| When you are having a party, there are a | | | | dessert, just be careful in matching the |
| variety of factors to take into consideration | | | | dessert wine to the dessert. |
| when you are trying to select beverages. What | | | | |
| you offer to drink will be very different at | | | | Something Celebratory |
| Christmastime than in the summer, or if your | | | | |
| party is late morning versus early evening. | | | | If you are celebrating a new job, an |
| Where your party is located will also help | | | | engagement, a wedding, a new baby, retirement |
| you determine what to serve, as will the type | | | | or anything else, then your only choice is |
| of tone you want to set. | | | | champagne or a sparkling wine. Many people |
| | | | find champagne too dry, therefore the sweeter |
| Something for Everyone | | | | sparkling wines make a great replacement and |
| | | | you still get the fun of the exploding cork. |
| It is important when having a party to | | | | So lift your glass high and make a toast with |
| include everyone's drink taste and to have | | | | some bubbly. It's the perfect way to |
| something available for all likes and | | | | celebrate. |
| dislikes. This does not mean that you need to | | | | |
| offer every beverage known to man or that you | | | | Fun in the Sun |
| need to have a full bar available. However, | | | | |
| you might want to have on hand a white wine, | | | | If your party is an outdoor one, like 4th of |
| a red wine, beer and a couple of hard liquor | | | | July or Cinco de Mayo, or even just an |
| options, or a mixed drink like pitchers of | | | | old-fashioned cookout, there are so many |
| margaritas or martinis. Be sure to keep a | | | | options for beverages. Having something for |
| variety of mixes on hand, as well as | | | | everyone is essential. Offering a pre-mixed |
| non-alcoholic options for those who don't | | | | fruity light drink will be a hit definitely. |
| want to drink alcohol. | | | | Mix up a batch of sangria with some red wine |
| | | | and fruit or a wine punch to dip into and |
| A Formal Affair | | | | you'll have happy partygoers! Make sure you |
| | | | keep your summer party drinks cool for your |
| If you are striving for a more formal tone, | | | | guests and have lots on hand, especially if |
| and are perhaps having a sit-down meal, then | | | | you are outside. Another consideration in hot |
| pre-dinner cocktails are in order. On the | | | | weather is to make sure your guests avoid |
| table you may have just a bottle or red wine | | | | heat stroke, so keep lots of water on hand |
| and a bottle of white wine per each 4 guests. | | | | also to hand out, maybe alternating it with |
| This gives your guests the choice. If you | | | | the alcoholic beverages. |
| have help with serving, they may want to keep | | | | |
| an eye on empty bottles and replace them as | | | | Get yourself ready for your next party by |
| needed. Another great touch is an after | | | | stocking up on a variety of drinks, wines, |
| dinner wine or a dessert wine. These wines | | | | ingredients and mixes. With a little know-how |
| can be enjoyed on their own or with a | | | | you can have the best party ever. |