Friday, April 18, 2014

Giving Artisan Chocolate Gifts: What, When, And To Who

By Essie Osborn


Picking out high quality, top notch gourmet sweets for your friends, family, and professional contacts is easier with this basic introductory guide. The etiquette of choosing and giving artisan chocolate gifts isn't complicated, but there are a few things to remember. Now, let's get on with it, and get on with satisfying that sweet tooth!

Chocolate is often associated with romance. It releases a flood of dopamine when nibbled on, making a loved one or romantic partner feel especially happy. If you're giving this kind of treat to the object of your affection, make sure the expense and the scale of the present is appropriate for how long the two of you have been involved.

For a new partner, while you are still in the early phases of courtship, a small gift makes the most sense. A few truffles filled with creamy ganache show that you are thinking of this person, but aren't putting too much pressure on what might happen between you. If you've been together a while, and are committed or even married, the bigger the box and the more luxurious the selection of chocolate truffles, the better!

Because artisan treats are made from the very best ingredients, and are frequently made by hand by talented craftspeople, they are a good choice for an impressive professional gift. Consider sending a selection of artisan confections to the office of a client after closing a business deal together, or collaborating on a project. It's an upscale move that makes a great impression.

For a close friend, it's not so much the size of the gift that matters as the care that goes into the selection. Show your friend how well you know them with a sweet treat that's a good match for their particular taste. If they like a citrus, find them a truffle which incorporates a bit of orange zest. If they are wine or whiskey fans, get a selection of chocolates that pairs well with their drink of choice.

You might want to give a box of truffles to a friend on his or her birthday, but that's not the only right time. Any life milestone, like moving to a new abode, or finishing a marathon or walkathon, is a good time to celebrate with a sweet treat. For romantic partners, anniversaries and Valentine's Day are traditional chocolate buying days for good reason, and the better the chocolate, the luckier your mate.

Holidays make fun times to give professional gifts, but there's no need to wait for one. You don't need an excuse to show co-workers and clients that you have built a great working relationship. One of the most important aspects of a professional present is to remind the recipient that you're around, and excited to work with them.

Be sure that you treat yourself, too. Try samples from different chocolate makers to find a favorite. Once you do, you can give that style or brand of confection to lots of different people, since it is an age-neutral and non-gendered gift. So, have fun shopping and doing some taste tests!




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