Gourmet Holiday Gift Basket

DO YOU HAVE A GOURMET TASTE?

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Dale Coover

Gourmet refers to foods that are above the standard. Gourmet foods are prepared specially and of a higher quality that the standard, such as coffees, chocolates, and bake goods. If it unique coffees or chocolates, or teas to light up your day, the place to find them is in a gift basket from Your-giftbaskets.com. There are so many occasions that we want to acknowledge nowadays, whether it is someone's birthday, father's day, mother's day, that special holiday, or just a way to say thank you, and you want to give that special gift- the answer is in a gourmet gift basket. It is a sinfully delicious treat that you can savor and enjoy for yourself, or maybe you want to share it with that someone special. At Your-giftbaskets.com, the choices are amazing and can make your head spin because you don't' know which gourmet basket to send. The best part is there are baskets for all occasions and all budgets.

One of our UNIQUE GOURMET GIFT BASKETS is the Tuscany basket. The basket includes pasta, dipping herbs; chocolates and more- you really feel like you are away from home with this rustic, tasteful treat for two. Then there are specialty gift baskets with chocolate baskets ranging from small to large that can satisfy anyone's chocolate craving. These chocolate baskets are sure to please any chocolate lover's taste buds, which include gourmet popcorn, chocolate brownies, peanut butter delights, chocolate cappuccino, and additional gourmet chocolate treats guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat. The bistro gourmet basket is a budget friendly basket that consists of smoked almonds, chocolate covered truffles, caramel corn, and more mouth watering gourmet treats sure to please the person that craves high quality snacks. How about some cheese with those crackers, we are not talking just any old crackers we are talking about crackers smothered in delicious gourmet cheese spreads- there are gift baskets with these high-end products too! The list just goes on and on, all of the choices ending in true pleasure and delight. Nothing says gourmet more than gift baskets filled with gourmet peanuts, toffee, coffees, teas, chocolate treats, and so much more. Your-giftbaskets.com is a crowd pleaser for sure WITH UNIQUE GIFT BASKETS for all ocassions.

THE GREAT IMPRESSION

SAY THANKS WITH SPECIALTY GIFT BASKETS

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Dale Coover

Let's focus on the types of snacks available to purchase and send to for that special occasion. They have Unique Gourmet Gift Baskets that consist of mugs, coffee, teas, cookies, kitchen necessities, chocolates, or a combination of all that and more. There is nothing like a hot cup of java to get your mornings going, or a sip of tea if you prefer coffee and tea gift baskets. Another category MEAT AND CHEESE GIFT BASKETS This selection consists of fine meat and cheese, in combination with sausages, biscuits, cool cutlery, special mustards, old style salt-water taffy, and so much more. The meat and cheese collection can please anyone from a football fan, to dad at father's day, to that high-end client. Let's not forget the baskets for movies at home, gourmet chocolates and candy, coke products, gourmet jellybeans, and anything your mind can imagine. All of these can be purchased at reasonable prices.

And if that special someone has to watch their diet or control their sugar, it can be done with a special gift basket too. There are baskets made to follow doctor's orders. Some of the baskets consist of sugar-free products, such as brownie bites, chocolate candies, cookies, and tropical candies. The doctor ordered to keep it light- no problem- the answer must be in the basket with the chicken noodle soup and crackers. So, that age old question of what to send to show you care can all be wrapped up in a nice basket. Remember, there are baskets for all occasions, gift baskets for him or her, Kosher Food Gift Basket, and Specialty Snack Baskets of all sorts. The toughest part is deciding with which snack basket to choose, from the fruits and nuts, to the tea and cookies, to the candy baskets that make your mouth water just looking at them. Treat them to that snack basket that they will savor with each bite.

SWEET AND SAVORY GIFT BASKET

WE ALL SHOULD BE SUGAR FREE IT'S BETTER FOR US !

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Dale Coover

One of the unique gift baskets offered here is geared to someone who might appreciate gourmet treats, but can't normally because of too high a sugar content. Now, even someone with more refined tastes won't be left out. There is even one sophisticated enough for giving as a corporate-type gift. Lastly, there is included in this line of unique gift baskets one that the thoughtful boss can give to a secretary or office assistant trying to count calories that has a cute, small pail that can be reused later to house a plant or other items at the desk when the candy is gone.

