How to Give an Oktoberfest Themed Gift

Have you ever wanted to bring a six pack of beer as a hostess gift and were told that a six pack of beer wasn't a good gift? Tweak it to include an Oktoberfest theme and you've got a winner-and not just during the 17-day festival! This is a good year-round gift. Here are a few ideas.

Things You'll Need

• Beer
• Keg
• Pretzel bar
• Sausage and sauerkraut
• Dessert
• Galvanized pail
• Dish towel

Instructions

1. Buy one six pack each of the following beers (they are considered the "Big Six" of Oktoberfest beers):

   Spaten
   Lowenbrau
   Augustiner
   Hofbrau
   Paulaner
   Hacker-Pschorr

   Place an order for them at a liquor or wine store if they are not in stock or substitute other German beers for your gift pack.

   Put one of each beer into the six pack holder, attach a card with an Oktoberfest toast and you're done! For extra credit include traditional German beer mugs or steins.

2. Or you can order a keg instead with any of the above beers and arrive prepared to give a beer-tapping toast. Up the Bavarian vibe by bringing plastic cups that you've written German words or sayings on.

3. Bring a crowd pleaser. Everybody loves pretzels. Make the gift an event by collecting an assortment of soft and hard pretzels along with dips, nut butters and cheese toppings. Present in the galvanized pail lined with a dish towel.

4. Offer to bring a dish to the party. Make sure the host knows so it can be incorporated into the meal. Sausage and sauerkraut are the way to go. If dessert is your thing, go for apple pancakes, strudel or German chocolate cake!

Tips & Warnings

• You can find galvanized pails at hardware or home stores.