A wine tasting is a fun idea for a festive evening with friends! And while it might seem daunting, you don’t have to be a sommelier to serve up some samplings of vino! My husband and I recently joined a casual wine group designed to discover new favorites and at reasonable prices. Honestly it’s really just an excuse to get together regularly with our friends! And while a true wine connoisseur might scoff at our little soiree, I love that it’s relaxed, where we can learn a little about wine and enjoy the company A LOT! Today I’m sharing our turn at hosting…and since it took place during Memorial Day weekend, I added some patriotic touches too! So let’s raise a glass…
cheers to wine tasting!
a break in the rain and summer-like temps made a perfect evening to sip wine on the patio…can you tell what region we chose?
we try to keep the decorating easy but i couldn’t resist a little fun on the stemware table! mismatched letters spell out where the wines of the night are from!
time for vino!
a cart next to the table of glasses holds some of the samples. all members of the group contribute a bottle or two so we kept the rest inside until needed!
a hot day means lots of ice to keep the white selections cool!
i used tin planters as ice buckets…and my kitchen fridge for the extras!
simple tags give a little information about where the wine was produced that might not be easily found on the bottle…like i said, we keep it pretty simple!
a little googling helped with basic information…
and a fun tidbit given to us by our local wine shop made this bottle a neat addition! (it was a favorite pick from fellow Toledoans!)
no-alcohol options
i never host a party without nonalcoholic choices on the menu. it’s nice to clean the palate and have something cold to keep guests hydrated between tastings! i included a water cart with sparkling and infused options!
infused water is so tasty and pretty! let the fruit soak in for a while and then top with ice right before guests arrive!
easy treats!
i kept the selection of munchies simple but made them look extra festive by grouping them on a mirror!
strawberry & cinnamon brownie bites are an EASY semi-homemade treat…and they taste pretty good too!
just ice a purchased brownie bite with a dollop of cinnamon icing (recipe at end of post) and top with a berry wedge!
and something else i almost always have around…peanuts & M&Ms! the patriotic colors are fun for the season!
and how cute are the designer napkins?? a fun line of Vineyard Vines is at my favorite shopping stop and i couldn’t resist this affordable option! (the wood whale used to be in my son’s room…so glad i saved him!)
and since it’s un-officially summer…i HAD to serve up some s’mores too!
a tiny table near the fire pit holds a simple selection of fixins!
using individual chocolates and keeping the grahams wrapped until ready will help keep everything fresh in humid weather!
and it’s super easy to have fun with marshmallow flavors…there’s so many available in the stores now! i served strawberry…
and good-old plain mallows for those who just want a traditional treat!
heartier selections…
any party that offers alcohol really needs more than sweets to keep guests satisfied! our wine tasting group also joins in on bringing appetizers making it easier on the host! so we kept our contributions simple and served some food that reminded me of a California summer!
we love salmon in my house and actually smoked this baby ourselves! we served it with crostini & labneh (which is similar to a tart sour cream or yogurt)
another dish that reminds me of easy summer days…egg salad! i kept it cool by nestling the bowl in another filled with ice…
since everyone might not be a fan of certain herbs…i added some scissors and two “bouquets” of some fresh flavorings! guests can snip as much or as little as they desire…
brioche slider buns are the perfect size for sandwich appetizers!
easy decor!
besides the California letters i really didn’t do much decorating! but something as simple as a flag stuck in a vase of posies can be a sweet patriotic touch!
and since wine tasting was the theme of the party…i had to add a bottle “vase” to this soda can holder! meant for the beach, it works just as well in the back yard and for more than just soda!
i hope you enjoyed seeing this little soiree and it gave you some inspiration for hosting your own casual wine tasting!
raise your glasses to summer fun!
pin for later~
product guide~
Target: Vineyard Vines napkins, Smash Mallows: strawberry &churro, plaid banner, berry baskets & place cards (dollar spot), similar drink holder
Etsy: chalk board bucket options
Hobby Lobby: letter decorations, domed cake server
print the recipe!
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon
- cream together the cream cheese and butter. add the vanilla. Mix 4 cups of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more sugar to stiffen the icing to the needed consistency. Add more milk if mixture gets too thick. Then add the cinnamon to taste. Frost the cakes or cupcakes and store the remaining icing in an airtight container.
learn more about wine tasting for beginners HERE!
Jennifer
June 6
This party is amazing my talented friend! I love all of the beautiful Summer details! The wine bottles with flowers in them is such a cute way to tie decor into your party theme! I also love your cute s’more station! Always a fun Summer treat!
Lori
June 6
That’s so sweet thank you!! I love reusing bottles so I was lucky I had a wine bottle in recycle to use! 🙂
Holly
June 6
This is so cute and such a fun way to kick-off summer! I’ve gotta do something with wine this summer– this is inspiring me!
Lori
June 6
Thanks Holly! I’m so glad you’re inspired…and I can’t wait to see what you do!
halfpintpartydesign
June 7
What a fun evening with friends! I LOVE your California letters, the cinnamon icing, and your fun ideas.
Lori
June 7
Aww, thanks so much Bri! I was a fun, causal evening!
rosesandwhiskers1
June 7
Love all the details, Lori! Especially the mismatched letters!
Lori
June 10
Oh thank you so much!! I was lucky that I had most of those letters in my inventory already from past projects and kid room decorations! 🙂
Beth
June 8
This post’s inspired me to throw a summer wine tasting! This is fantastic! (Impressed that you smoked your own salmon! We’ll have to compare notes on smoking!)
Lori
June 10
Oh I hope you host one! It was so fun!! And definitely let’s compare notes…although I have to admit my oldest is the best at smoking salmon! I just help!! 🙂
Nathalie - Press Print Party!
June 10
California has some of the best wines. My dad (who is French) always loved coming to CA and tasting the wines. Such a fun party you’ve set up here.
Lori
June 12
Oh thank you! Yes, it was endless options selecting some of the CA wines! That’s fun that your dad enjoyed them so much! My hubby was born in France and lived there while in high school so he also really appreciates wine…we just don’t know that much about them but this is a casual way to at least try new ones!
SugarPartiesLA
June 24
You always share the best ideas ! Love the non alcoholic option too and yummy desserts and snacks.
Lori
June 25
Thanks so much Susan! I really appreciate that!!