By having such a wide variety of specialty gift baskets available to choose from, the gift you give will be doubly sweet. Not only will your recipient appreciate the gift, but you will be doubly thanked for the extra thoughtfulness you put forth in choosing a gift that everyone can enjoy across the board.

SIMPLE PLEASURES SUGAR FREE GIFT BASKET

SHOW YOUR TASTE GO GOURMET !

Sunday, August 30, 2009 by Dale Coover

So, showing your gourmet taste and passing it on to others is really quite simple. Find your reason to send a unique gourmet gift basket, identify your price range, then seek, and send. Whether it is a breakfast basket filled with pancake mix and syrup or savory selections such as asigao cheese budz and delicious bruschetta you want to send to that special someone a theme gift basket will be a suprise. Not only do they have unique gourmet gift baskets, but you can send that gourmet cheesecake to someone too! The gourmet cheesecakes will melt in your mouth. German chocolate, chocolate chip, pecan truffle, pumpkin, and cranberry are only the tip of the dessert fork. These specially prepared cheesecakes make them gourmet, because they are high quality cheesecakes that will be sure to put a smile on a face with the first bite. So, if you are looking to show your gourmet taste and share it with others, you have the answer. From gourmet chocolates, to coffees and teas, to gourmet bakes items, the place to visit is your-giftbaskets.com. Share your gourmet taste for the next birthday, winter holiday, or just to say thank for being you!

CHOCOLATE
GOURMET
GIFT BASKET

TREAT THEM TO A SNACK WITH A SNACK GIFT BASKET

Saturday, August 29, 2009 by Dale Coover

It seems that is it always that time - birthday, holiday, baby shower, wedding shower, etc... and it is always the same problem- what to get or what to bring. There are so many options- do I make something and if so, what should I bring, something hot, something cold, for how many people? Should I buy something, and if so, what should I take or what should I give them? Snacks are one of our favorite past times, along with having a hot dog at a baseball game, or having popcorn and soda, while at the movie theater. Then you have special single occasions, such as congratulations on the new job, high school graduation, or just a special hello-long time no see- the ideas run wild and then focus to a snack gift basket. Gift baskets are great ideas and there are a million and one gift basket ideas out there, ranging from budget friendly, to above and beyond every ordinary day ideas. There are so many businesses out there, including ones on the Internet, such as Your- giftbaskets.com. Your- giftbaskets.com is an extraordinary website to find that perfect gift for that someone special. If you think it can or think it cannot be done, it can be, and it goes above and beyond the typical thoughts and expectations. And the best part is - they have that something special for everyone's budget. Unique gourmet gift baskets and specialty snack baskets will always delight.

VINTAGE VIGNETTES GIFT BASKET

Stop Your Wine-ing - Give Wine Gift Baskets

Sunday, August 23, 2009 by Dale Coover

Even after deciding to give a gift basket to friends or family, deciding what gift basket can be a challenge. Theme gift baskets that include a fine wine could be a unique way to choose a gift that is a perfect fit. Whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, house warming, or even a wedding gift, choosing a gift that reflects a special interest and ties in with wine, the gift will be a delight.

The options for theme gift baskets with wine can be based on a place in Europe, the US, a pastime involving food and wine or any combination of these. The theme can even be the food and wine itself. Finding online gift baskets with wine is easy, especially at your-giftbaskets.com. Below are some samples of what can be found at this site.

Celebrate California wines with the Tour the Wine Country with a combination of wines, cheeses, chocolates and more. This gift basket contains Deloach Chardonnay, Wente Sandston Merlot, Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir, Sonoma creamy jack cheese, beef salami, Ghirardelli Masterpiece chocolates, Spanish olives, Napa Valley mustard, California pistachios, lemon almond biscotti, toasted sesame crackers. This is quite a layout and would be good for the young couple getting for a wedding gift.

Another one of the great theme gift baskets captures the flavor of France, with the French Country Picnic combination complete with La Vielle Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge , fig and walnut confit, old fashioned grain mustard, sesame crackers, black olive tapenade and a dish towel for convenience all packed in picnic basket. A perfect gift basket for a wedding anniversary.

