Share This
Attending any Halloween parties this year? Here’s a fun, festive hostess gift idea: DIY a small wood coffin, then “bury” a bottle of K-J AVANT inside! Tie it up with black ribbon and a gift tag that hints at the coffin’s contents. Happy Hallo-wine!
You will need:
- Bottle of red wine
- Thin wood boards
- Wood glue
- Miter saw (not pictured)
- Two small hinges
- One small latch
- Crinkle paper, black ribbon, and gift tags (optional)
How to Build the Wine Coffin
Step 1
Use your wine bottle as a guide to determine the dimensions of your coffin (you’ll want the bottle to fit snugly inside). Draw matching outlines for the bottom of the coffin and the lid, then cut the wood along those lines. Measure the length of each side. Cut the board at those lengths, using the miter saw to create angled edges. You should now be able to stand your side boards up on edge and have them fit together to form the shape of the coffin.
Step 2
Glue the side boards onto the bottom of the coffin and let dry. You can also use small nails to secure them together.
Step 3
Place the lid on top of the side boards. Screw in the hinges along the long edge of the back, then screw the latch onto the front side.
Step 4
Now you’re ready to place the wine bottle inside! You can nestle it in with some crinkle paper to protect it.
Step 5
Write Halloween-related messages on blank gift tags, then string your favorite onto some black ribbon and tie it around the coffin. I had a lot of fun coming up with these–the “bottle of BOOOs” was a close runner-up.
Now your wine coffin is ready to be gifted! This is such a fun way to take a classic hostess gift (a bottle of wine) and turn it into something even more special. I love how it turned out–hope you do too. Make wine gifting a breeze. Kendall-Jackson offers a wide selection of wine gifts for every occasion.
Choosing the Right Halloween Wine for Your Coffin
When selecting the wine to pair with your DIY wine coffin, go for something that’ll wow the recipient. While you can't go wrong with a classic red, I suggest thinking about the overall vibe you want to give. For a rich, elegant gift, go with something like Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bold flavors of dark fruit and a touch of oak are perfect for impressing a wine connoisseur.
If you’re aiming for something a bit more casual and fun, perhaps a fruity, smooth Pinot Noir or even a crisp Chardonnay will hit the spot. Wine gifting isn’t just about the wine itself; it’s about making sure the recipient feels like they’re getting something special. So choose a wine that speaks to their tastes, and make the whole experience memorable.
Alternative Coffin Designs for Different Bottle Sizes
One of the best parts about this DIY wine coffin project is that it can easily be adapted to fit different bottle sizes—or even other spirits like champagne or whiskey. If you’re gifting a larger bottle (think magnum-sized or a fancy bottle of bubbly), you can easily scale up the design. Just increase the side board lengths and make sure the lid is proportionate to fit snugly over the bottle. You may also want to consider using thicker wood for the sides to support the extra weight of the larger bottle.
For a fun twist, try making a “mini” coffin for a small bottle of wine. These adorable, compact versions make for quirky, unique gifts or even Halloween party favors.
Tips for Personalizing Your Wine Coffin
The beauty of this wine coffin is how customizable it can be. Start by deciding on your style: a sleek, matte black coffin for a gothic look or a rustic, natural wood finish for something more understated. You can even add a pop of color with purple, orange, or metallic accents — perfect for Halloween.
Once you’ve chosen the base, have fun with decorations! Think tiny spider webs, glittery bats, or creepy crawlies glued onto the sides for a festive touch. And don’t forget about the wine bottle! Wrapping it in spooky fabric like black lace or tulle adds an extra layer of surprise. The goal is to make it personal and playful, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
