Glorious Gifts: How to Create a Perfect Romantic Gift Basket

Whether celebrating an anniversary or rejoicing two newlyweds, a personalized romantic gift basket can help set the mood and express to your loved ones how special they truly are.

(PRWEB) September 4, 2006 -- Egyptians who offered gifts of fine unguents to their guests, to the three Wise Men who brought offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to more recent traditions, gift giving has become a part of our everyday celebrations. It is an art form for some, however, for many of us, it can be a scary undertaking to find the perfect romantic gift. Whether celebrating an anniversary or rejoicing two newlyweds, a personalized romantic gift basket can help set the mood and express to your loved ones how special they truly are.

The beauty of creating a gift basket is two fold. First and foremost, it is a gift that can be completely personalized, complimenting the preferences of the person receiving the gift. It also lends a tremendous freedom to the giver, allowing the contents and price tag to be as elaborate and as costly as the giver chooses it to be. If funds are low, the contents of the basket can be simple, yet thoughtful. If funds are not an issue, then the sky is the limit.

Here is a list of possible elements that can be incorporated into any gift basket. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the contents, according to the tastes of the recipients.

Candles: Nothing sets a romantic mood better than candle light. Like a magic wand, a candle’s flickering glow casts a spell, magically transforming the room with its soft radiance and creating a lovely ambiance, perfect for an intimate evening shared between lovers. Candles come in an infinite number of shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. Candles come in a wide range of fragrances, as well as the unscented variety. From elegant pillars and tapers to delicate floaters and tea lights, there is room for a candle or two in every basket. If allergies are a concern for your couple, include a few candles anyway. Candles make a romantic statement whether lit or not, so consider their intrinsic value to a romantic evening. Don’t’ forget to incorporate candle holders as well.

Chocolate: It’s Latin name “thebroma” literally means ‘food of the gods’, and for anyone who has ever sampled this delectable treat, you will quickly agree that it is pure ambrosia. Chocolates have been an integral part of romantic proclamation and sensuous eating for centuries. The very act of eating chocolate has been linked to mood elevation, and it seems to trigger feelings similar to those of falling in love. How appropriate for a romantic getaway. When choosing what types of chocolates to include, consider the wide selection of choices from the various fine chocolatiers, including the sugar free options. There are truffles made from rich ganache (a unique blend of 72% cocoa mixed with butter), pirouettes (rolled vanilla biscuits dipped in chocolate), solids (dark chocolate and milk chocolate), caramels, creams, fruit filled, cordials, nut clusters, pralines, and liqueurs. Bring a little intensity to the basket by adding an assortment of rich chocolates.

Gourmet Foods: Part of the romance of food is having things that can be shared with your love. There is a wonderful variety of options which can be included in any basket but are especially appreciated in a romantic gift basket. Consider an assortment of cheeses, from the more traditional cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and Monterey jack, to more exotic cheeses like cranberry chevre with cinnamon, mascarpone gorgonzola, and Montbriac. Add a few different types of crackers like garlic, herb crusted, or rich butter. A perfect partner to cheese has always been some form of meat. The combination is music to the mouth, so don’t skimp. Try a beef roll or a small salami. Savory sausages and smoked ham are always nice too. Add a dash of mixed nuts, a few flavorful spreads, a jar of gourmet salsa with some chips, and you have the recipe for a romantic feast. Make sure to include the appropriate utensils for cutting, spreading, and eating your mouthwatering medley of gourmet foods.

Fruit: No other food tingles the tongue with fragrant sweetness or tantalizing tartness like fresh fruit. Add such mouth watering favorites as raspberries, strawberries, grapes, cherries, bananas, blueberries, plums, and peaches, or take a walk on the wild side by choosing more exotic fruits. A few pleasing alternatives include star apples, kiwi fruit, cherimoyas (love fruit), passion fruit, pomegranates, and carambola (star fruit). These exotic fruits are praised for their intensity and mingling of fruit flavors. Surprisingly, although these fruits are exotic, they can still be found in most supermarkets. You may also consider the addition of dried fruits like dates, pineapple, and apricots.

Special Beverages: Whether toasting to love or complimenting exquisite foods, beverages are a must in every basket. Champagne goes beautifully with chocolates and fruit, and fine wine is a perfect addition to gourmet foods. But what if the special couple does not drink? Fear not, there are plenty of tasty treats for them, too. Whether regular or decaf, gourmet coffees can be a wonderfully robust addition, with flavors like amaretto, mocha, hazelnut, French vanilla, almond, and Danish pastry, just to name a few. There are also the delicious varieties of gourmet teas. The couple will lose themselves in the luscious spiced, flavored, or fruit blends. Choose from black, green, white, or oolong teas, or perhaps, be brave and create your own personal blend to share. Don’t forget to consider another hot beverage favorite – rich cocoa. It also comes in a wide assortment of flavor options, from the more traditional dark chocolate to the more modern white chocolate, as well as fun varieties like hazelnut, French vanilla, Irish crème, and fruit essences, including raspberry and blueberry. If all else fails, try one of the many flavors of sparkling cider on the market. It offers the fun and fizz of champagne without containing any of the alcohol.

Special Glasses: You cannot give a special beverage without including a means of serving it. Make sure to include wine glasses, champagne glasses, or mugs to coincide with the chosen beverage.

Lotions and Bath Items: A nice touch to any romantic basket is a treat for the senses. Give the gift of a luxury spa visit by including items like body lotions, hand lotions, bubble bath, body butter, bath salts, and essential oils. Some fragrances considered pleasant to the senses are neroli (orange blossoms), rose, lavender, jasmine, and vanilla. Throw in a few fluffy towels and wash cloths, and your luxury spa feel will be complete.

Music: The sound of music soothes the soul, but the right music can spark a flame of passion. Include a few CD’s of romantic music to the collection of goodies. A few oldies but goodies are Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Roberta Flack, and Billy Holiday.

Homemade Goodies: Don’t forget to include the most personal additions of all: goodies made by your own hand. A few ideas to include are cookies, tarts, pies, cakes, and small loaves of different types of bread. These additions will be sure to touch the heart and tempt the palate.

The most important thing in building a basket is to fill the basket with things that the recipients will love. Remember, this is a statement of your love. The more that you know your recipients, the more able you will be to create a romantic gift basket they are sure to adore. Happy shopping.    Helen Stephens

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