Now for a wine connoisseur the Super Grand Gourmet would be the basket of choice. This contains four different wines along with other delights to snack on. It contains Cambria Katherine's Vinyards Chardonnay, Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, Schramsberg Sparkling Brut, Mantanzas Creek Merlot, pretzels in collector tin, Godiva chocolate biscuits, butter cookies, caramel popcorn, focaccia crisps, snack mix, peppermint popcorn, chocolate orange cookies, Ghirardelli Masterpiece chocolates, Sonoma creamy jack

CORPORATE HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET

Sunday, August 23, 2009 by Dale Coover

Do you have a client that you are trying to win over? Then maybe you need the "A Distinguished Client" basket. This basket is stocked full of delicious and fancy gourmet fare that will make the right impression on any client. It has French vanilla coffee, Italian chocolate raspberry cake, Cabernet cheddar spread, Old Fashion salt water taffy, Sparrers summer sausage, English breakfast tea, De Geneve Chocolate Delights, Spanish Olives, Chocolate Wafer Cookies, just to mention some of the items. Everything is packed in a wonderful keepsake-quality tin planter. As a nice extra a cutting board with a cheese knife is included.

So whether you are just wishing your friends well or trying impress your clients, you can find the right coffee and tea gift baskets online are your-giftbaskets.com. This site knows how to do specialty gift baskets right. There is such a large varied selection baskets you are bound to find the exact gift you were envisioning on giving to that special friend or client.

HEARTH AND HOME GIFT BASKET

MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY AND COFFEE AND TEA GIFT BASKETS

Saturday, August 22, 2009 by Dale Coover

Mad Hatters Tea Party

Wouldn't it be fun to give your friends or clients a Mad Hatters Tea Party? This does sound like terrific fun! How would you go about doing this though? One idea that would work is giving them some coffee and tea gift baskets. This way you could show how you feel about them and give them some things to have a good time with too. That is the joy about specialty gift baskets.

You have probably looked around to see which kind or gift baskets you can find, and just aren't quite satisfied with the selections you have found so far. Have you looked online at your-giftbaskets.com yet? This site has many nice coffee and tea gift baskets along with other types of basket combos for gifts.

For your best friend, who loves her coffee so much you may think about the "Coffee Lover Gift" basket. This basket is filled with yummy Monica's almond cookies, butter toffee pretzels, Bellagio gourmet coffees, and some spoons that have been dipped in chocolate to stir the coffee with. All this is packed up with a beautiful plaque made on the theme of coffee and tow ceramic large mugs.
This really is a lovely collection of goodies!

Does your other close friend prefer tea to coffee? Then think about giving her the "Spring Tea Gift" collection. This combines yellow and white chocolate tulip lollipops with gourmet green tea, focaccia crisps, cappuccino chocolate sticks, a mini honey bear complete with dipper, Brent and Sam's lime cookies, and a mug all packed in a charming orange tin. This screams Spring, but would be perfect in the middle of winter too.

Maybe you want to give a more varied collection of teas, then try the "Tea Party" basket. This assortment of goodies includes some delectable vanilla tea, Justin Lloyd Earl Gray tea, biscotti, fresh honey, yummy peanut delight, and some delicious Petite De Fruit candies. Anyone who likes tea at all will love this assortment given to them.

Great Birthday Ideas part two Still Searching?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by Dale Coover

The gourmet of the family is definitely going to be delighted by the chocolates, fruits, and even nuts , which were into the making of tailor-made birthday gift baskets. He can always be tempted with wine, if he is the finicky sort who has everything and you do not want to give him a shot of penicillin. Ladies are definitely going to be impressed withbirthday gift baskets made up of cookies, chocolates, and all sort of Delicious yummy sweetmeats. They might pretend to be on a diet, but they are going to remember your birthday gift baskets for a long time to come. Cookbooks are also good gifts, as well as discount coupons to their favorite beauty shop. It happens to be their birthday and that is why they are going to enjoy being pampered and treated like a princess on their special day.

If you want to buy a birthday gift for a sportsman, you could buy him assorted golf irons, and balls, so that he can putter around the backyard to his heart’s content. Buying him gardening implements (hint hint, the lawn needs mowing) does not work unless he is a bona fide gardener! Electric tools are also great gift ideas!

Unique Holiday Gift Baskets and the Holidays are still coming part 2

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Dale Coover

Benefits of Going with Gift Baskets

There are a variety of great benefits you can enjoy when you decide to purchase those special loved ones a gourmet holiday gift basket. One great benefit is that huge selection available. It really makes it easy to give everyone the perfect gift. Gift baskets make it easy to do your shopping as well. Even if you won't be with your loved ones around the holiday season, you will be able to have the basket shipped right to the recipient of the gift. These baskets are also reasonably priced so you can purchase a gift, even on a tight budget.

