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