Galentine's Brunch

Valentine's day is almost here!  I decided to invite some of my favorite ladies over for a little celebration of my love for them with a Galentine's lunch.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such special, smart, kind and amazing women.  They inspire me daily!  I wanted to make sure I was able to love on them as they have loved on me!  

I started my table with a girly color palette of pinks, blue and yellow.  I layered my table with a Hearth and Hand striped table runner and pieces like sweet bud vases, drinking glasses and striped pitchers from the newest Hearth and Hand Spring collection.  I filled each vessel with different fluffy roses.  I added little sweet treats to heart shaped ramekins and added my favorite Chandon Rose Mini's for some festive bubbles.  

For our place settings, I layered simple blue and white placemats, straw chargers and pretty coral Hearth and Hand  hand towels as napkins.  Next, I added crisp white chargers and dinner plates and topped the setting with beautiful floral china.  I received these beautiful dishes as a wedding shower gift and I still feel like they are the prettiest addition to the table.  Goes to show that you can incorporate any piece into a setting and make it feel fresh and new. 

I added little notes on each setting for each of my friends sharing three of my most favorite things about them. Nothing like a love note to cap off a girly lunch! 

Best New Years Champagne

I love Champagne and can't wait to ring in the new year with my favorite people!  In order to pop only the best bubbly correctly, I asked my adorable sorority little sis and champagne professional ( no really!! it's her career! ) Alissa to help me guide you through the best champagne for your 2018 celebration.  She rounded up the best champs priced from lowest to highest, gave us the scoop on each selection, food pairing and party tips for how to make sure you are prepared to be the perfect hostess!   Don't miss the best champs fun facts at the end!  My favorite part! 

Domaine Chandon Brut Classic

California Sparkling

$15-$20

A great choice if someone is a fan of buying local.  This amazing winery was opened by Moet & Chandon in Yountville, CA in the mid 70's.  They create their sparkling in exactly the same fashion as it's French Cousins and have a very playful side.  Their we bite features cocktail recipes as well as entertaining tips and tricks.  They even release special limited edition holiday bottles and this year the bottles were designed by the incredibly talented Rebecca Minkoff

Etoile by Domaine Chandon

California Sparkling

$20- $25

Etoile, French for Star, is the Prestige offering from Domaine Chandon.  A hugely food friendly sparkling and presented in an exquisite bottle with long neck and simple gold writing.  this is an awesome, esoteric offering and one that is splendidly priced for gifting.

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV

Champagne

Epernay, France

$30- $40

Veuve Clicquot "Yellow Label" Brut

Champagne 

Reims, France

$40- $55

Champagne Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs

Champagne

Reims, France

$65-$85

Dom Perignon, Blanc Vintage 2009

Champagne

Epernay, France

$149- $199

Krug

Champagne

Reims, France

$179- $200

When selecting your Champagne for this holiday season, it is definitely a good idea to look around for the best price available.  Champagne and sparkling are an affordable luxury and if you are going to splurge a little ….. now is the time to do so.  From Big box chains, to your local grocery store, to independent wine and spirits shops, and yes even online only stores…. everyone is offering their best foot forward when it comes to pricing and availability this time of year.  Some helpful hints and tips:  Above is a list of some of the world's most loved bubbles.  Including the oldest Champagne house, as well as the very first Sparkling Winery from Napa and of course Champagne Royalty …. KRUG and the beloved Dom Perignon.  

When looking for Champagne for your holiday gathering it is a good idea to keep a few things in mind when shopping around on price.  

1) Number of people in attendance- each 750ml bottle of Champagne will provide approximately 5-6 glasses.  If you are having a small party of 2 or a large gathering of 100 there is a Champagne for you and a size to match.  Sizes include individual "mini" bottles in 187ml (Moet & Chandon and Domaine Chandon) "Half Bottles" 375ml (Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, KRUG) or Large formats such as the "Magnum" 1.5L or the equivalent to 2 regular 750ml bottles(Domaine Chandon, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Dom Perignon, and KRUG)..  

2)Who is your audience and what is on the menu?: will your guests be simply toasting to the New Year or do you have a home filled with wine aficionado's?  Champagne LOVES food so if your group falls into the later category…. your menu will be a huge help in your selection.  If you are having lighter fare such as Turkey, Fish, Vegetarian or Vegan…. a brut or Blancs de Blancs will be the true companion to your spread.  Should your menu include items such as red meat, lamb, pork, or items with hearty sauces…. then Rose will truly be the perfect choice to wow your guests whether they be Sommelier's or first time Champagne Sippers.

3) Have FUN! Champagne is a beautiful way to not just celebrate the holidays but the everyday and the people you are with.  It is truly unique in that it can be carried from welcome, to appetizers.  Main dishes, desserts and of course ringing in the New Year.

Fun Facts:

1. there are approximately 49 million bubbles in a 750ml bottle of Champagne
2. Marilyn Monroe is believed to have taken a both in over 350 bottles of Champagne
3. There are approximately 100 calories in a single serving of Champagne
4. The velocity at which the cork leaves the bottle can garner speed of up to 100 mph