once you have all of your items assembled, place some shredded paper into the bottom of the basket. This will serve as filler.
Simply arrange the goodies attractively in the basket. Use the filler liberally in order to make the basket look full in addition to providing cushion for the bottle of wine. You can wrap the entire basket with colored cellophane wrap if desired, but it is not necessary. Tie some curling ribbon on it and it's ready to go. If you need to store this prior to giving the gift, be aware that it may be necessary to keep it refrigerated. This is the reason that the pre-made wine and cheese gift baskets use the cheese spreads.
The neighbors all liked receiving these lovely wine and cheese gift baskets. Some of them used them for entertaining while others kept them all to themselves. We decided that they were such a hit with our neighbors that we are going to start giving these baskets to our families as well. If storage is an issue, just pre-wrap the cheeses and assemble the baskets right before the gift exchange. Whether you select one of the pre-made wine and cheese gift baskets or create your own it will be a gift that is loved by the recipient. - 15266
Often you will find the wine and cheese baskets will have processed cheese spreads. Many people like to choose cheeses that they know the recipient likes. It is also nice to include their favorite wine, red or white, if you happen to know what they really like.
Head over to an import store or a craft store to select an attractive wicker basket that will hold your selections. You will want to find an inexpensive cheese cutter as well. Choose some tasty quality cheese from a deli or the meat department at your local supermarket. Since the cheese will likely be wrapped in unattractive white paper you will likely want to rewrap it using plastic wrap. During the holiday season you can easily locate plastic wrap with holiday dcor on it. Select a few boxes of specialty crackers; don't forget to shop for the wine. Once you have all of your items assembled, place some shredded paper into the bottom of the basket. This will serve as filler.
Simply arrange the goodies attractively in the basket. Use the filler liberally in order to make the basket look full in addition to providing cushion for the bottle of wine. You can wrap the entire basket with colored cellophane wrap if desired, but it is not necessary. Tie some curling ribbon on it and it's ready to go. If you need to store this prior to giving the gift, be aware that it may be necessary to keep it refrigerated. This is the reason that the pre-made wine and cheese gift baskets use the cheese spreads.
The neighbors all liked receiving these lovely wine and cheese gift baskets. Some of them used them for entertaining while others kept them all to themselves. We decided that they were such a hit with our neighbors that we are going to start giving these baskets to our families as well. If storage is an issue, just pre-wrap the cheeses and assemble the baskets right before the gift exchange. Whether you select one of the pre-made wine and cheese gift baskets or create your own it will be a gift that is loved by the recipient. - 15266
About the Author:
Vina Zevigny writes for http://www.gourmetfoodgiftsusa.com, where she shares product reviews and articles for food and entertainment aficionados. Visit her for her often unique point of view and your gift 'Zevigny Food Features Ezine
