Gift Baskets for Any Occasion all have something in common. That is the inclusion of a bottle of Fine Wine. This instantly sets up the Gift Basket to be extra special. And when they enjoy the contents of the Gift Basket, that bottle of wine is sure to have them remembering you as they enjoy it. We only recommend a True Fine Wine. Cheap wines, or the “Punch Wines” are not saying the message we wish to convey. They say “CHEAP”, or for those of us that know what is in the “Punch Wines”(cheap wines) , it says “You are not worth the best”.
We with go with the True Fine Wines. And for that, we utilize wines from an incredible Wine of the Month Membership. SEE DETAILS HERE.
These are wines that come at an incredible price and value and are sure to be wines that they cannot get locally. We have been Gifting these incredible Fine Wines for years now, and everyone is super impressed. It will ensure that your Gift Baskets are received and enjoyed at the highest level.
Gift Baskets for Any Occasion
Preparing for the YEAR of Giving. Gift Baskets are not just for the Christmas Holiday. They are the perfect way to say, “You are extra special to me, and I want to give you a token of our feelings toward you”. And they make the absolute pick-me-up, or get well, or congratulations. New Baby? Wedding? Anniversary (especially those crucial ones). Promotions, Retirements, new homes, or achievements to celebrate. Life is all about the milestones and wins. Both small and large. Celebrating them is what it is all about. Even if only spectating and cheerleading from afar.
So, throughout the Year, keep your eye out for Gift Baskets to use. And be sure to keep some in a Closet for easy assembly and use. We do this and we make sure they hold at least a bottle of wine and 2 wine glasses. And then size up from there. Now let’s get onto this list of 5 ideas.
#1 Is By Far the Easiest and in many cases the Absolute Best. The Simple Wine and Wine Glasses:
You need the basket, and it can be square, oval, or boxy. Place the bottle of Fine Wine, and the Glasses to go with it. And then pad it with Shredded Paper.
Contents:
- Bottle of Fine Wine (Recommended from here)
- 2 Wine Glasses (or 4). You can get these for under $20 at TJ MAXX, or for $1 each at the Dollar Store. Disposable, easy-to-use glasses have a purpose. They can be used and discarded.
- ADD a NOTE: Suggest they use your Gift of Wine and Glasses on a romantic picnic (the glasses can be used without putting their fine crystal at risk). Or maybe to take to the park, or to enjoy at the game, or while watching the game. Even little league games are more fun with wine after all. What about by the fireplace on a cold night?
If you have a cellophane, that is always a great way to secure the basket and its contents. You can get cellophane bags for all sizes and needs. We have them on hand, and stock up more for big Gift Basket occasions like Christmas, New Year’s, and an onslaught of birthdays or anniversaries.
#2 Is still Easy; just adding more of a theme. Italian:
Contents:
- Bottle of Fine Wine (Recommended from here). This calls for a Wine that will match the Sauce. If a white sauce, look for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, or even Pinot Noir. If red, then you cannot go wrong with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot even, or Syrah. Every “True” Fine Wine will pull out incredible flavors with the Sauce. Making it hard to go wrong.
- Pasta of Choice: This could be Spaghetti Noodles, Fettucine Noodles, Bow-Tie Pasta, or any Pasta of your choice for them.
- Sauce: The Sauce is the next best thing to the Wine here. Be sure to match a sauce that goes with the Pasta. And if it’s for a party of 2, 4, 6, or more, be sure to include enough Pasta for the Party you are Gifting to. You might also add a favorite recipe to the basket on a recipe card. You can even laminate the card for them.
ADD a NOTE: If you have already paired the exact wine with the same pasta and sauce, you can share a note as to your enjoyment of this, and how you thought of them enjoying it as well.
#3 Is still Easy as well and a LOT of fun; just building on the Wine. It is the center of it all anyway. Charcuterie:
Contents:
2, or 4 Bottles of Fine Wine (Depending on the size of your Gift all Gifts here) (Recommended from here). You will be adding meats and cheeses. Offering a White and Red Varietal gives an assortment of tastes. It also is flexible with the tasting experience. A Pinot Grigio, a Rose’, or a Sauvignon Blanc for the white. Rose’ is a Charcuterie “Dream” wine. It goes with almost everything and is an easy way to start anyone with a Charcuterie. Then a Red Wine, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Grenache will be a perfect addition as well.
Charcuterie Board: Optional, but something you can add in for a direct statement that this is a Charcuterie Board Gift Basket to please them for a great fun experience. You can get these at TJ MAXX, or many home good locations. Online, everywhere. Simple is great, or you can get custom engraved to give a lasting memento. I had one done by a good friend for my granddaughter with a cat theme and another with a college logo.
Meats: Summer Sausage, Pepperoni, Salami, Prosciutto. Add one, two, three, or as many as you like. The size of this Gift Basket can be anything you want.
Cheeses: You want to compliment the meats. The salts, and spices. Cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, Brie, and Blue, add in a balance. And they do not have to be huge blocks. Cheese goes a long way, and you can get wedges perfect for 2 people at your Deli.
Extras
Bottles of Olives, Capers, and Pickled Vegetables: One or an assortment of these is a great way to add “AWESOMENESS” to your Gift Basket with a Charcuterie Theme.
