If you are absolutely clueless when it comes to wine appreciation and wine tasting, the prospect of dining with wine fanatics can be quite daunting. The one thing you should know is that wine lovers in general, take their hobby quite seriously and the last thing you want to do is to embarrass yourself by making inappropriate comments. Wine tasting is not at all as complicated as some people make it out to be. It’s a bit like appreciating a fine painting – you simply need to know what to look out for.
Making wine is without a doubt an art form and many of the fine wines from all over the world is the result of generations of knowledge that’s been handed down and refined by master wine makers. Although paying $1,000 for a bottle of wine might sound ridiculous to some, to others it might be a bargain. To the untrained eye, there is no real difference between a genuine Picasso and a print you buy in Kmart.
Appreciating fine wine is very much the same in that you have to simply learn to appreciate the beauty and this start by learning what to look for. Wine is obviously about taste, but to the more discerning wine lover it also involves smell, texture aroma and all the other senses.
Learning to appreciate fine wine is not something that happens overnight. There is quite a bit to learn and just familiarizing yourself with the ‘lingo’ is quite a task in itself. So, whether you are heading over to your future father-in-law’s for a dinner or whether you are about to entertain some important clients, here are some handy pointers to avoid making a complete fool of yourself.
* Don’t pretend to know something you don’t. Most knowledgeable people are keen to ‘show off’ and nowhere is this more true than with wine enthusiasts. Acknowledge that you are learning about wine and show a keen interest instead of trying to ‘fake it’.
* When dining out, don’t choose the wine unless your guests insist on it. If you are uncertain about which wines to pick, be polite and hand the choice to your most important guest. That way you will be a polite host and even if the wine sucks, no one can point any fingers at the host.
* When dining with a wine fanatic, it’s best to follow their lead. Since there is quite a bit of etiquette involved, it’s best to let the expert lead the way. When asked for your opinion of the wine, just be honest and be very wary of making negative comments.
* Rest assured that wine tasting is a lot about personal opinion and taste and most of the time a sincere and accurate comment of your sensory experience of a particular wine will be more than satisfactory to provoke a discussion.
By: The Self Improvement Gym
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Fine Wines For The Not So Fine - Blending In With The Wine Crowd
If you are absolutely clueless when it comes to wine appreciation and wine tasting, the prospect of dining with wine fanatics can be quite daunting. The one thing you should know is that wine lovers in general, take their hobby quite seriously and the last thing you want to do is to embarrass yourself by making inappropriate comments. Wine tasting is not at all as complicated as some people make it out to be. It's a bit like appreciating a fine painting - you simply need to know what to look out for.
Making wine is without a doubt an art form and many of the fine wines from all over the world is the result of generations of knowledge that's been handed down and refined by master wine makers. Although paying $1,000 for a bottle of wine might sound ridiculous to some, to others it might be a bargain. To the untrained eye, there is no real difference between a genuine Picasso and a print you buy in Kmart.
Appreciating fine wine is very much the same in that you have to simply learn to appreciate the beauty and this start by learning what to look for. Wine is obviously about taste, but to the more discerning wine lover it also involves smell, texture aroma and all the other senses.
Learning to appreciate fine wine is not something that happens overnight. There is quite a bit to learn and just familiarizing yourself with the 'lingo' is quite a task in itself. So, whether you are heading over to your future father-in-law's for a dinner or whether you are about to entertain some important clients, here are some handy pointers to avoid making a complete fool of yourself.
* Don't pretend to know something you don't. Most knowledgeable people are keen to 'show off' and nowhere is this more true than with wine enthusiasts. Acknowledge that you are learning about wine and show a keen interest instead of trying to 'fake it'.
* When dining out, don't choose the wine unless your guests insist on it. If you are uncertain about which wines to pick, be polite and hand the choice to your most important guest. That way you will be a polite host and even if the wine sucks, no one can point any fingers at the host.