Buying on the Web

Probably one of the best places to purchase a gourmet holiday gift basket is on the web. It's easy to log on the web, browse through the baskets that are available, and make your purchase. Sites are usually secure so you can simply make the purchase online, then have the basket shipped to the person you want to send it to. It's an easy way to do all of your holiday shopping, since the holidays will be here before you know it.

Simply Indulgent Gift Basket

Unique Holiday Gift Baskets the Holidays are Coming!

Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Dale Coover

Before You Know It…

Before you know it, Christmas will be here. While it seems like there is a lot of time before the big day comes along, it will be here quickly, and you definitely want to make sure that you are prepared for the big day. After all, you want to make sure you provide everyone you love with a great Christmas this year, so there is no room for putting off those Christmas purchases. Ready to get a head start on your gift list? If so, one great gift option to consider is a gourmet holiday gift basket. This is a perfect idea for the holidays that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Choosing the Right Holiday Gift Basket Idea

If you want to make sure you get all those holiday gifts purchased in time this year, you may be wondering how to choose the right holiday gift basket idea. Well, the good news is that there are a variety of different options available to you. No matter who you are buying for, you are sure to find a nice gift basket that they will enjoy this holiday season. One great place to look is at your-gift baskets.com where you will find all kinds of great ideas. There are chocolate gift baskets, baskets full of nuts and fruits, baskets for the coffee lover, wine baskets, meat and cheese baskets, snack baskets, movie night gift baskets, and so many more. Even for those who have special dietary needs, there are even sugar free baskets that you can choose from, so there is no lack of great ideas to choose from when you are looking for the perfect gift.

Grand and Glorious Gift Basket

TAKE A HIKE!! AND A THEME GIFT BASKET PART 2

Saturday, August 15, 2009 by Dale Coover

If you do want to splurge a little to make a special memory or celebrate something in particular with your hike and picnic—or if you just don’t feel like putting a picnic lunch together on your own, you can also purchase ready made meat and cheese gift baskets that look attractive and contain small sizes of lots of little goodies so you and your guest can sample lots of treats and focus on each other. You can buy unique gourmet gift baskets designed around themes, as well—like wine and cheese, chocolate and fruit, and others—if meat and cheese gift baskets aren’t really your thing.

Even big city residents can find a place to take a hike and a picnic nearby if they think outside the box. Why not take a “hike” up and down the hills in San Francisco and then have a picnic at the waterfront? Or take a “hike” to the top floor of a tall building in your city and then ride the elevator down and picnic in the building’s atrium or courtyard?

If you live in a high rise, how about hiking to the roof of your complex and enjoying the view along with a picnic lunch? Or even “hiking” out onto the terrace or fire escape? Try something different for a change! Remember, it’s really romantic in the movies, right? So give it a try.

And if you’re not a great cook, don’t worry about it. Meat and cheese gift baskets can make life easy. And unique gourmet gift baskets are an easy way to make a great impression without lifting a finger.

So what are you waiting for? Go take a hike! And don’t forget the picnic lunch.

TAKE A HIKE!! TAKE A SNACK GIFT BASKET WITH YOU!

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Dale Coover

Take A Hike! – And Have a Picnic

No matter where you live, and even in tough economic times, there is one activity almost everyone can afford: to go on a hike and have a picnic! We’ve all seen the scenes in the movies—where a couple heads out to a beautiful hilly or mountainous setting for a short hike through the hills and the woods and then settles down for a beautiful, romantic lunch on a blanket spread on the grass or in the shade beneath a tree. They might pull out a couple of meat and cheese gift baskets—or one of many other unique gourmet gift baskets that look both beautiful and delicious—and enjoy wine, caviar, cheese, crackers, and other delicacies. It looks like so much fun! Yet how often do we take the time to do something like that?

