A gourmet chocolate hamper is a dream come true for any chocolate lover. Many chocolatiers can create lovely gourmet hampers but it may be even more fun to create your own. Here’s how.
1. Start with a theme. Depending on the recipient and the occasion, try to determine a theme for your gourmet chocolate hamper. For example, a 50th anniversary celebration should have chocolates wrapped in gold. A wedding proposal should include lots of chocolate kisses. Consider the recipient’s job and interests. You should be able to find a theme to start with.
2. Find a lovely basket. If your budget allows, see if you can find a hamper or basket made out of chocolate. They are available, but they may be a bit pricey. If you cannot manage one, find a hamper, basket or box that suits the recipient’s interests. For example, sports fan would love a gourmet chocolate hamper tucked inside an athletic tote. A gardener would love one packed into a wheelbarrow or sunbonnet.
3. Include chocolates that fit the theme. There are gourmet chocolates shaped like golf balls, computer mice, even dollar bills. Many people find a main item and surround it with smaller, less expensive treats.
4. Be sure to include non-chocolate items: There are many T-shirts and plaques with cute chocolate-related sayings. Why not include a DVD of a chocolate-themed movie, like Willy Wonka or Chocolat? If it’s an anniversary gift, include a framed photograph of the couple.
5. Organize the gourmet chocolate hamper for the best possible presentation: Line the hamper appropriately: Perhaps you can use chocolate brown scarf or microfiber throw to carry through the chocolate theme. Put your main item in the center and surround it with the smaller items. If you can, wrap it with colored cellophane and a top it with an ornate bow. If you’re all thumbs, get a friend to help you.
6. Plan the presentation. If the hamper is to be given at a party, make sure it is prominently displayed for plenty of wow! factor. If it’s a surprise gift, make it the end of a scavenger hunt; use those items that did not fit the basket as smaller treats along the way. (Just make sure the weather is right and you don’t make it too complicated: You don’t want your gourmet chocolate to melt before it is received.
7. If your gourmet hamper includes a particularly important gift, like an engagement ring or cruise ship tickets, make sure the recipient notices them promptly. There are far too many stories of expensive diamonds being inadvertently discarded because they were hidden too well inside a chocolate heart or stuffed animal.
8. Also, use caution when considering adult chocolate gifts. While many people enjoy chocolate liquors, others simply do not. This is especially true for chocolate body paint or lingerie — only give it if you are certain the relationship has proceeded to that level. (This is especially true of the hamper will be given with the in-laws (or future in-laws) are present.
Gourmet chocolate hampers are fun to create and to give because they are personal. Put a little thought behind it and watch the eyes light up. We guarantee the rewards will be worth the effort.