* When dining with a wine fanatic, it's best to follow their lead. Since there is quite a bit of etiquette involved, it's best to let the expert lead the way. When asked for your opinion of the wine, just be honest and be very wary of making negative comments.
* Rest assured that wine tasting is a lot about personal opinion and taste and most of the time a sincere and accurate comment of your sensory experience of a particular wine will be more than satisfactory to provoke a discussion.
by Deon Du Plessis
Making wine is without a doubt an art form and many of the fine wines from all over the world is the result of generations of knowledge that's been handed down and refined by master wine makers. Although paying $1,000 for a bottle of wine might sound ridiculous to some, to others it might be a bargain. To the untrained eye, there is no real difference between a genuine Picasso and a print you buy in Kmart.
Appreciating fine wine is very much the same in that you have to simply learn to appreciate the beauty and this start by learning what to look for. Wine is obviously about taste, but to the more discerning wine lover it also involves smell, texture aroma and all the other senses.
Learning to appreciate fine wine is not something that happens overnight. There is quite a bit to learn and just familiarizing yourself with the 'lingo' is quite a task in itself. So, whether you are heading over to your future father-in-law's for a dinner or whether you are about to entertain some important clients, here are some handy pointers to avoid making a complete fool of yourself.
* Don't pretend to know something you don't. Most knowledgeable people are keen to 'show off' and nowhere is this more true than with wine enthusiasts. Acknowledge that you are learning about wine and show a keen interest instead of trying to 'fake it'.
* When dining out, don't choose the wine unless your guests insist on it. If you are uncertain about which wines to pick, be polite and hand the choice to your most important guest. That way you will be a polite host and even if the wine sucks, no one can point any fingers at the host.
* When dining with a wine fanatic, it's best to follow their lead. Since there is quite a bit of etiquette involved, it's best to let the expert lead the way. When asked for your opinion of the wine, just be honest and be very wary of making negative comments.
* Rest assured that wine tasting is a lot about personal opinion and taste and most of the time a sincere and accurate comment of your sensory experience of a particular wine will be more than satisfactory to provoke a discussion.
by Deon Du Plessis
Friday, March 23, 2007
Benefits Of Wine
Wine in small amounts for any of us, will not usually hurt us. From time to time we enjoy a glass of wine with our meal, when we go to dinner. Wine can be the perfect accompaniment to any fish or steak dinner.
A benefit from wine for most of us, after one glass we are calmed. Seems that stress doesn’t matter much and life feels a bit easier. By drinking wine in moderation we can benefit from the calming effects it has on us.
When choosing a wine, the best decision is the blush wine. This wine is sweet and fruity. It is a very good accompany to any meal choice. It also does not leave a bitter taste in your mouth. The red dark colored wines will leave a bitter taste and those on the usual are not mild and sweet as the blush wines are.
By drinking a glass of wine at night either with dinner or just after can have a calming effect for the day’s stress that you may have brought home. Sometimes it can also have an effect on us like it helps us get ready for bed. If you drink a glass before bed time then take your time and just kick back and relax. In no time you will be ready for bed and when you do go to bed you should have no problem dozing off rapidly.
So the next time stress seems at an all time high and you are having dinner with a friend, have a glass of wine to calm your thoughts.
By: Michele Rogers
A benefit from wine for most of us, after one glass we are calmed. Seems that stress doesn’t matter much and life feels a bit easier. By drinking wine in moderation we can benefit from the calming effects it has on us.
When choosing a wine, the best decision is the blush wine. This wine is sweet and fruity. It is a very good accompany to any meal choice. It also does not leave a bitter taste in your mouth. The red dark colored wines will leave a bitter taste and those on the usual are not mild and sweet as the blush wines are.
By drinking a glass of wine at night either with dinner or just after can have a calming effect for the day’s stress that you may have brought home. Sometimes it can also have an effect on us like it helps us get ready for bed. If you drink a glass before bed time then take your time and just kick back and relax. In no time you will be ready for bed and when you do go to bed you should have no problem dozing off rapidly.