You don’t have to reside in the mountains or drive to a national park to enjoy a hike and a picnic. And you don’t have to spend a lot either. You can save money and take a much-needed R&R break in your hometown or even your own backyard. Take a hike—or a walk—to a local park to spread out your meal and enjoy it in the outdoors with the person you love. Almost every town or city has beautiful parks waiting to be discovered. When is the last time you’ve visited one of yours? If you want to save money, pack a picnic lunch utilizing whatever you happen to have in the house—like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cupcakes, and apple juice—and focus on enjoying the time together. Pack it in a basket, a cooler, or a backpack—whatever works.

GREAT IMPRESSIONS GIFT BASKET

Specialty Snack Baskets A Little Birdie Told Me Part 2

Sunday, August 9, 2009 by Dale Coover

Housewarming gift baskets can be made to measure, with your choices of items being placed in it. You can go in for specialty snack baskets, which are going to have specialty items like special and exotic teas, coffee, cookies, chocolates, nuts and fruit, possibly chocolate cigars, and gourmet snacks, which can be enjoyed by everybody. If your host is a keen golfer, you would want to go in for golf balls, practice cups for puttying and even golf tees in a wide-ranging variety and colors!

If you want to help finish up the chocolates or the fruits and the nuts, which were a part of the specialty snack basket, it is possible that you chose a mixture of Degeneve chocolates with a little touch of coconut,delicious pistachios, butter toffee, cashew brittle, almonds roasted in honey, almonds coated with cinnamon,mmmmm! Or perhaps you decided to give yourself a treat also and bought a specialty snack gift basket for yourself with grapefruit, Mango, kiwi and oranges!

So now that you know that there is such a wide ranging variety of items to choose from, to make up the contents of a special and memorable housewarming gift basket, all you have to do is make your choice!

If there is a baby in the family, your gift basket might have some extra items for baby, like rattles, baby booties and other useful items for the bundle of joy. The parents are definitely going to appreciate this thoughtful gesture to welcome baby into its new home.

Unique Gourmet Gift Baskets or Make Time For Some Wine

Saturday, August 8, 2009 by Dale Coover

WINE GIFT BASKETS

Is there a special someone in your life that you currently have a crush on? If so, I think I have just the thing to tickle their fancy! How about sending them a lovely wine gift basket? I would venture to bet that the object of your affection would find this to be a very romantic and thoughtful gesture on your part.

We have a wide variety of Unique Gourmet Gift Baskets to choose from, so you are sure to find just the right thing to please that special person in your life. Also, we have specialty gift baskets available in many different price ranges. Therefore, whether you are looking to buy something simple or something really extravagant, we are sure to have just the right basket to accommodate you and your budget! Starting as low as $37.95, we have our lovely Wine and Cheese Board package which includes beef salami, sesame crackers, and Kenwood Red Table wine, just to name a few. If you are really looking to delight and spoil that special wine connoisseur in your life, might I recommend our Super Grand Gourmet basket? This particular gift basket comes with four bottles of our best wines, and it comes chock full of all kinds of different gourmet treats. Just a few examples of the treats this basket comes with are peppermint popcorn, butter cookies, snack mix, and Ghirardelli chocolates. The Super Grand Gourmet basket may seem a bit pricey at $274.95. However, I can assure you that all of the contents included in the basket are of the highest quality, and therefore it is well worth it. If that is more than you want to spend, there is no need to worry as we have many other lovely but less expensive and Unique Gift Baskets to choose from as well. One final thing I'd like to note is that because of state alcohol laws, there are certain states that we are unable to ship our wine gift baskets to. Because of this, I would definitely encourage you to double check the list of states are baskets can be sent to before you go ahead and place your order.

Best of luck to you, and I hope that your wine gift basket helps to stir up some romance between you and your crush! Here's to hoping that maybe they will even invite you over to enjoy a glass of wine or two with them! Take look at our online gift baskets

