With wine gaining in popularity over more traditional beverages, a custom wine gift basket makes the perfect gift for almost any occasion. Most people are becoming aware of not only the health benefits of various wines, but the enhancement qualities of wine when complimenting almost any meal.
A reason to give a custom wine gift basket to a special friend, family, or business acquaintance, is that wine is an excellent addition to food in general. In the tradition of European dining, a plate of cheese, bread and crackers complimented by a fine bottle of wine, can make a meal in itself. An elegant dinner would be flawed without a good bottle of wine, red or white, to compliment the entrée.
A Wine Gift Basket Can Make Any Occasion Special
If you need a gift for a special occasion, like an anniversary, birthday, or holiday, a wine gift basket with select food items is always a 'hit'. A gift basket for your wine lover friends can turn a standard dinner affair into something very special. For an anniversary, why not include a nice bottle of champagne and a set of champagne glasses to the basket for the celebration.
A Custom Wine Gift Basket for that Personal Touch
There are many fine merchants that provide ready-made food and wine gift baskets, but if you really want to give a gift that is remembered and cherished, why not personalize your gift basket?
Custom wine gift basket merchants offer a service that lets you pick and choose what items you want included in your gift basket. This allows you to select only those items that you know the recipient of the wine gift basket will enjoy, and therefore, make it more personal. For example, if the wine basket is going to an avid golfer, items such as golf balls, tees, divot tool, or golf towel could be added.
Another nice personal touch is to select a wine gift box set that has the name of the individual imprinted on the box. Some merchants offer boxed sets that allow you to select the person's favorite wines to add an even more personal touch.
The ultimate in personalization is to give a custom wine gift basket with the individual's name, or special occasion, printed right on the label. Even the recipient's picture, or a company logo, can be added to fit the occasion. You might think that this wine gift idea would be very expensive, but it can be done quite reasonably and in relatively small bottle quantities.
Give a Wine Gift That Will Be Remembered
The key to making your custom wine gift basket special is to know the likes and dislikes of the person receiving the basket. Does the person have any favorite hobbies or pastimes? If you are not sure, why not ask a mutual friend or family member. This little extra effort can make all the difference in how the gift is remembered. Why not let the person know that you care by giving them a custom wine gift basket with their favorite items?
by Bill Wilson
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Displaying Wine With A Hanging Wine Rack
For wine enthusiasts, part of the fun of enjoying wine is displaying the bottles. Visit the home of any wine connoisseur and you'll likely find a variety of wine bottles showcased in some way or another. One such popular way to display different wines is with the use of a hanging wine rack.
A hanging wine rack, while being utilitarian in its uses, frequently boasts the added benefit of being visually appealing. Those with an eye for decorating will find a hanging wine rack to be both a useful piece and a lovely home accessory.
The popularity of the hanging wine rack stems largely from its universal appeal; it is made from a variety of materials - everything from wood to wrought iron. While some will have space only for wine bottles, others offer you the option of also hanging your stemware alongside your wine. Clearly, the hanging wine rack also offers consumers a great space advantage as it stays well out of the way and allows you to create a lovely and functional display without taking over the room. For those who live in smaller spaces, this can be enormously appealing. Further, the installation of a hanging wine rack can be achieved quickly and easily with simple directions and a couple of common household tools.
Finding a hanging wine rack that appeals to you can be as simple as an online search. There are a great many websites that offer household accessories of this nature at a very affordable price. If shipping prices are of concern to you, then you can just as easily check out a couple of local retail stores. Depending on your needs, you will more than likely find the perfect hanging wine rack right down the street and at a price that will be well worth the functionality and visual appeal of this piece.
No matter which hanging wine rack you choose, you will surely enjoy many compliments to come as friends and visitors admire your creativity and style.
by Michelle Bery
A hanging wine rack, while being utilitarian in its uses, frequently boasts the added benefit of being visually appealing. Those with an eye for decorating will find a hanging wine rack to be both a useful piece and a lovely home accessory.
The popularity of the hanging wine rack stems largely from its universal appeal; it is made from a variety of materials - everything from wood to wrought iron. While some will have space only for wine bottles, others offer you the option of also hanging your stemware alongside your wine. Clearly, the hanging wine rack also offers consumers a great space advantage as it stays well out of the way and allows you to create a lovely and functional display without taking over the room. For those who live in smaller spaces, this can be enormously appealing. Further, the installation of a hanging wine rack can be achieved quickly and easily with simple directions and a couple of common household tools.
Finding a hanging wine rack that appeals to you can be as simple as an online search. There are a great many websites that offer household accessories of this nature at a very affordable price. If shipping prices are of concern to you, then you can just as easily check out a couple of local retail stores. Depending on your needs, you will more than likely find the perfect hanging wine rack right down the street and at a price that will be well worth the functionality and visual appeal of this piece.
No matter which hanging wine rack you choose, you will surely enjoy many compliments to come as friends and visitors admire your creativity and style.
by Michelle Bery
Saturday, February 3, 2007
The Cocktail Party
A cocktail party can be more daunting than a dinner party if you don't remember the rules. However, it is a great way to kick back and relax with your friends. There is no need to have a theme or a special occasion.