So the next time stress seems at an all time high and you are having dinner with a friend, have a glass of wine to calm your thoughts.
By: Michele Rogers
Friday, March 9, 2007
Absinthe And It's Tools Throughout History
The extensive works and studies involving the mysterious drink absinthe does little to contain the rumors and bad press that surrounds the green fairy and the essence of thujone that it contained.
In 1860 Henri Balesta was a rising star in the world of journalism and playwrites. Balesta's book Absinthe et Absintheurs, was published that same year. He was a student of social culture and traced the lives of heavy absinthe users. The book started by focusing on the effects of absinthe abuse in addicts and the community. Later on his writings would be a small factor in the ban of Absinthe.
In 1905 a series of horrible murders ,where a man Jean Lanfray a farm laborer began drinking at dawn having several liters of wine, shots of brandy and 2 glasses of absinthe. Upon returning home he got into an argument with his wife and shot her in the head, he also killed both of his daughters, and then turned the gun on himself and pulled the trigger. News of the murders spread quickly and was the straw that broke the camels back and resulted in absinthe being made illegal. By 1915 the emerald drink was banned in most Western countries and the United States.
Tools of Absinthe
The basic tools that are required to prepare a proper glass of absinthe are a glass, a special slotted spoon, a sugar cube, chilled water and of course absinthe. Of course none of the tools are required to drink absinthe, but it was the ritual of preparation that helped to instigate the type of visual hypnosis and richness to the preparation ceremony.
The special absinthe spoons and glasses of the 1800's are works of art in themselves. The complexity of the detail of a Coquille St. Jacques spoon or the mysterious gaze of a Jean Beraud painting do not represent a binge into a bottle of alcohol. A surge of artistic works that were produced during the Belle Epoque era was often blamed on the inspiration obtained by drinking absinthe.
Absinthe Spoons
Absinthe spoons contained slots or holes in them, by which the water dripped through the sugar cube into the glass of absinthe. Many of the ornate designs consisted of spoons of many different shapes. Many common shapes that were used included pipes, arrows, stars, clovers, clubs, crosses, circles, diamonds and flowers. Absinthe spoons range anywhere from $20 to $3000 dollars, ending on the style and condition and rarity of the antique. The most sought after absinthe spoon is the Toulouse-Lautrec, Le Eiffel, which is modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Absinthe spoons were often silver plated, and the better made spoons were molded instead of stamped.
Glassware
The popularity of absinthe lasted for half a century and the banning happened the same year as the start of the art deco era of the 1920's and 30's. The absinthe glass styles evolved during the height of the absinthe craze, and consisted of two categories, the first being absinthe glasses that were used for absinthe and other drinks and the second category of the ones that were used extensively for absinthe. The swirl, Egg, Chopes Yvonne, Mazagran, Lyonnaise and East styles fell into the first group. The glasses that were used exclusively for absinthe were about six to seven inches tall. The glasses were voluminous and very sturdy to withstand the frequent abuse experienced in the rowdy bistros.
Cordon, Reservoir and Pontarlier style glasses fell into the second category and were used only for absinthe. These glasses are the rarest of the bunch and of course the most expensive, and were 5-7 inches tall. The cordon glasses were the rare for having a glass ring around their base that marked the absinthe dose. But the rarest of them all were the Pontarlier glasses which had a reservoir totally separate from the rest of the glass.
Fountains
The special Absinthe fountains were very elegant and a focal point of the absinthe service set. Fountains were ornate made of metal and glass with 2-6 small spigots. The upper glass portion was filled with ice and water, while the preparers placed their glass with the sugar cube under the spigot and slowly dripped water into their glasses. Absinthe fountains can still be found and usually run between $1,500 to $8,000 dollars. The Absinthe Terminus Bienfaisante fountain that has a rooster sitting on top of the lid is the most famous.
For a item to be so controversial and steeped in mystery Absinthe sure has a strong famous presence in World History, and now that the popularity of the drink is growing, much more is left to be said for this subject.
