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Two Mood and Menu Pairings make hosting the perfect holiday party a breeze! Don’t host a get-together this season before checking out these wine, music and menu suggestions.
My home is pretty much always an open house. But, it’s even more so during the holidays. For one, it’s because my work goes into overdrive – cooking and baking to create these lovely blog posts. Someone’s gotta eat all of this food! But mostly, it’s because I love having people in my home. Especially during the winter months, when it’s so comforting to enjoy the company of family and friends.
During the holidays, I party with intention. Guests are invited (instead of called last minute with a plea to help eat leftovers), menus are planned, and the mood is set. And although hosting a get-together should be old-hat, it can sometimes be a challenge to come up with something new. Which is why I like to pick a focal point and design the setting around it.
If you ask me, Notable Wines, makes a fun focal point for any party. Notable, which launched in March of this year, is the 1st wine that highlights the flavor profiles on the front of the bottle, making it easier to select the wine you want. With two Chardonnays, one which is oaky and buttery and another that is fruity and crisp, you have the theme for two fun and different holiday togethers.
Mood and Menu Pairings for the Perfect Holiday Party
Plan 1: Fun and Spirited Holiday Gathering
The focal point: Notable Fruity & Crisp Chardonnay
The setting: Crisp white linens, accented with silver and gold tableware
Lighting: Fill mason jars or empty wine bottles with starry string lights for soft mood lighting
Music: Think fun and upbeat! I know the name is utterly cheesy, but the “Hipster Holidays” station on Pandora has a fun mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs.
Menu: I like to serve a few light nibbles that pair with the citrus, melon and peach notes of the Chardonnay. And of course, invite your friends to bring along a dish to share!
For this party menu, it’s all about keeping things fresh and simple. Serve store-bought vegetables summer rolls and drizzle them with a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
Smoked Salmon Crostini is another easy finger food that pairs perfectly with this wine. They are also super-easy to assemble. Spread whipped cream cheese on to “everything” flavored bagel-chips. Top with a chunk of smoked salmon, then garnish with fresh chives and orange zest.
For a little something sweet, set out bowls with fresh and dried fruits along with various chocolates!
Plan 2: Warm and Cozy Family Party
The focal point: Notable Oaky and Buttery Chardonnay
The setting: Off-white linens with wood and copper serveware and tableware
Lighting: It’s time to bust out the candles and light the fireplace for a warm and inviting atmosphere
Music: I love classic holiday songs the’ “Jazz Holidays” station on Pandora fits the bill perfectly
Menu: Warm and cozy doesn’t mean hours in the kitchen. With the butter, oak and vanilla notes of the Chardonnay, this is a super menu to flesh out.
Cinnamon sugar roasted nuts will help make your house smell fabulous for when your guests arrive. Buy them at your favorite grocer, then simply warm them up on the lowest setting of your oven before guests arrive.
Although you wouldn’t think it, roasted veggies actually make a fun and unexpected finger food. I like to roast veggies like broccolini and sweet potato wedges with a dash of olive oil, salt, and pepper at 450 degrees. Toss once or twice and cook for about 20 minutes or until tender and charred in spots. Serve with ranch dressing or cheese fondue!
For this menu, I also like making “homemade” bread sticks. Roll out store-bought pizza dough and sprinkle with olive oil, parmesan, salt and pepper. Cut into 1″ long slices and twist. Bake according to package directions until golden.
What do you love to pair with Chardonnay? Always looking for new recipe ideas to enjoy with my favorite wines. And, if like me, you’re looking for more holiday party inspiration, be sure to click here.
Here are few other Forks and Folly recipes to enjoy this holiday season! Bring our Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies to get rave reviews at your holiday cookie exchange! And, you can never go wrong when serving this recipe for Sundried Tomato Hummus at your holiday party!
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I love the different food pairings with each wine. Great for all guests. ~client