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.
The pre-made cheese gift baskets included processed cheese spreads. We were concerned about how long some of the baskets had been sitting around. We thought that if we made our own baskets the cheese would be of higher quality and we could choose varieties that we knew our friends liked.
It is easy to find attractive baskets for the personalized wine and cheese basket. They can be found at many craft or import stores at reasonable prices. Find an inexpensive cheese cutter to place in the basket as well. You can purchase your cheese selection at any quality deli. Since the meat departments only wrap their products in unattractive paper you can wrap the cheese in plastic wrap. During the holidays it is easy to find holiday design plastic wrap. Next, select the wine to be included. Boxes of specialty crackers are all that is really needed to finish this off. Once you have all the items assembled, place some shredded paper in the bottom of the basket. This serves as perfect 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.
Each of our neighbor's was very pleased with the wine and cheese gift basket we gave them. They all like entertaining during the holidays and so the wine and cheese could be served at their gatherings. My husband and I decided that we are going to make similar baskets for our brothers and sisters. This is a gift that can be assembled quickly just prior to giving it so that freshness and storage do not become an issue. We simply purchase the baskets in advance and then the day we are giving the baskets we purchase and cut the cheeses. We decided we could also include a bottle on wine and other goodies for other people that we give larger presents. Anyway, we made wonderful baskets for everyone and could feel really ready for the holidays. - 15266
The pre-made cheese gift baskets included processed cheese spreads. We were concerned about how long some of the baskets had been sitting around. We thought that if we made our own baskets the cheese would be of higher quality and we could choose varieties that we knew our friends liked.
It is easy to find attractive baskets for the personalized wine and cheese basket. They can be found at many craft or import stores at reasonable prices. Find an inexpensive cheese cutter to place in the basket as well. You can purchase your cheese selection at any quality deli. Since the meat departments only wrap their products in unattractive paper you can wrap the cheese in plastic wrap. During the holidays it is easy to find holiday design plastic wrap. Next, select the wine to be included. Boxes of specialty crackers are all that is really needed to finish this off. Once you have all the items assembled, place some shredded paper in the bottom of the basket. This serves as perfect 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.
Each of our neighbor's was very pleased with the wine and cheese gift basket we gave them. They all like entertaining during the holidays and so the wine and cheese could be served at their gatherings. My husband and I decided that we are going to make similar baskets for our brothers and sisters. This is a gift that can be assembled quickly just prior to giving it so that freshness and storage do not become an issue. We simply purchase the baskets in advance and then the day we are giving the baskets we purchase and cut the cheeses. We decided we could also include a bottle on wine and other goodies for other people that we give larger presents. Anyway, we made wonderful baskets for everyone and could feel really ready for the holidays. - 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