By: Charles Hamel
In 1860 Henri Balesta was a rising star in the world of journalism and playwrites. Balesta's book Absinthe et Absintheurs, was published that same year. He was a student of social culture and traced the lives of heavy absinthe users. The book started by focusing on the effects of absinthe abuse in addicts and the community. Later on his writings would be a small factor in the ban of Absinthe.
In 1905 a series of horrible murders ,where a man Jean Lanfray a farm laborer began drinking at dawn having several liters of wine, shots of brandy and 2 glasses of absinthe. Upon returning home he got into an argument with his wife and shot her in the head, he also killed both of his daughters, and then turned the gun on himself and pulled the trigger. News of the murders spread quickly and was the straw that broke the camels back and resulted in absinthe being made illegal. By 1915 the emerald drink was banned in most Western countries and the United States.
Tools of Absinthe
The basic tools that are required to prepare a proper glass of absinthe are a glass, a special slotted spoon, a sugar cube, chilled water and of course absinthe. Of course none of the tools are required to drink absinthe, but it was the ritual of preparation that helped to instigate the type of visual hypnosis and richness to the preparation ceremony.
The special absinthe spoons and glasses of the 1800's are works of art in themselves. The complexity of the detail of a Coquille St. Jacques spoon or the mysterious gaze of a Jean Beraud painting do not represent a binge into a bottle of alcohol. A surge of artistic works that were produced during the Belle Epoque era was often blamed on the inspiration obtained by drinking absinthe.
Absinthe Spoons
Absinthe spoons contained slots or holes in them, by which the water dripped through the sugar cube into the glass of absinthe. Many of the ornate designs consisted of spoons of many different shapes. Many common shapes that were used included pipes, arrows, stars, clovers, clubs, crosses, circles, diamonds and flowers. Absinthe spoons range anywhere from $20 to $3000 dollars, ending on the style and condition and rarity of the antique. The most sought after absinthe spoon is the Toulouse-Lautrec, Le Eiffel, which is modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Absinthe spoons were often silver plated, and the better made spoons were molded instead of stamped.
Glassware
The popularity of absinthe lasted for half a century and the banning happened the same year as the start of the art deco era of the 1920's and 30's. The absinthe glass styles evolved during the height of the absinthe craze, and consisted of two categories, the first being absinthe glasses that were used for absinthe and other drinks and the second category of the ones that were used extensively for absinthe. The swirl, Egg, Chopes Yvonne, Mazagran, Lyonnaise and East styles fell into the first group. The glasses that were used exclusively for absinthe were about six to seven inches tall. The glasses were voluminous and very sturdy to withstand the frequent abuse experienced in the rowdy bistros.
Cordon, Reservoir and Pontarlier style glasses fell into the second category and were used only for absinthe. These glasses are the rarest of the bunch and of course the most expensive, and were 5-7 inches tall. The cordon glasses were the rare for having a glass ring around their base that marked the absinthe dose. But the rarest of them all were the Pontarlier glasses which had a reservoir totally separate from the rest of the glass.
Fountains
The special Absinthe fountains were very elegant and a focal point of the absinthe service set. Fountains were ornate made of metal and glass with 2-6 small spigots. The upper glass portion was filled with ice and water, while the preparers placed their glass with the sugar cube under the spigot and slowly dripped water into their glasses. Absinthe fountains can still be found and usually run between $1,500 to $8,000 dollars. The Absinthe Terminus Bienfaisante fountain that has a rooster sitting on top of the lid is the most famous.
For a item to be so controversial and steeped in mystery Absinthe sure has a strong famous presence in World History, and now that the popularity of the drink is growing, much more is left to be said for this subject.
By: Charles Hamel
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Custom Wine Gift Basket Makes The Perfect Impression
With wine gaining in popularity over more traditional beverages, a custom wine gift basket makes the perfect gift for almost any occasion. Most people are becoming aware of not only the health benefits of various wines, but the enhancement qualities of wine when complimenting almost any meal.
