A Wino's Perfect Dream Gift

All through human history, wine has been a celebratory libation savored in both social and religious events and rituals. For centuries wine has been savored for pleasure, celebration, and religious functions. Wine was traditionally thought to have medicinal properties and red wine is confirmed to be good for heart health. Although not all cultures consumed wine for recreation, almost every world culture has a wine history whether used as drink or medicine. In my life, wine is appropriate for festivity, leisure, and every now and then, as medicine. This fact alone makes wine the right gift for any situation. Anytime I need a gift when visiting a friend’s home, as a housewarming gift, or in order to say “thank you,” wine is my first choice. Wine is not only a stylish gift, but it’s easy to pair with appetizers, meals, and desserts. Enjoyed in high class social groups, wine pairings and tastings are a great way to network and spend time with friends. What a great occasion to socialize and learn a thing or two as well! Recently, I found myself in charge of planning a fairly large social event. In all the pandemonium of planning and preparations, I forgot to inform one of the event sponsors of a change in date. The day before the show, we realized the mistake when I got a phone call from the sponsor. On account of the miscommunication, they were unable to engage in in the event and had blocked time out of their schedule in vain. My first response in apology was to send the sponsor a wine and cheese basket from Baskets By Rita. For $150 I was able to send them a basket loaded with a variety of red and white wines, cookies, an assortment of cheeses, smoked salmon, gourmet crackers, summer sausage, olives, dried fruits, caramel corn, candy, snack mix, fine chocolates, mixed nuts, and more. I thought that this would be a gift that could be shared among all of their employees and I hoped it would convey my apologies for the misunderstanding. I would endorse a Baskets By Rita wine basket for any occasion for which wine is suitable. Whether you need to say thank you, send a housewarming gift, apologize, or present a gift when visiting a friend, Baskets By Rita has the perfect wine basket like Vineyard Wine gift basket for the occasion. Our BV (Beaulieu Vineyard) wine basket as a red and a white wine. This wine theme basket has a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Grigio wine, Pinot Grigio wine cheese, vineyard shortbread cookies, box of assorted chocolates, Alaska smoked salmon, a large box of assorted crackers and more. Visit their wine basket page to see their many varieties and options. http://www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/bv wine duo basket.jpg

Create Love Without Commerce

Love is in the air and in the Chocolate around the middle of February. Every Valentine’s Day it appears like people give the same thing. A box of chocolates, a cheesy teddy bear, spa products, sexy undies, jewelry, it’s all so predictable! While the majority of people wouldn’t complain about having a gift from someone they love, there have got to more personal ways of proving your love and affection. If you feel like your gifts are becoming gushy from year to year and you want to step it up a notch, why not make something yourself that says that you took the time to create something that comes from your heart. Not only will this mean more, but it will be unique and genuinely communicate your feelings in a way that no greeting card can. Here are some ideas that will show you really care. You could Write out a list of all the things you love about them. This can be as long or short as you like. You can format it as a list, a poem, or even sing it to them if you have any musical talent. Leave it next to a vase of flowers or on the bed in a pile of roses, you decide how you want to present it. Everyone likes to be reminded of why they are loved and this is the perfect way to tell them. These are great ways to show that special someone how much you really care on that one day of the year declared I love you day. There are lots creative ideas for creating romance without spending lots of money such as Concoct an assortment of sensual spa products. Find a few recipes online to make your own bubble bath solution or salt or sugar scrub. These are often easy to make from ingredients which you likely have at home or can buy at the store. Make these products and present them in a decorative jar or bag. I love Valentines day with all this positive energy of love and romance and caring. If all else fails you could Spend time together. Whether you plan a weekend getaway to a resort and spa or just plan a night alone on the couch, the most important thing you can give to the person you love is your time and attention. Let them know that no matter what you’re doing together, they are the most important person in the world. A friend recently told me that he sent a gift basket to his wife last year for Valentine’s day and she loved it because it contained things that you don’t find in most stores. Great gourmet chocolates, flavored nuts, wine, olives and more great chocolate. It made him look really good and this very romantic holiday. I could have sent him a Red Hot Valentine Gift. This Red hot Valentine's day box is perfect for all the special ladies in your life. An adorable teddy bear, milk chocolate truffles, dark chocolate and raspberry Chocolove bar,trail mix,a scented votive candle,chocolate chip cookies, Jelly Belly candy,caramel corn, hot cocoa, mixed nuts and a brownie. Box size 10 1/4" x 6" x 7 1/2" Say you are hot to your Valentine this year with our sweet treat. If these ideas have sparked your interest or given you a good starting point for planning out your Valentine’s Day, please pass this along via Facebook or Twitter. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas, I love Baskets by Rita.  http://www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskets-By-Rita http://www.twitter.com/basketsbyrita