Jar of Preserves, Fruit Compote, Honey (in a jar or small container): We find these at TJ MAXX, the Grocery Store, and sometimes by asking the clerk at the Deli counter. This is a great supplement to flavor and experience with the Wine, Cheese, and Meats. And something many have never experienced before. So much fun to be had.
Crackers: You will want a water cracker or a plain cracker. Something that will not add spice or seasoning to the Wine and Cheese pairing. Plain Salted Ritz or Club Crackers do in a pinch. The Carter Brand Water Crackers are light and are useful for getting the cheese nicely into your mouth to go with the wine.
Gift Baskets for Any Occasion
This is going to be fun. Be sure to tell them how you enjoyed any of the items you shared with them before. Let them know to set these all up and to start with the Whites, and then the Red to enjoy the flavors and the build of them with the wines. You can explain how you picture them having Charcuterie during the upcoming Game, or relaxing on a Saturday or Sunday out on the patio. This is heartwarming and will touch them with a Gift of caring.
#4 Is still Easy maybe the Easiest (you are getting the jist right); just adding more of a theme. Cheese and Crackers:
This is not a full Charcuterie, and it doesn’t have to be. This is for the enjoyment of fine wine, cheese, and crackers that go with the Wine. And then the suggestion of when and how to enjoy it.
Contents:
- Bottle of Fine Wine (Recommended from here). This calls for a Wine that will match the Cheese you have selected. Or vice versa, match the Cheese to the Wine you selected for them. Cheddar’s go well with many wines. Sparkling Wines are great with Soft Cheese, bries for example. And you can go with a Pinot Noir with about any cheese if you are in dilemma. Cabernet Sauvignon goes with several Cheeses.
- Cheese of Choice: This should be a Cheese that goes with the Wine. Specialty Cheeses can be a wedge or small block. Perfect to accompany a single bottle of wine. Feel free to try these out yourself, so you get an idea of what wines and cheese pairings you like. Then you can share the experience firsthand. You may find that 2 cheeses are a great way to go, offering a Cheddar and say Asiago. ( by the way, we offer great cheeses in the back office to wine club members)
- Crackers: You will want a water cracker or plain cracker. Something that will not add spice or seasoning to the Wine and Cheese pairing. Plain Salted Ritz or Club Crackers do in a pinch. The Carter Brand Water Crackers are light and are useful for getting the cheese nicely into your mouth to go with the wine.
ADD a NOTE:
Explaining that the Wine and Cheese pairing was designed for their enjoyment. To be used during a Movie Night, or while cooking dinner together. Occasions are coming up, and if you know them well, you can suggest they enjoy this for their upcoming Anniversary or the Sunday following. Suggesting a time and occasion for the gift lets’ them know you are thinking about them, and wanting to make their life special. Even if only for an occasion. The Written note is powerful, and something of a lost art of communication. Bring it back, it is a gift of its own.
#5 Is beyond Easy; just adding more of a theme. MY FAVORITE – but one I give my Best of Freat, is Dark Chocolate with a Fine Merlot. I recommend the Ricord Merlot (GET IT ONLY HERE) and fine Dark Chocolate. You will be in Heaven. It is the absolute best thing ever. I’m wanting some now, just sharing this information with you.
Contents:
- Bottle of Fine Wine (Recommended from here). This calls for a Wine that will match the Sauce. If a white sauce, look for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, or even Pinot Noir. If red, then you cannot go wrong with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot even, or Syrah. Every “True” Fine Wine will pull out incredible flavors with the Sauce. Making it hard to go wrong.
- Pasta of Choice: This could be Spaghetti Noodles, Fettucine Noodles, Bow-Tie Pasta, or any Pasta of your choice for them.
- Sauce: The Sauce is the next best thing to the Wine here. Be sure to match a sauce that goes with the Pasta. And if it’s for a party of 2, 4, 6, or more, be sure to include enough Pasta for the Party you are Gifting to.
ADD a NOTE: If you found the Chocolate from a special location, while on holiday, etc. Share that. Suggest that they enjoy this together, by the fire, or cuddled up on a wintery night. There are so many ways to share what you envision for them. And while they may not follow it, the idea you cared to write it, will be most rewarding and a Gift of its own. There are so many ways to enjoy these Gift Baskets and what they mean for an enjoyable moment in time for the loved ones you are Gifting these.
BONUS!!!! Is beyond Easy as well, and simply a great STANDBY for any occasion. THE EASIEST SOLUTION TO PLEASE ANYONE – THE DELIVERY GIFT CARD:
Contents:
- A Bottle of Fine Wine (OR 2) (Recommended from here). 2 Bottles, different Varietals works. So does a single bottle. You should have the idea of this all by now.
- Pasta of Choice: Door Dash, Grub Hub, UBER Eats, Postmates to name a few of the Services. All of which have available Gift Cards. You can usually buy them at the local drugstores or supermarkets, Walmart, or even at the Hardware Store. Gift Card Kiosks are everywhere it seems. We suggest having some of these on hand for occasions, and then you are not in a rush to get them, you are prepared with them. And this is a please anyone direction.
ADD a NOTE: Suggesting that they use this for a crazy night when ordering in and a Glass of Wine can help with the chaos of life. This is more than a gift, this is a hand-up when the day is longer than it needs to be. This is a gift of something solved when they were told at the office and needed to just let their hair down and relax. And you are gifting them this.
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