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET IDEA

Saturday, July 25, 2009 by Dale Coover

GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT IDEAS AND UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS.
We have a wide variety of wine gift baskets to choose from, so you are sure to find just the right thing to please that special person in your life. Also, we have gift baskets available in many different price ranges. Therefore, whether you are looking to buy something simple or something really extravagant, we are sure to have just the right basket to accommodate you and your budget! Starting as low as $37.95, we have our lovely Wine and Cheese Board package which includes beef salami, sesame crackers, and Kenwood Red Table wine, just to name a few. If you are really looking to delight and spoil that special wine connoisseur in your life, might I recommend our Super Grand Gourmet basket? This particular gift basket comes with four bottles of our best wines, and it comes chock full of all kinds of different gourmet treats. Just a few examples of the treats this basket comes with are peppermint popcorn, butter cookies, snack mix, and Ghirardelli chocolates. The Super Grand Gourmet basket may seem a bit pricey at $274.95. However, I can assure you that all of the contents included in the basket are of the highest quality, and therefore it is well worth it. If that is more than you want to spend, there is no need to worry as we have many other lovely but less expensive gift baskets to choose from as well. One final thing I'd like to note is that because of state alcohol laws, there are certain states that we are unable to ship our wine gift baskets to. Because of this, I would definitely encourage you to double check the list of states are baskets can be sent to before you go ahead and place your order.

Best of luck to you, and I hope that your wine gift basket helps to stir up some romance between you and your crush! Here's to hoping that maybe they will even invite you over to enjoy a glass of wine or two with them!

UNIQUE GOURMET GIFT BASKETS - PART 2

Thursday, July 23, 2009 by Dale Coover

So let's return for a moment to your fantasy. In the blink of an eye, the two of you are lying on the blanket gazing lovingly into each others eyes. You bring out two wine glasses from a picnic basket behind the tree and open a bottle of Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Cabernet Crush wine gift basket you picked out for the occasion. She holds the glasses while you pour and then you toast, "To you!" you say to her. And she falls in love with you all over again.

Before you know it, she has discovered the Ghirardelli Masterpiece chocolates in the basket and has one melting in her mouth. She is in heaven! Then she discovers the California pistachios. Such bliss.

You are totally happy, as well. You've got beef salami, California crisps crackers, and a Sonoma creamy jack cheese spread to satisfy the appetite you worked up riding and you've got the woman of your dreams sitting beside you. It doesn't get much more perfect than that.

Or does it? After a wonderful nap on the blanket wrapped in each others arms, you awake to find you still have an appetite for each other and then for some more food. You dip into the second gift basket to reveal even more surprises.

This time it's caviar, Pacific Northwest smoked salmon, and creamy jack cheese spread, and you serve her some of each with the cheese knife that came in the Chez Gourmet gift basket. And you do know your woman well, there are more California pistachios and Ghirardelli milk chocolate squares along with kettle fresh chocolate fudge, a rich delectable dessert for her, and peanut butter chocolate cookies, your personal dessert favorite.

As the sun begins to drop low in the sky, the only thing left to do is sigh a contented sigh and enjoy every single moment that's left of your day before you need to pack things up and take the horses back up to the barn. But this gourmet day is one that will never be forgotten.
Take a look at our unique gourmet gift baskets and specialty snack baskets. Pick a theme gift basket , we know they will be warmly received.

UNIQUE GOURMET GIFT BASKETS - PART 1

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 by Dale Coover

A Gourmet Day!

You've got it all planned out perfectly. First, you'll take the horses out for a leisurely ride through the woods and down by the creek. There you'll lead them by hand to where the creek makes the bend by the big willow tree so they can drink fresh water and then tether them to a low branch on a smaller tree. And then you'll take her by the hand and lift the willow branches overhead so she can step into the magical wonderland beneath. She'll gasp when she sees the picnic blanket spread out and the two unique gourmet gift baskets beside the tree trunk. Turning back toward you, her eyes will glisten with tears of joy as she realizes you must have been cooking up this surprise for days or even weeks and here she thought you forgot about her special day.

Yes, you, too, can be the man of the hour (or day or year) when you put the power of unique gourmet gift baskets to work for you and your better half. Being romantic isn't a lot of work when you can grab a theme gift basket or two with everything you need already packed inside and arranged with an artistic touch. And no, just because they're called gift baskets doesn't necessarily make them all girly. There are plenty of theme gift baskets that focus on masculine sports themes, hunting, and fishing, too. But I digress. Right now, we're focusing on how great you are for creating a gourmet day away for the special woman in your life.

Summer Treats – Yummy Gift Baskets!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 by Dale Coover

Looking for a delicious summer treat—for a special occasion or no occasion at all? Consider specialty gift baskets! They make the perfect wedding, shower, birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day, housewarming, congratulations, or “just because” gift for anyone who likes food! Meat and cheese gift baskets—in addition to fruit and nut selections, gourmet and kosher food choices, chocolate themed baskets, and even coffee and tea collections—are sure to tempt your taste buds and give recipients an extra special treat.