The Key Factors:
* Expect 60% of the number of people you invited.
* Do not serve from the kitchen. Set up a bar.
* Have someone (not you) tend bar. Ask a friend or hire a local bartender ($15-20/hr).
* Multiply the number of guests times three for the number of glasses you need.
* Use small plates and finger foods. This is not a dinner party.
* A cocktail party should be two hours in length sometime between 6PM and 10PM.
* The area in your home that you select should be cozy, but not overcrowded.
* Keep furniture to a minimum. You want guests to stand and socialize, not sit in the corner.
* In order to cut down on the number of bottles of alcohol you need, select a signature drink(s).
* Don't forget to have non-alcoholic beverages (again choose a small selection) for the designated drivers.
In honor of Spring and taking are cue from the spring fashion colors (turquoise, coral, green, raspberry), here are a few signature drink suggestions:
The Go Girls at ON THE GO 4 U are champagne drinkers so here are a few ways we suggest to change the champagne:
1. Add 2 dashes of Chambord or pomegranate juice to champagne.
2. Add 4 dashes of Blue Curacao to champagne.
3. Shake ice, a measure of Creme de Menthe and Irish Whiskey, strain into a champagne glass and top with champagne.
Not a champagne drinker? Try Smirnoff Ice with a touch of your favorite colored liquor and serve over ice.
Remember, we are thinking spring so why not try these combinations:
Bellinis are always fun. Mix it up a bit and use the same concept for a martini. Use 2 measures of your favorite vodka to 1/2 measure of Peach Schnapps and a touch of peach juice. Use the same preparation method as with any martini.
Margarita with a twist. Use equal parts tequila and pink grapefruit juice and 1/2 measure of Countreau.
Want something a little blue? Use equal parts of vodka, tequila and blue curacao. Stir with ice and fill the glass with lemonade.
And of course don't forget, the classic mojito!
If you are going to experiment, make sure you test your recipe before the party. Whatever the signature drink, remember to drink responsibly and be a responsible host.
Must have books for party planning:
Every household that is going to have cocktail parties should have a decent bar manual or classic cocktail book.
The Last-Minute Party Girl by Erika Lenkert. This must have book contains party etiquette as well as quick recipes that are great for any cocktail party.
The Cooking Club Party Cookbook which is full of great party ideas and recipes.
How often should you have a cocktail party? Well, if your social schedule is busy and assuming that your friends are hosting events as well, we suggest having some kind of get together for each season as a relaxing time to catch up with the gang.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating.
The Key Factors:
* Expect 60% of the number of people you invited.
* Do not serve from the kitchen. Set up a bar.
* Have someone (not you) tend bar. Ask a friend or hire a local bartender ($15-20/hr).
* Multiply the number of guests times three for the number of glasses you need.
* Use small plates and finger foods. This is not a dinner party.
* A cocktail party should be two hours in length sometime between 6PM and 10PM.
* The area in your home that you select should be cozy, but not overcrowded.
* Keep furniture to a minimum. You want guests to stand and socialize, not sit in the corner.
* In order to cut down on the number of bottles of alcohol you need, select a signature drink(s).
* Don't forget to have non-alcoholic beverages (again choose a small selection) for the designated drivers.
In honor of Spring and taking are cue from the spring fashion colors (turquoise, coral, green, raspberry), here are a few signature drink suggestions:
The Go Girls at ON THE GO 4 U are champagne drinkers so here are a few ways we suggest to change the champagne:
1. Add 2 dashes of Chambord or pomegranate juice to champagne.
2. Add 4 dashes of Blue Curacao to champagne.
3. Shake ice, a measure of Creme de Menthe and Irish Whiskey, strain into a champagne glass and top with champagne.
Not a champagne drinker? Try Smirnoff Ice with a touch of your favorite colored liquor and serve over ice.
Remember, we are thinking spring so why not try these combinations:
Bellinis are always fun. Mix it up a bit and use the same concept for a martini. Use 2 measures of your favorite vodka to 1/2 measure of Peach Schnapps and a touch of peach juice. Use the same preparation method as with any martini.
Margarita with a twist. Use equal parts tequila and pink grapefruit juice and 1/2 measure of Countreau.
Want something a little blue? Use equal parts of vodka, tequila and blue curacao. Stir with ice and fill the glass with lemonade.
And of course don't forget, the classic mojito!
If you are going to experiment, make sure you test your recipe before the party. Whatever the signature drink, remember to drink responsibly and be a responsible host.
Must have books for party planning:
Every household that is going to have cocktail parties should have a decent bar manual or classic cocktail book.
The Last-Minute Party Girl by Erika Lenkert. This must have book contains party etiquette as well as quick recipes that are great for any cocktail party.
The Cooking Club Party Cookbook which is full of great party ideas and recipes.
How often should you have a cocktail party? Well, if your social schedule is busy and assuming that your friends are hosting events as well, we suggest having some kind of get together for each season as a relaxing time to catch up with the gang.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating.
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