Holiday Wine Tasting Party: Decor and Set Up

Generally, wine tastings are conducted on a white-clothed table; the thought being that a pristine cloth will not interfere with color of the wine. But it's the holidays! Set up your party tables based on the colors of wine for a festive, fruitful feel.

Purple Grape and Pink Rose Centerpiece

• Choose a deep red-toned tablecloth.
• Go with grapes! One of the most ornamental fruits, a cluster of purple grapes in a footed urn, bowl, or vase is an instant centerpiece.
• Add light pink roses in groupings nestled among the grapes and alongside the vase. Just trim the stems to a few inches and insert them into the grape bunch.
• Ideally, a pair of matching footed urns or bowls on either end of the wine tasting tabletop elements will create a lovely balanced design.
• Fill in the around the base of the centerpiece with votive candles and more complementary colored fruit if you so desire.

Wine Tasting Set-Up

• If you have the budget and resources place both red and white wine glasses on the table for guests to taste from. Or chose one basic stemmed glass style and set them on the table. (I'm partial to Riedel's Chablis style as an all-purpose tasting glass.)
• Decide the order in which the wine will be tasted and line up the bottles accordingly.
• Place a pitcher of water and a spittoon on the table for guests to sip and discard if they wish. Guests can also use the water to rinse their glasses after enjoying each pour.
• A basket of water crackers is always a good idea for those who may want to nibble as they taste along with a stack of beverage napkins.
• Finally, include a wine menu or tasting notes so guests know what they are tasting and can identify characteristics in the wine from a pro's point of view.

For Wine Tasting Tips and Techniques Read:

• Wine Tasting in 5 Easy Steps
• A Sensuous Wine Tasting Party