If you like to host parties you might like to consider throwing a wine tasting party as they are a lot of fun. To make life easier you can even buy a wine tasting party kit which contains lots of items you will need. There are many types available to buy and they each come with a different arrangement of items and are produced by different companies. Generally they contain most of what you need when throwing a wine tasting party apart from the wine and glasses.

When you go shopping for a kit the items you can expect to find include a tasting score pad, reusable bottle covers, wine glass markers and a guide which explains all the wine terms you could need. You might also find there is a wine guide explaining the best techniques on tasting wine and all about the wine bouquet and swirling your wine. If you know a person who loves wine and you’re running out of ideas on what to buy them for a gift, a wine tasting party kit might just be what you’re looking for.

If you have never held a wine tasting party you might not be sure of what you need to buy. Obviously you need some bottles of wine and glasses, but there are so many other items which are unique to wine tasting. This is why kits are so popular because everything is taken care of for you. When inviting guests, remember that you should request they bring a bottle of their own.

Of course, there is more to a wine tasting party then just sipping one variety of wine. Along with having a good time, you will want to take the opportunity of exploring new wines and being a little braver than you would normally. Mingle with the other guests and share your thought and try to learn as much as you can. Lots of people who attend or throw a wine tasting party have remarked that it’s the best type of party.

Ho to Buy Wine Tasting Party Kit

As with everything in life there are many types of kit to buy and they are all designed to cater for different needs. Some kits are small and intended for parties of up to 6 people. If you are holding a larger party then you should look out for a kit which is suitable for parties of 15. How much you pay is greatly dependent on the size of your kit and what items are included.

The kits which are a bit more expensive will also have scoring cards and system plus award certificated and pencils and erasers. There is no limit to what you can find in a tasting kit.

Having a look on the internet for the different kits available you be surprised at how affordable prices are. If you are a regular wine party host then purchasing a kit which is reusable would be a wise choice. On the other hand, if you plan on just holding the one party a disposable kit would be better and cheaper.

You may be the sort of person who likes to save money be assembling their own kit but the problem with that is that it takes more time to think about what you need to buy. If you buy it in a kit form you don’t have the worry of forgetting an important item.

When I was growing up (as my daughter would say, ‘when dirt was new’), my mom always kept a cabinet filled with hostess gifts. She believed in always being prepared to arrive at parties, small and large, with an appreciation gift to her hostess. When mom would find something that she thought would be wonderful, she would buy several to stash away. She would either tie a bow around the top or when gift bags became en vogue, she would just slip it into a small bag.

There is a lot to be learned from her example. First of all, graciousness. Taking a gift to the party is much like writing the thank you note before you actually attend. It is telling the host and hostess that you know ahead of time that you will have a wonderful time! Secondly, by planning ahead, you reduce your stress level and you are always prepared ahead of time so that last minute invitations won’t get you ruffled. Lastly, mom was never in the rut of taking wine or sending flowers. Her philosophy was that everyone else did it, so there would be an over abundance of both. Besides, she was a last minute gal, so being able to grab and go certainly had it’s advantages. Keeping a list of recipients is also a good idea so that you don’t run the risk of repeating your gifts.

Here are five ideas for host gifts to have on hand that will let your hosts and hostesses know how much you appreciate being included.

1) Candles. Soy candles come in a variety of heavenly scents and containers. They are consumable, but not perishable which is always appreciated.

2) Bar implements. Wine bottle stoppers, wine openers, and bar napkins to go with those bottles of wine that everyone else will show up with.

3) Spa products. Bath confetti, gourmet skin scrubs, eye pillows or body and lip balms are especially great for hostesses although more and more hosts have come to appreciate the pampering delights of such gifts.

4) Picture frames. Classic, small picture frames are always appreciated. Keep a selection of fancy and tailored frames on hand. If you happen to have a photo that is special to the hosts, include it in the frame as an extra touch. Look for frames no larger than 5 x 7, although 4 x 6 is a preferred size since it will fit most personal snapshots.

5) A tea me basket. Great for curling up with a good book or movie. Fill a tea mug with individual packets of tea or cocoa, add some cookies and a bow and you are all set! Tea, cocoa, coffees, even margarita mixes can be ordered en masse with your own personalized label!

Planning ahead to be a great guest will save you time, money, and give you the opportunity to be creative!

©2008 Marilyn Baldwin Lewis

When you are invited to share an evening or activity by someone, our first impulse is to bring a hostess gift as a thank you for the invitation. We want to give something that will show our appreciation but also not disrupt the plans that your host has worked so hard to create.

Here are some ideas of things that you can give your host/hostess that are different from the bottle of wine or flowers that have become so traditional. Stand out by putting some thought into your gift. It will be appreciated.

1. A book – How about a bestseller or a book of a place that your host has talked about going or visiting. Think of something for them to enjoy reading when the evening is over and they will remember your kindness always.

2. Flowers – but not the cut ones that need to be arranged that night by the host but instead a potted one for the garden or deck. The beauty will grow as the plant does and your name will forever be on their mind.

3. Candles – Not tapers that make the host feel they need to be used that day but a candle for relaxation or decoration.

4. Homemade Jams or Jellies – Even if you don’t have time to can your own, these homemade items can be store bought. Think of your host enjoying a treat for their morning toast and coffee the next day and thinking of your generosity.

5. Liquors – If you must choose alcohol, try a special liquor. There are so many new liquors that are a special indulgence and your host will not feel obliged to open it during that occasion.

Use your imagination and find a gift that is special to that event or that particular host. Your time and attention to details will make you a favoured guest sure to be invited over and over again.

What a great way to increase your social life but to be on the favoured guest list of all your friends.

Staying at home because you can’t afford a pricey trip doesn’t mean you can’t still have a fabulous vacation. People usually focus on acting like a tourist in their hometowns during their staycations. However, you shouldn’t overlook enhancing your home environment as well, so it feels like a different place. To make being at home feel like a vacation, treat your space as if you were getting it ready for guests to come over. Only this time you are the guest!

1. Decorate with fresh flowers – Either buy ready-made arrangements from your local flower shop or grocery store, or assemble simple arrangements yourself. Sticking with a single color for each arrangement is the best way to achieve stylish flowers. And since you took the week off work anyway, why not try your hand at flower arranging?

2. Use candles to enhance your lighting and mood – Set out votive candles throughout your home, and keep them lit every evening until you go to bed. Candles are a quick, easy way to create a soothing atmosphere. Even big box stores now offer spa-themed candles that can go a long way towards transforming your home into a 5 star resort.

3. Stock your kitchen with food and drinks you normally would not have – One of the main advantages of staying at home is not spending lots of money to eat out for every meal. However, instead of eating your regular rotation of foods, mix things up. Stock your kitchen with out-of-the-ordinary snacks like crudite, rosemary almonds, and freshly baked cookies. Also treat yourself to some new wines or interesting glass bottle sodas. Prepare a favorite special occasion meal, like herb-crusted beef tenderloin.

4. Throw a cocktail party or BBQ – Going on vacation often includes visiting friends you haven’t seen in a while. So instead of you going to visit friends out of town, you can throw a cocktail party or BBQ and invite your friends to come to you. If you’ve already transformed your home for your staycation, throwing a party is no big deal. Plus, hosting when you’re on vacation is far less stressful than when you try to do so during a busy workweek or short weekend. With the money you’ve saved staying in town, you can even splurge on a bartender, or hire someone to help with the clean up.

It’s very easy to have a fun, relaxing vacation at home. The key is to apply a few quick, simple ideas to transform your home into a special environment. You’ll not only save yourself some money and the hassle and stress of traveling, you’ll have a new appreciation for your home.