Creating the perfect entertaining experience is all about atmosphere; bringing the senses to their full potential while paying attention to the smallest of details as well as seeing the whole design will create the ideal setting for a memorable occasion.

First, you should choose a design motif which will be displayed throughout the event; pick a color scheme and match it to your accessories or maybe pick a culinary theme for example, an Italian-theme event will be served in ceramics with red wine, Limoncello, Amaretto and Grappa for desert.

By serving alcoholic beverages you can divide the occasion into three parts:

Part One: The aperitif
A sweet, alcoholic drink with a purpose to work up the appetite will be enjoyed as an appetizer; aperitif is derived from the Latin verb “aperire”, which means to open.

If your chosen aperitif is a cocktail, then a classic Martini glasswill suit nicely. Place a decorated cocktail shakeralongside the glasses or a fancy bowl and ladle, letting your guests pour their own drink.

Another aperitif option is the queen of drinks - the Champagne; it’s time to take out your Champagne glasses or flutesand a shiny wine bucket full of iceWrapping the Champagne bottle with a white napkin will give it a “posh” presentation.

Part Two: The wine
You should serve the wine during the meal. Pick a wine that will match the type of food you’re serving, that is why it is recommended to carry two sets of wine glasses, one for red wineand the other for white wine, just to be on the safe side.

A beautiful addition to your table design might be an elegant wine decanter, like the Royal Doulton Crystal Wine Decanter; when you pour wine into a decanter, the wine has longer time to mix with the oxygen enabling it to develop and come to life. Remember, if you let your wine breath before serving it - it will taste better and release its intended aromas and flavors.

You can also decorate your table design with various unique wine accessories, such as modern wine bottle openers, personalized wine charms for glassesor sterling silver wine stoppers.

Part Three: The digestif
After the meal, it is time to serve the digestif; a small, heavier, alcoholic beverage such as Cognac, Brandy, Grappa or Whisky, providing the perfect end to a delightful dinner. The digestif is believed to help with the digestion after a large meal. Now it is time to take out those small, short stem glasses and let your guests relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Posted in May 15th, 2008 by admin | Wine Gifts for Wine Lovers |