The Gift of Wine Baskets
Giving the gift of a bottle of wine is an old standby when going over to dinner or even at Holiday time. Often, the most creative we get is to tie a nice bow around the wine bottle! With just a little imagination, it's possible to create a truly unique gift with a well chosen wine basket. There are many ideas all around you for creating the basket. Perhaps it will contain wine from local wineries, or if the person you are giving it to loves another country, say France, then include wine from that country. Best of all, create a wine basket from your own home made wine! People love to receive "homemade" gifts - assuming they are good of course. And what could be better than a wine basket of your wine. When it comes to Holidays, here are some ideas for you to think on. Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a great meal when going as a guest because you know you are going to get turkey, and that means you know what type of wine to take. So a bottle or two of red wine makes a nice hostess gift. If you are coming right before dinner, chill the bottles for the wine basket so they can be served for dinner immediately. Birthdays Birthdays are a special celebration even for adults. To go with the sweet birthday treats, make a wine basket with some sweet whites and roses. And you don’t have to save the sparkling wine for New Year’s; you can give your friend a champagne toast any time of year. Fourth of July The Fourth means barbecues. Fill your summer wine basket with red wine. And for other summer occasions, choose light wines good for eating with fish or cool vegetables. Pick mostly white wines for summer menus, or if you are hooked on red, consider something that makes a good sangria. Sangria is wine mixed with fruit juice, tea, and fruit pieces for a cold, refreshing drink. Winter Holidays Cold weather and hearty meals call for a different kind of drink. At this time of year your host may appreciate red wine to make wassail, a hot punch made of wine mixed with spices and sometimes other ingredients. Add a little jar of wassail spices to make sure your friend gets the hint. On New Year’s Eve, it is a tradition to have a glass of champagne, sparkling wine. Doubtless a host will be happy to receive champagne to get ready for the New Year’s celebration. The staff at the wine shop can help you pick a bottle or two for your basket for less than $25. Wine Basket Fillers If the whole family does not drink wine, include a few compliments that everyone can enjoy in a wine basket. Cheese, fruit, and crackers are classic wine compliments. If your friend is starting housekeeping, include a bottle opener or a set of elegant glasses and coasters. |