As the festive season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas celebrations.
At Fairbourne our premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is enjoyed around the world, so with that in mind, we thought we’d share our top tips to help you plan a fabulous festive bash, whether you’re celebrating in the Northern or Southern hemisphere.
Location, location, location
Decide whether you’re hosting at home or renting a space. This decision may be determined by your budget or the number of guests you want to invite. In the southern hemisphere as the weather warms you can take your festive fling outside, allowing for an extensive guest list. However, as the wintery weather hits the northern hemisphere, your outside options may be limited. If you have space, you could invest in a party gazebo. We’re not talking about a flimsy shelter with little protection; gazebos have come a long way! Check out White Pavilion Gazebos, they’re 100% waterproof and designed to withstand the very worst the British weather can throw at them. Add an infrared heater and some sparkling lights for a winter wonderland venue.
Choose a theme
Will you plump for a traditional Christmas theme with Secret Santa gifts and Christmas crackers? Or an elegant evening soiree with sparkling conversation and frocks to match? You might even go yo-ho-ho and plump for a costume party or crazy Christmas sweater event!
Plan the menu
The trick here is to keep it simple. No host wants to spend all their time in the kitchen, so preparation is vital. In the southern hemisphere, it’s easy for us to roll out the barbecue and much of the food can be prepared in advance. Your meats will love marinades, and your salads will rest superbly as long as you keep them fresh. In the northern hemisphere why not set up a buffet with winter-warming chillis and stews that can be prepared ahead and left bubbling in the slow cooker. If you’re throwing a drinks party, it’s canapes all the way! Check out this recipe from the blog archives for our smoked salmon blinis, always a hit, and with just four ingredients you can whip them up in a trice!
Send your invites
Once you’ve decided on your location, theme and menu, send out your invites. Ask your guests to RSVP so you can organise catering numbers. You’ll still need a little flex as there’s no way of knowing exactly how many people will or won’t turn up on the day. To over cater or under cater? That is the question! No host wants their guests to go hungry, but nor do you want to be left with a mountain of uneaten food. If you’re worried about running out, bulk up on bread and starchy foods. Especially those that can be frozen or used over the next few days.
Select your wine
Thankfully, this is a simple process! Choose Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for its versatility and consistent five-star reviews. At Fairbourne our wine is crafted to be enjoyed with food. It is, of course, a wonderful apéritif to serve with canapés. But, it can also honour a starter, especially seafood or smoked salmon. It also pairs beautifully with white meats like chicken, turkey, goose and pork, and can accompany a fine cheese board… Goat cheese, a delicious Chevre, and Sauvignon Blanc is a match made in heaven.
Head to your local Majestic Wines store to buy your Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Or contact us in N.Z.
Happy Christmas to you, from us!