Give the gift of Corona refreshment Now

Along with chilly weather comes savory comfort foods and pungent spices. Imagine your favorite seasonal snacks: cookies, egg nog, Bailey's and coffee, flavored lattes, and apple pie. All of these share the rich, spiced aroma that we typically associate with the holiday season. As the seasons transform into autumn, bake shops and cafes bring forth their seasonal menu items. On a crisp, cold morning, nothing curbs a craving such as a mug of spiced coffee or a hot pumpkin muffin. When we commonly think of baked goods and warm drinks when we think of seasonal foods, another favorite that springs to mind is seasonal beers. While a coffee drinker may look forward to the return of their favorite pumpkin spice latte, a beer connoisseur might wait patiently for the reintroduction of their favorite pumpkin ale. In 2008, seasonal beers were the best selling craft beer in the nation. There is surely something to be said for the effect seasonal food and beverages may have on our holiday spirit. The principle of beer and food pairing is especially relevant with holiday and seasonal beers, since they are typically spiced differently than their year round counterparts. To learn the best way of pairing seasonal beers, it is important to know the numerous kinds that are out there. Oktoberfest beers are often aged and as a result have a robust flavor. These pair best with hearty meat dishes such as steak and potatoes. Harvest ales are made with seasonal spices and ingredients. These bold flavors pair well with the bold, rich foods the holidays are known best for. I’m certain you can place a few bets on which foods pair well with a pumpkin beer. Pumpkin is really a very neutral ingredient and lends itself to making for a good ale or lager. These beers pair well with lighter meats such as pork and chicken as well as seasonal vegetables such as corn and squash. It also pairs well with pumpkin pie. At Baskets By Rita we know a few things about pairing good beers with luxury foods. Any of our seasonal beer baskets come with an array of cheese, crackers, chocolates, and sausages paired to awaken your taste buds. Take for instance our Corona Beer Gift Basket. A Corona beer gift basket filled with Corona Extra a premier import beer. To make this gift complete we paired the 6-pack of Corona with a great assortment of sweet salty spicy snack foods. Send this beer basket for a birthday gift, welcome home gift, thank you gift or even get well. A Corona beer gift that just needs the lime and a few friends to enjoy. A Tabasco tin filled with spicy chocolates, Key Lime white chocolate cookies, buttered popcorn, tortilla chips and salsa, honey roasted peanuts, crackers, Wisconsin cheddar cheese and beef jerky.. If you would like to give a unique, customized person this holiday season, why not think about sending a beer basket? I can’t imagine a better treat for cuddling up by the fire and indulging in good foods than cracking open a cool, Oktoberfest beer and absorbing the bliss and warmth of the season. Happy holidays! If you found this article interesting or know of someone else who could find it valuable, please don’t hesitate to pass it on via email, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks a lot!   http://twitter.com/basketsbyrita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskets-By-Rita/138008009558273

Seasonal Brews Gift Baskets

Along side cold weather comes rich comfort foods and balmy spices. Visualize your favorite holiday snacks: cookies, hot toddies, Bailey's and coffee, flavored lattes, and apple pie. Every one of these share the warm, heavy aroma that we often associate with the holiday season. As the seasons transform into autumn, bakeries and coffee shops bring out their seasonal menu items. On a crisp, cold morning, nothing curbs a craving like a mug of hot apple cider or a hot pumpkin muffin. When we typically think of sweets and hot beverages when we think of seasonal foods, another favorite that springs to mind is seasonal beers. While a coffee fan might look forward to the return of their favorite pumpkin spice latte, a beer lover may wait faithfully for the reintroduction of their favorite oktoberfest beer. In 2008, seasonal beers were the number one selling craft beer in the nation. There is definitely something to be said for the impression seasonal food and beverages may have on our holiday spirit. The concept of beer and food pairing is especially significant with holiday and seasonal beers, since they are often seasoned differently than their year round equivalents. To recognize the best way of pairing seasonal beers, it is important to know the assorted varieties that are offered. Oktoberfest beers are usually aged and as a result retain a stronger flavor. These pair best with hearty meat dishes such as steak and potatoes. Harvest ales are created with seasonal spices and ingredients. These bold tastes pair well with the bold, rich foods the holidays are known best for. I’m sure you can place a few bets on which foods pair well with a pumpkin beer. Pumpkin is actually a very neutral ingredient and offers itself to making for a good ale or lager. These beers pair well with lighter meats such as pork and chicken as well as seasonal vegetables such as corn and squash. It also pairs well with pumpkin pie. At Baskets By Rita we understand a few things about pairing good beers with fancy foods. Any of our seasonal beer baskets come with a variety of cheese, crackers, chocolates, and sausages paired to ignite your taste buds. Take for example our Beer Gift Basket. This is the perfect Beer gift for that special guy or gal who enjoys great beer. Our heavy willow basket is filled with a 6 pack of your favorite Colorado Micro brew, chip and salsa, assorted nuts, beef jerky, snack bites, trail mix, crackers, beer cheese and more. Send our Beer Gift Basket filled with everything needed to celebrate their special day.. If you would like to give a one of a kind, custom person this holiday season, why not think of sending a beer basket? I can’t think of a better treat for cuddling up by the fire place and savoring good foods than cracking open a cool, Oktoberfest beer and taking in the bliss and warmth of the season. Happy holidays! If you found this article informational or know of someone else who might find it useful, please don’t hesitate to pass it on via email, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks a bunch!  http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/beer-gift-basket.jpg http://twitter.com/basketsbyrita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskets-By-Rita/138008009558273

