Champagne as a gift - chilled or unchilled?

[Tink33]

Friends have invited us to their new beach house over Labor Day weekend. I wanted to bring something different, so I bought a bottle of champagne. Since I have never given champagne as a gift, I don't know how to present it.

1. Take the champagne out of the box, chill it, then rebox.

2. Chill the champagne while it is still in the box.

3. No chilling, just give it as is.

Any ideas? I checked on a few etiquette sites and couldn't find the answer.

ps This is a vacation home, so they will have to take the bottle home if they don't drink it there.

 

[Hercules10]

Unchilled is fine. Just keep it on it's side to keep the cork moist.

P.S. if it's Drappier just send it to me!

 

[irishbosoxfan]

Agree with Herc--In the box,unchilled---That way in case they don't want to drink it right then and there they can have it for a later date

 

[pearlieq]

Unchilled. The last thing you need is condensation making the box all soggy and icky.

If they want to drink it soon after you present it to them, have them put into an ice bucket with ice, water, and a few tablespoons of salt. In less than 20 minutes it will be icy cold to drink.

 

[Lil_Tink]

Unchilled. As others said, so if they dont want it right away, they can save it for later.

 

[froglady]

Unchilled. If you bring it chilled, it sends the message that you expect them to uncork it right away, and share it with you. If they choose to do so, it's wonderful, but it shouldn't look as if you expect it.