How to Build Your Own Gourmet Baskets

There are many styles of baskets to choose from.

Gourmet baskets are typically made as gifts for any occasion. Gourmet baskets may also be used as a centerpiece decoration.They contain specialty food and drink items like wine, cheese, meat and candy. Baskets can be made in any size, color or shape. There are no boundaries when making a gourmet basket. It is important to purchase enough items to fill the basket although you will use filler.

Instructions

1. Choose a basket. Baskets can be large or medium size depending on the size of the items used to fill it and who the basket is given to. You can also choose a basket with a handle. Large baskets should be gifted to families while medium-size baskets are used for couples or individuals.

2. Determine the basket's ingredients. A gourmet basket typically includes high quality food items. Gourmet food items include wine, cheese, crackers, chocolate, cookies and meat. Instead of wine, sparkling cider or non alcoholic beverages like coffee or tea is an option.

3. Pack the bottom of the basket with brown or colored crumpled/shredded paper. The items should sit on top of the stuffing so the basket has the appearance of being full. A piece of foam or a small box can be placed on the bottom of a deep basket.

4. Place the items along the back and middle of the basket.

5. Place a large item in the center. If you choose to add a bottle of wine, place it in the middle of the basket surrounded by the smaller items.

6. Fill in empty spaces with more shredded paper.

7. Wrap the basket in clear shrink or cello paper wrap. Decorate the closure of the wrapping with a bow and/or ribbon.

References

• How to make a unique gourmet gift basket