A Holiday To Celebrate Colorado Christmas

As a true Coloradoan, I have had my share of snowy Christmases. I often feel bad for people who have never experienced the beauty of snow falling outside a well lit window with glimmering lights reflecting off the white ground. Christmas decorations always seem more suitable when laid upon a snowy white setting. Though snow is not necessary to have a happy Christmas, good food is a necessity! A few of my favorite Christmas goodies are hot cocoa, toffee and caramels, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, peppermint candies, cheese and crackers, hot coffee, and baked goods. The best thing about all of these treats is that even if I don’t have the free time to prepare them myself, there are many of exceptional Colorado businesses which make all these Christmas treats not far from where I live. When I need a pick me up to put me in the Christmas spirit or a quick gift to take with me to a Christmas party, mail to my friends and family overseas, or need a jolly table topper for my Christmas table, I sign on to www.basketsbyrita.com and order their Colorado Christmas Basket. It comprises all my favorite Colorado Christmas goodies, bringing Christmas tidings to my friends and family without the hours of working in the kitchen to create all your favorite holiday snacks. Our Colorado Christmas holiday gift basket is an annual tradition for over 18 years. A wonderful combination of savory and sweet Colorado favorites are combined in this holiday green willow basket topped off with a festive red and white candy striped bow: This gift selection is also available in an eco-friendly gift bag. This Christmas, send a Colorado Christmas gift for a taste of Colorado to your out of state relatives or enjoy these treats for yourself!

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Merry Christmas With Food From Colorado

As a true Coloradoan, I have had my share of white Christmases. I sometimes pity people who have never witnessed the beauty of snow falling outside a warm window with twinkling lights glistening off the white terrain. Christmas embellishments always seem more fitting when placed before a snowy white backdrop. Even though snow is not required to have a happy Christmas, fine food is a must! A few of my favorite Christmas delicacies are hot chocolate, toffee and chocolates, Christmas cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, peppermint candies, cheese and sausage, hot coffee, and brownies. The best thing about all of these treats is that even if I don’t have the energy to prepare them myself, there are hundreds of outstanding Colorado companies which make all these Christmas favorites not far from where I live. When I need a pick me up to get me in the Christmas mood or a swift gift to take with me to a Christmas party, deliver to my friends and family overseas, or want a jolly table topper for my Christmas table, I visit www.basketsbyrita.com and order their Colorado Christmas Basket. It contains all my favorite Colorado Christmas goodies, bringing Christmas tidings to my friends and family without the hours of baking in the kitchen to create all your favorite Christmas treats. Our Colorado Christmas gift basket is a yearly tradition for over 18 years. A perfect blend of savory and sweet Colorado favorites are included in this holiday green willow basket topped off with a festive red and white candy striped bow: This gift selection is also available in an eco-friendly gift bag. So send your Colorado Christmas basket today to make a great impression. If you’ve found this blog useful or want to spread the word to all your friends, repost this on Facebook or Twitter. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Thanks for lending a hand! http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/holiday sampler gift basket.jpg www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Holiday-Sampler-Gift-Basket_p_112.htmlhttp://twitter.com/basketsbyrita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskets-By-Rita/138008009558273

It's A Colorado Christmas

As a true Coloradoan, I have had my share of snowy Christmases. I sometimes pity people who have never experienced the magnificence of snow flakes outside a warm window with glimmering lights glistening off the white terrain. Christmas embellishments always seem more appropriate when set before a snowy white backdrop. While snow is not essential to have a happy Christmas, fine food is a must! Several of my favorite Christmas treats are hot cocoa, toffee and caramels, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, caramel corn, candy canes, cheese and crackers, hot coffee, and brownies. The best thing about all of these treats is that even if I don’t have the time to prepare them myself, there are many of very good Colorado businesses which make all these Christmas treats not far from where I reside. When I need a pick me up to put me in the Christmas mood or a quick present to bring with me to a Christmas party, send to my friends and family out of state, or want a jolly table topper for my Christmas table, I go to www.basketsbyrita.com and order their Colorado Christmas Basket. It holds all my favorite Colorado Christmas treats, bringing Christmas tidings to my friends and family without the hours of cooking in the kitchen to make all your favorite Christmas treats. Our Colorado holiday gift basket is an annual tradition for over 18 years. A wonderful blend of savory and sweet Colorado favorites are combined in this holiday green willow basket topped with a festive red and white candy striped bow: This gift selection is also available in an eco-friendly gift bag. So send your Colorado Christmas basket today to make a great impression. If you’ve found this blog interesting or want to spread the word to all your friends, repost this on Facebook or Twitter. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Thanks for the helping hand! http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/brunch_champagne_basket.jpg www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Holiday-Brunch-Basket_p_113.htmlhttp://twitter.com/basketsbyrita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskets-By-Rita/138008009558273