Pour On The Party

This content originally appeared in BRIDES Magazine.

How can you create a celebration that appeals to both sexes? By having a wine tasting. Here, Ted Allen, food and wine guru from TV's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, hosts such a tasting. Allen recommends starting with lighter whites and building up to fruity reds. To look like a pro, think of a tasting in terms of the four S's—see, swirl, smell, and sip. Chunky Carved Wood Vase, about $45, Crate and Barrel; 800-996-9960, crateandbarrel.com. Porcelain vase, $25, Gold Thread Series by Lazy Susan at Bloomindale's; 800-232-1854, bloomingdales,com.

Subtle aromas and flavors—fruity, nutty, spicy, or earthy—give each wine its unique personality. Sauvignon Blanc, for instance, may suggest grapefruit, lemon, apple, melon, fig, bell pepper—even freshly cut grass. To give your party extra kick, set out some of these fragrant essences for everyone to "nose" before they try a new varietal. Place 8 to 10 different essences in clear glasses and invite guests to take a good whiff. Crystal Vintage Deep Wine glass (left) and Light Wine glass (right) both $49 per set of four, by Marquis by Waterford; 800-955-1550, waterford.com.

Though food is a secondary focus at a wine tasting, you'll want to serve nibbles that heighten the drinking experience. Grilled Prawns la Coastal (pictured here) pairs well with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. (For recipe, log onto discover-wine.com and click on "Recipes.") Stoneware Sienna 13'' square platter, $45, BIA Cordon Bleu, Bloomingdale's; 800-232-1854, bloomingdales,com.

A wine-tasting party encourages mingling, even among people who can't tell a Pinot Grigio from a Pinot Noir. For every four to six guests, have one tasting bottle of each type of wine, plus extra bottles for guests to refill their glasses later. You actually need only one or two glasses per person; plan on a quick rinse between wines. Simply empty the glass of any leftover wine into a steel or ceramic pot, rinse the glass with water from a handy pitcher, then empty again. Crystal Clarion flutes, $49.50 each, Waterford; 800-955-1550, waterford.com.

How many wines should you serve? Allen says six is a good number—three whites and three reds—enough to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. Here, from left: A to Z Oregon Pinot Noir, $18; Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz, $15; Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvingnon, $10; Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay, $10; Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, $23; Brancott Vineyards Sauvingnon Blanc, $11. Open the first set of bottles before guests arrive (keep whites in coolers or buckets so they stay chilled). Have a corkscrew or two handy. Stainless steel Level Model Elegance corkscrew (pictured), $150; Screwpull; 877-273-8738, screwpull.com.

Tomato-Basil Tart pairs well with a Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon. (For recipe, log onto discover-wine.com and click on "Recipes.") Stoneware Sienna 10'' footed bowl, $45, BIA Cordon Bleu, Bloomingdale's; 800-232-1854, bloomingdales,com.

Invites, customarily sent at least three weeks in advance, can reflect your party's theme. Here, cards illustrated with bottles and glasses whet guests' thirst for libations ahead.

Like all showers, presents are a big part of the party. Assign one guest to keep track of gifts (who gave what) as you open them.

A potato and chorizo omelet goes well with Chardonnay or Shiraz. (For recipe, log onto discover-wine.com and click on "Recipes.")

Rosemary lamb brochette pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir (For recipe, log onto discover-wine.com and click on "Recipes.")

Corn cakes with smoked salmon, chive oil, and crème fraiche, go well with Chardonnay (For recipe, log on to discover-wine.com and click on "Recipes.")

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