Transformation Tuesday - Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

This is the result of transforming my dining room buffet into a fabulous wine tasting party.  It was simple and mostly disposable with little to no prep work or cooking.  Want to know how to get this look at home?  I'll tell you my secrets.

First let me start with what I was working with.  It's a standard buffet with two lamps.  I removed the decorations and one lamp.  Place them somewhere safe to be able to return them to their positions after the party.

Style tip:  Don't be afraid to do some rearranging of furniture for a party.  It's about how you want to use the space at the time of the event, not how you live in it daily.  Like Cinderella things can always go back to the way they were when the party is over.

Collect the items you want to use for your party.  I bought a platter set with mini forks at my local Sams Club.  It's all plastic and disposable.  You can find similar items at a party supply store like Party City.  While you're out buy some food items that would be tasty pairings.  Cold cuts, fruit, crackers and a variety of cheese are quick, easy and no cooking is required.  That is a  great option for beginners.  For the more experienced host making some tasty finger foods is preferred.

Style tip:  For a more hands on party you can serve the pairings as courses.  If you are like me though, you want to mingle with your guests so the first option is a lot less work.

Presentation is the key to a good party.  Put some thought into the placement of your food.  We eat with our eyes first.  A pleasing display wows your guests and makes them feel special.  Grapes, blackberries, crackers and parmesan are stacked on an overturned crystal bowl for some height and dramatic effect.  Putting the mini forks in a wire wineglass adds to the charm.

Tasting plates are stacked in easy reach and glasses are ready for filling.  Encourage your guests to be hands on.  It's less intimidating when everything is within reach.

Style tip:  Hate wondering what plate or fork you were supposed to be using at a dinner party?  Fussy is no fun.  Keep it simple and self explanatory.  Sometimes more is just more and less is best when it comes to fuss.

My buffet sits in my front room and is the first thing guest see when they enter the space.  It's a welcoming sight and encourages them to dive right in to the fun.  Think of how you can draw your guests in and help them get comfortable right away.  Maybe candles or some music would do the trick.  

Have a theme for your party.  It keeps things focused.  I chose a Napa wine country feel.  I added a vase of silk sunflowers but you can always use fresh if available.  I also added a fabric runner and a decorative chicken statue.  A collection of old corks add to the ambiance.  My wines were all varieties from California.  You can choose any region you like or mix it up.

Style tip:  Why not host wine tastings regularly?  Make your way around the world one party at a time.  Select wines from different regions and pair food and decor accordingly.  For example, Chinese plum wine with some dumplings, spring rolls and a few asian fans for decorations can be fun.  You can even have your guests bring their favorite takeout dish.

Some of the best selling items in my etsy shop are these wine tasting journals.  They are pocket sized and come in a variety of designs.  I also create paper wine charms to keep things pretty and organized.  Have a pen handy so your guests can write their names on them.

I also offer these labels.  They are folded so you can stand them up to identify your  foods or  use them as place cards.  Write a note to tell your guests to help themselves.

You can also purchase wine bottle label covers in my etsy shop.  Hide the brand label and keep everything complementary.  It is a handy and attractive way to have a blind tasting.

I offer matching tags so you can number the wines 1,2,3 or A, B, C to help your guests identify which one they liked best.

Invitations that set the mood are a must but don't forget the thank you cards.  Guests love getting a little surprise in the mail thanking them for attending.  Tell them how much you enjoyed their company.

Style tip:  Thank you notes from the host are unexpected but always appreciated.  People love getting something personal in a mailbox rather than an inbox.

So that's it really.  Simple and stylish ideas for hosting a fabulous wine tasting.  Check out my shop for wine tasting party decor and other party ideas.  Everything is handmade by me for that extra special touch.  Keep your party one of a kind with R.K. Finch Design.