You can even get them for yourself! What a great way to surprise your significant other, to kick off a picnic in the park, or to try delicious new easy-to-carry food choices as you travel together to your favorite vacation spot.

Meat and cheese gift baskets are substantial gifts that provide real sustenance. Featuring real Wisconsin cheeses like Monterey jack, medium cheddar, zesty cheddar, pepper cheese, sharp cheese, Swiss cheese, and hot Swiss cheese; original and garlic Wisconsin sausage, beef summer sausage, hot summer sausage, Bavarian summer sausage, and beef salami; cheese spreads like creamy jack cheese spread, hickory cheese spread, Merlot cheddar cheese spread, and tomato basil hoop cheese spread; and specialty crackers including wheat crackers, peppercorn crackers, water crackers, wheat wafers, and more, these gift baskets aren’t just a snack—they’re a complete meal.

Most meat and cheese gift baskets contain even more than sausage, cheese, and crackers, though. Often there are several courses packed into the wicker basket or other container they come artfully arranged in. Hearty selections and collections might include mustards (hot n’spicy, yellow, and/or grained), salsa, smoked salmon, caviar, pepper jelly, green or garlic stuffed olives, smoked pate, spiced almonds, snack mix, pistachios, veggie dip, pita chips, and Cabernet Sauvignon hoop cheese among dozens of other delicacies.

Other snack items like pretzels and pretzel nuggets, peanut butter pretzel nuggets, foccacia snacks, trail mix, tortilla chips, and mini Italian breadsticks are also frequently included.

But let’s not forget the sweet treats! Before dessert, enjoy gourmet coffees, English tea, or cocoa mix with biscotti, milk or dark chocolate sticks, chocolate dipped spoons, mocha almonds, or chocolate covered cherries, blueberries, cranberries, and apricots. Then for dessert there are decadent selections tucked into some of the meat and cheese gift baskets like chocolate cheesecake, cappuccino wafers, hazelnut wafers, chocolate chip shortbread, chocolate chip cookies, raspberry cookies, almond cookies, and milk chocolate pastilles. They’re enough to make your mouth water just thinking about them.

Delicious candies and chocolates including toffee, truffles, peanut brittle, fudge, old-fashioned salt water taffy, and/or Ghirardelli chocolates are other great additions.

Many of the meat and cheese gift baskets come packed in or with a wicker hamper or basket, a picnic basket, a cutting board and/or cheese knife, and/or coffee mugs. Could a gift or a special day get any easier? Gift baskets are quick and easy to order and have delivered, and they always make such an impressive presentation.

For your Jewish friends, family, acquaintances, or business associates, you can also opt for a kosher gift basket. Smoked salmon, salmon pate, la chevre fresh goats milk cheese with roasted garlic and parsley, baby gouda, crispy flat breads, marinated braided mozzarella cheese, fruit hamentashen, rugelach, apricots, prunes, and other kosher food choices create beautiful, thoughtful gifts.

The perfect accompaniment to any of these selections is one of the other specialty gift baskets like the fruit and nut baskets—with assortments of mixed or specialty nuts and delicious fresh fruits— grapefruit; navel oranges; green, red delicious, jonagold, or granny smith apples; pineapple; Asian, comice, bosc, concord, columbia d'anjou pears, or seckel pears; or dried apricots and prunes.

A wine gift basket would round out the occasion perfectly. Make it a French country picnic with a bottle of La Vielle Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge wine, a fruity and spicy Rhone red blend with ample body. A gift basket containing the wine along with fig and walnut jam with goat cheese make a delicious appetizer and sets the mood for the rest of the meal. (This also makes a wonderful, romantic wedding or wedding shower gift—or the perfect gift basket to take on the honeymoon! Or send it to the couple who just announced their engagement or just moved into their first home.)

There are many other great wine selections for gift baskets, as well. For instance, Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon, DeLoach Cabernet Sauvignon, L de Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon, Tin Roof Cabernet Sauvignon, Tintara Shiraz 2005, Veramonte 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Francis Ford Coppola Rosso, Francis Ford Coppola Bianco (Pinot Grigio), Stone Cellars by Beringer Merlot, Hanna 2007 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir, and Murphy-Goode Chardonnay are just a dozen of the fine wines that go beautifully with many dining selections and for many occasions and work wonderfully tucked into a gift basket with complimentary food items.