A reason to give a custom wine gift basket to a special friend, family, or business acquaintance, is that wine is an excellent addition to food in general. In the tradition of European dining, a plate of cheese, bread and crackers complimented by a fine bottle of wine, can make a meal in itself. An elegant dinner would be flawed without a good bottle of wine, red or white, to compliment the entrée.
A Wine Gift Basket Can Make Any Occasion Special
If you need a gift for a special occasion, like an anniversary, birthday, or holiday, a wine gift basket with select food items is always a 'hit'. A gift basket for your wine lover friends can turn a standard dinner affair into something very special. For an anniversary, why not include a nice bottle of champagne and a set of champagne glasses to the basket for the celebration.
A Custom Wine Gift Basket for that Personal Touch
There are many fine merchants that provide ready-made food and wine gift baskets, but if you really want to give a gift that is remembered and cherished, why not personalize your gift basket?
Custom wine gift basket merchants offer a service that lets you pick and choose what items you want included in your gift basket. This allows you to select only those items that you know the recipient of the wine gift basket will enjoy, and therefore, make it more personal. For example, if the wine basket is going to an avid golfer, items such as golf balls, tees, divot tool, or golf towel could be added.
Another nice personal touch is to select a wine gift box set that has the name of the individual imprinted on the box. Some merchants offer boxed sets that allow you to select the person's favorite wines to add an even more personal touch.
The ultimate in personalization is to give a custom wine gift basket with the individual's name, or special occasion, printed right on the label. Even the recipient's picture, or a company logo, can be added to fit the occasion. You might think that this wine gift idea would be very expensive, but it can be done quite reasonably and in relatively small bottle quantities.
Give a Wine Gift That Will Be Remembered
The key to making your custom wine gift basket special is to know the likes and dislikes of the person receiving the basket. Does the person have any favorite hobbies or pastimes? If you are not sure, why not ask a mutual friend or family member. This little extra effort can make all the difference in how the gift is remembered. Why not let the person know that you care by giving them a custom wine gift basket with their favorite items?
by Bill Wilson
A reason to give a custom wine gift basket to a special friend, family, or business acquaintance, is that wine is an excellent addition to food in general. In the tradition of European dining, a plate of cheese, bread and crackers complimented by a fine bottle of wine, can make a meal in itself. An elegant dinner would be flawed without a good bottle of wine, red or white, to compliment the entrée.
A Wine Gift Basket Can Make Any Occasion Special
If you need a gift for a special occasion, like an anniversary, birthday, or holiday, a wine gift basket with select food items is always a 'hit'. A gift basket for your wine lover friends can turn a standard dinner affair into something very special. For an anniversary, why not include a nice bottle of champagne and a set of champagne glasses to the basket for the celebration.
A Custom Wine Gift Basket for that Personal Touch
There are many fine merchants that provide ready-made food and wine gift baskets, but if you really want to give a gift that is remembered and cherished, why not personalize your gift basket?
Custom wine gift basket merchants offer a service that lets you pick and choose what items you want included in your gift basket. This allows you to select only those items that you know the recipient of the wine gift basket will enjoy, and therefore, make it more personal. For example, if the wine basket is going to an avid golfer, items such as golf balls, tees, divot tool, or golf towel could be added.
Another nice personal touch is to select a wine gift box set that has the name of the individual imprinted on the box. Some merchants offer boxed sets that allow you to select the person's favorite wines to add an even more personal touch.
The ultimate in personalization is to give a custom wine gift basket with the individual's name, or special occasion, printed right on the label. Even the recipient's picture, or a company logo, can be added to fit the occasion. You might think that this wine gift idea would be very expensive, but it can be done quite reasonably and in relatively small bottle quantities.
