Serve Up a Theme

The best piece of advice we can offer about holiday hosting (or hosting at any time of the year for that matter) is to create a theme. Whether you want to invite a handful of friends over for aperitivo or happy hour drinks with wine, spritzes, and Italian nibbles; or three to four couples for a sit-down French dinner with dishes and wines to match; or you want to host a festive party for 20-plus family members and friends, your get-together will be more exciting, more cohesive, and infinitely more tasteful with a chic theme in place. Your guests will leave your home thinking, “Wow! Now, that was a great night.”

Choose a Concept

Sometimes creating a theme is as simple as picking up artisan pizzas and pairing them with authentic Italian wines—that could not be easier or more cost-effective. If you want to create your own home-cooked menu, choose a specific type of cuisine and wines from the same country.

Creating an elegant French motif, for example, is easier than you may think. Start with pâté and Champagne as your aperitif, then serve Dijon chicken breasts and a leafy salad tossed in a shallot vinaigrette with a white (or red) Burgundy. Finish your meal with legendary French cheeses, dried fruits, and dark chocolates with a gorgeous red Bordeaux. Voilà.

Another theme we love is Iberian Sabor, featuring wines, spirits, and foods from Spain and Portugal. Iberian foods are savory and delicious. Delight in meats and fishes flecked with smoky paprika and spices; chorizo (sausage); jamón Ibérico (cured ham); rice; beans; artisan cheeses; and luscious fruit jams to spread on the cheese. This theme also brings music to mind. Why not create a playlist with Spanish songs to get your guests in the mood?

Keep It Simple

While these ideas give us all some food for thought, the key to throwing a successful event is to keep things simple so you don’t feel overwhelmed in any way, because hosting should be fun. Once you have a theme in mind, visit your local wine merchant to help flesh out the details. They can help make sure your libations pair perfectly with any occasion. Also, pick up some cute, colorful napkins to set the tone, as well as a lovely floral arrangement. With these easy steps, you will elevate your holiday gatherings and be touted as the host of the season.

A World of Wines

Try serving these themed wine trios as the perfect mix of sparkling and still varieties at your next aperitivo or happy hour, dinner party, or large celebration. All the selections below are made with natural and organic methods from fine vintners committed to quality and authenticity.

Vive la France

• François Baur Crémant Sparkling ALSACE – $24.99

• Château d’Aquéria Tavel Dry Rosé PROVENCE – $24.99

• Haut-Médoc de Giscours BORDEAUX – $39.99

Soulful Spain

• Sumarroca Cava Rosé Sparkling PENEDÉS – $24.99

• Paco & Lola Albariño GALICIA – $23.99

• Marqués de Murrieta Reserva RIOJA – $32.99

Trattoria Vibes

• Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Sparkling LOMBARDY – $39.99

• Colosi Salina Bianco SICILY or Cantele Rosato PUGLIA – $26.99

• Nino Costa Bardot Barbera d’Alba PIEDMONT – $22.99

America the Beautiful

• Blue Quail Sauvignon Blanc MENDOCINO – $16.99

• Fossil & Fawn Oregon Orange WILLAMETTE – $29.99

• Forge Cellars Cabernet Franc Railroad Vineyard FINGER LAKES – $34.99

Any theme can be tailored to a specific budget. The selections above are well suited for smaller dinners or gatherings. There is a world of amazing wines out there to be discovered.