Regardless of the occasion—or for no occasion at all—beautiful gifts just don’t get much easier than when you give a gift basket. Well, except maybe for just writing a check. But then where is the personal touch in that? A gift basket has so much more character and charm. And it leaves a lasting impression in the eyes of everyone who sees it—and especially the gift recipients who get to enjoy the tasty summer treats.

Coppola's Wine and Food

Send Good Wishes With A Get Well Gift Basket

Monday, July 13, 2009 by Dale Coover

Whether it is a close friend, a family member, an acquaintance, a good client, or a business associate, when someone is ill, injured, or recovering from surgery, you want to do something to let them know you care. They’re probably already inundated with flowers and plants, so you want to send something different and unique—something that’s a little more practical or a little more personal.

Get well gift baskets are the perfect solution. You can get theme gift baskets to reflect that person’s special interests or hobbies—like golfing gift baskets for men or women, NASCAR racing gift baskets, football or baseball gift baskets, fishing or hunting gift baskets, hiking gift baskets, movie gift baskets, spa gift baskets, and gardening gift baskets. Filled with great items like Blockbuster gift cards, scented lotions, golf balls, plush terry towels, seeds, and gardening tools, gardening gloves, water cans, and other useful and practical gifts, these gift baskets are sure to outlast the recovery period and help get the recipient back into the regular swing of things.

Gift baskets can also be filled with little extravagances that show the recipient you remember some of their favorite treats and want to provide a little pick-me-up. Whether that is chocolate covered cherries, pecan popcorn, Jelly Belly candies, red licorice, swirled lollipops, or gourmet caramels, candy and other sweets are sure to make a big hit. But if you need to create a sugar-free gift basket, you can do that, too. Mugs and flavored coffees and teas, biscottis, almond cookies, chocolate dipped spoons, and crossword puzzles are another great option—and will help the recipient sit back, take it easy, and relax and recover.

For patients with dietary restrictions, you can even send a 100 percent healthy gift basket comprised of dozens of different combinations of delicious fruits—like navel oranges, grapefruit, green apples, red delicious apples, jonagold apples, granny smith apples, comice pears, bosc pears, concord pears, columbia d'anjou pears, seckel pears, Asian pears, pineapple, and dried fruits—and nuts and cheeses. Monterey jack, medium cheddar, pistachios, mixed nuts, almonds, and other cheeses and nuts—along with some crackers and relish—make great additions to food gift baskets.

For Jewish friends, kosher gift baskets containing items like old world fruit hamentashen or rugelach; kosher cheeses—such as baby gouda, marinated braided mozzarella, la chevre fresh goats milk cheese with roasted garlic and parsley, and corner cheese imported from Switzerland; smoked salmon and salmon pates; crispy flat breads; and fruits such as apricots and prunes are a wonderful gift idea when someone is feeling under the weather.

You can even choose get well gift baskets for kids—containing plush stuffed animals they can cuddle as they recuperate, coloring books and crayons to keep them busy if they’re bedridden, or bottles of bubbles to put a smile back on their face. Of course, candy filled treat gift baskets are always greeted with a smile—as long as the items inside are within any dietary restrictions for their condition and they can eat them as tolerated.

Believe it or not, delicious delicacies like cheesecake, bottles of wine, and lobster pate can even be incorporated into a gift basket and—when properly shipped—arrive safe and sound and perfectly presented.

From food items like cheese spreads and breadsticks to mints and merlot, bing cherry and blueberry chocolates to pretzels and red pepper relish, summer fruit salad to Sonoma creamy jack cheese, you can pack a basket with flavors and delights for even the fussiest eaters and most finicky patients. Gift items like steel paella pans and tapas plates, leather trimmed wine bottle carrying cases with wine flutes, stainless steel colanders, fishing creels, wooden clocks, backpacks, and barbeque tongs and aprons can all be incorporated into gift baskets and have long-lasting value, so they’ll last far longer than flowers. With all of the options available, gift baskets are quite simply the perfect get well gift for anyone you know.

They’ll demonstrate your attention to detail, the fact that you care enough to send them something truly personal, and your warm love and concern—even if you can’t be there in person. They are the perfect way to show you care. So don’t just send a bouquet or a gift. Send an entire gift basket along with a heartfelt “Get Well Soon” message.

Beary Well Wishes