Give a Wine Gift That Will Be Remembered
The key to making your custom wine gift basket special is to know the likes and dislikes of the person receiving the basket. Does the person have any favorite hobbies or pastimes? If you are not sure, why not ask a mutual friend or family member. This little extra effort can make all the difference in how the gift is remembered. Why not let the person know that you care by giving them a custom wine gift basket with their favorite items?
by Bill Wilson
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Displaying Wine With A Hanging Wine Rack
For wine enthusiasts, part of the fun of enjoying wine is displaying the bottles. Visit the home of any wine connoisseur and you'll likely find a variety of wine bottles showcased in some way or another. One such popular way to display different wines is with the use of a hanging wine rack.
A hanging wine rack, while being utilitarian in its uses, frequently boasts the added benefit of being visually appealing. Those with an eye for decorating will find a hanging wine rack to be both a useful piece and a lovely home accessory.
The popularity of the hanging wine rack stems largely from its universal appeal; it is made from a variety of materials - everything from wood to wrought iron. While some will have space only for wine bottles, others offer you the option of also hanging your stemware alongside your wine. Clearly, the hanging wine rack also offers consumers a great space advantage as it stays well out of the way and allows you to create a lovely and functional display without taking over the room. For those who live in smaller spaces, this can be enormously appealing. Further, the installation of a hanging wine rack can be achieved quickly and easily with simple directions and a couple of common household tools.
Finding a hanging wine rack that appeals to you can be as simple as an online search. There are a great many websites that offer household accessories of this nature at a very affordable price. If shipping prices are of concern to you, then you can just as easily check out a couple of local retail stores. Depending on your needs, you will more than likely find the perfect hanging wine rack right down the street and at a price that will be well worth the functionality and visual appeal of this piece.
No matter which hanging wine rack you choose, you will surely enjoy many compliments to come as friends and visitors admire your creativity and style.
by Michelle Bery
A hanging wine rack, while being utilitarian in its uses, frequently boasts the added benefit of being visually appealing. Those with an eye for decorating will find a hanging wine rack to be both a useful piece and a lovely home accessory.
The popularity of the hanging wine rack stems largely from its universal appeal; it is made from a variety of materials - everything from wood to wrought iron. While some will have space only for wine bottles, others offer you the option of also hanging your stemware alongside your wine. Clearly, the hanging wine rack also offers consumers a great space advantage as it stays well out of the way and allows you to create a lovely and functional display without taking over the room. For those who live in smaller spaces, this can be enormously appealing. Further, the installation of a hanging wine rack can be achieved quickly and easily with simple directions and a couple of common household tools.
Finding a hanging wine rack that appeals to you can be as simple as an online search. There are a great many websites that offer household accessories of this nature at a very affordable price. If shipping prices are of concern to you, then you can just as easily check out a couple of local retail stores. Depending on your needs, you will more than likely find the perfect hanging wine rack right down the street and at a price that will be well worth the functionality and visual appeal of this piece.
No matter which hanging wine rack you choose, you will surely enjoy many compliments to come as friends and visitors admire your creativity and style.
by Michelle Bery
Saturday, February 3, 2007
The Cocktail Party
A cocktail party can be more daunting than a dinner party if you don't remember the rules. However, it is a great way to kick back and relax with your friends. There is no need to have a theme or a special occasion.
The Key Factors:
* Expect 60% of the number of people you invited.
* Do not serve from the kitchen. Set up a bar.
* Have someone (not you) tend bar. Ask a friend or hire a local bartender ($15-20/hr).
* Multiply the number of guests times three for the number of glasses you need.
* Use small plates and finger foods. This is not a dinner party.
* A cocktail party should be two hours in length sometime between 6PM and 10PM.
* The area in your home that you select should be cozy, but not overcrowded.
* Keep furniture to a minimum. You want guests to stand and socialize, not sit in the corner.
* In order to cut down on the number of bottles of alcohol you need, select a signature drink(s).
* Don't forget to have non-alcoholic beverages (again choose a small selection) for the designated drivers.
