The pre-maid cheese gift baskets included processed cheese spreads. We were concerned about how long some of the baskets had been sitting around. We thought that if we made our own baskets the cheese would be of higher quality and we could choose varieties that we knew our friends liked.

We went to an import store and found wicker baskets to place the cheese in. The store had inexpensive cheese cutters so we purchased one to place in each of the cheese gift baskets. We then went to a local deli. This deli wraps the meat and cheeses in paper. We did not want this for the gift basket. We decided to go to the supermarket and purchase large rounds of four cheeses.

We were making four cheese gift baskets so we would quarter each round and wrap the wedges in clear plastic wrap. We also purchased boxes of specialty crackers to place in the baskets. We went to a paper supply store and bought shredded paper to use in the bottom of the baskets as filler. We also bought curling ribbon to decorate the handles of the baskets.

We brought our purchases home and cut and wrapped the cheeses. I placed the filler in the bottom of each basket then arranged the cheeses, cutters and crackers in each. I used several strands of the curling ribbon and tied the strands to the handles. The cheese gift baskets looked very nice and we knew that the cheese was high quality and fresh.

Each of our neighbors was very pleased with the gift basket. They all like entertaining during the holidays and so the cheese would be served at their gatherings. My husband and I decided that we are going to make similar baskets for our brothers and sisters. This is a gift that can be assembled quickly just prior to giving it so that freshness and storage do not become an issue.

We simply purchase the baskets in advance and then the day we are giving the baskets we purchase and cut the cheeses. We decided we could also include a bottle on wine and other goodies for those people that we want a larger present for.

A welcome and wonderful gift for any family or office. This cordial assortment of bruschetta pomodoro spread, smoked salmon, Merlot cheddar cheese spread, Godiva milk chocolate macadamia nut biscotti and creme brulee, mozzarella crackers, sesame crackers, raspberry shortbread cookies, roasted garlic crackers, roasted chocolate covered almonds, Ghirardelli milk chocolate in a decorative tin, cheese knife, matching Wine Country ceramic plate and more fill this embossed burgundy tin.

The variety in this Gourmet gift basket guarantees there will be something for everyone.

“My mother loved this, it was beautiful and contained lots of great treats. I thought it was a great value.”

“The families that received each were so glad and impressed by it. Fast delivery and professional customer service.”

“I heard several complaints on other gift baskets for this company about how they didn't ship when stated, were slow and sometimes never arrived at all. I went through the actual site, got the same price and it arrived the afternoon after it shipped (6 days early!). The recipients were pleased and I didn't have to deal with the potential foul up of a third party involved.”