In honor of Spring and taking are cue from the spring fashion colors (turquoise, coral, green, raspberry), here are a few signature drink suggestions:
The Go Girls at ON THE GO 4 U are champagne drinkers so here are a few ways we suggest to change the champagne:
1. Add 2 dashes of Chambord or pomegranate juice to champagne.
2. Add 4 dashes of Blue Curacao to champagne.
3. Shake ice, a measure of Creme de Menthe and Irish Whiskey, strain into a champagne glass and top with champagne.
Not a champagne drinker? Try Smirnoff Ice with a touch of your favorite colored liquor and serve over ice.
Remember, we are thinking spring so why not try these combinations:
Bellinis are always fun. Mix it up a bit and use the same concept for a martini. Use 2 measures of your favorite vodka to 1/2 measure of Peach Schnapps and a touch of peach juice. Use the same preparation method as with any martini.
Margarita with a twist. Use equal parts tequila and pink grapefruit juice and 1/2 measure of Countreau.
Want something a little blue? Use equal parts of vodka, tequila and blue curacao. Stir with ice and fill the glass with lemonade.
And of course don't forget, the classic mojito!
If you are going to experiment, make sure you test your recipe before the party. Whatever the signature drink, remember to drink responsibly and be a responsible host.
Must have books for party planning:
Every household that is going to have cocktail parties should have a decent bar manual or classic cocktail book.
The Last-Minute Party Girl by Erika Lenkert. This must have book contains party etiquette as well as quick recipes that are great for any cocktail party.
The Cooking Club Party Cookbook which is full of great party ideas and recipes.
How often should you have a cocktail party? Well, if your social schedule is busy and assuming that your friends are hosting events as well, we suggest having some kind of get together for each season as a relaxing time to catch up with the gang.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating.
The Key Factors:
* Expect 60% of the number of people you invited.
* Do not serve from the kitchen. Set up a bar.
* Have someone (not you) tend bar. Ask a friend or hire a local bartender ($15-20/hr).
* Multiply the number of guests times three for the number of glasses you need.
* Use small plates and finger foods. This is not a dinner party.
* A cocktail party should be two hours in length sometime between 6PM and 10PM.
* The area in your home that you select should be cozy, but not overcrowded.
* Keep furniture to a minimum. You want guests to stand and socialize, not sit in the corner.
* In order to cut down on the number of bottles of alcohol you need, select a signature drink(s).
* Don't forget to have non-alcoholic beverages (again choose a small selection) for the designated drivers.
In honor of Spring and taking are cue from the spring fashion colors (turquoise, coral, green, raspberry), here are a few signature drink suggestions:
The Go Girls at ON THE GO 4 U are champagne drinkers so here are a few ways we suggest to change the champagne:
1. Add 2 dashes of Chambord or pomegranate juice to champagne.
2. Add 4 dashes of Blue Curacao to champagne.
3. Shake ice, a measure of Creme de Menthe and Irish Whiskey, strain into a champagne glass and top with champagne.
Not a champagne drinker? Try Smirnoff Ice with a touch of your favorite colored liquor and serve over ice.
Remember, we are thinking spring so why not try these combinations:
Bellinis are always fun. Mix it up a bit and use the same concept for a martini. Use 2 measures of your favorite vodka to 1/2 measure of Peach Schnapps and a touch of peach juice. Use the same preparation method as with any martini.
Margarita with a twist. Use equal parts tequila and pink grapefruit juice and 1/2 measure of Countreau.
Want something a little blue? Use equal parts of vodka, tequila and blue curacao. Stir with ice and fill the glass with lemonade.
And of course don't forget, the classic mojito!
If you are going to experiment, make sure you test your recipe before the party. Whatever the signature drink, remember to drink responsibly and be a responsible host.
Must have books for party planning:
Every household that is going to have cocktail parties should have a decent bar manual or classic cocktail book.
The Last-Minute Party Girl by Erika Lenkert. This must have book contains party etiquette as well as quick recipes that are great for any cocktail party.
The Cooking Club Party Cookbook which is full of great party ideas and recipes.
How often should you have a cocktail party? Well, if your social schedule is busy and assuming that your friends are hosting events as well, we suggest having some kind of get together for each season as a relaxing time to catch up with the gang.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)