Entertaining
Cocktails for beginners
The result of my latest poll showed there was a considerable interest in cocktails so I’m going to try and include recipes and serving suggestions more often. Only 6% of you said you never made them compared to 19% who made them at least once a week and 38% who made them a couple of times a month. The remaining 38% ‘rarely make them’ which I suspect means you’re either much keener on wine or regard them as daunting.
When should you chill red wine?
The response to my recent poll on how often you chill red wine was fascinating. Contrary to the general impression you get that everyone drinks chilled reds with fish these days only 15% said that they did. However the 45% who said they chilled reds “often, particularly in summer” probably included fish among the meals with which they drank it.
Which wine to take on a picnic?
I’ve been holding off writing about this subject hoping that the weather in the UK might improve but since it now seems that summer may pass us by totally I might as well take the plunge (to choose an inappropriate metaphor).
Bring a bottle - but which one?
Should you take a bottle of wine when you go to dinner with someone - and if so, which one? And if you’re a host should you open the bottle your guests have bought? These are more questions of etiquette than wine know-how but here’s what I would do . . .
Two questions about wine and weddings
Q We’re getting married shortly and thought we’d ask our friends to give us wine as we’d like to start putting together a cellar. Do you have any ideas on the type of wines we should include and who could help us?
What to pour for your mum this Sunday
Last week I went to the perfect breakfast hosted at one of London’s favourite restaurants The Wolseley by the champagne house Billecart-Salmon in aid of Britain's Biggest Breakfast - a month long fund raising event for Cancer Research UK The charity is urging everyone to hold a breakfast for their family, friends or colleagues during March (still 17 days to go . . . ) and it struck me that this would be a particularly nice way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Which wine to serve as an aperitif?
The results of our latest poll showed an overwhelming preference for champagne or other sparkling wine over any other aperitif - the ultra-sophisticated dry martini or refreshing gin and tonic barely registering. But it’s worth thinking of a few other possibilities to kick your evening off.
So what if your Valentine doesn't drink wine?
From the bottles that are lined up on the supermarket shelves you’d think the whole world was going to be drinking champagne tomorrow. But you know and I know that it just doesn’t hit the spot for many people who would frankly much prefer a beer or a soft drink. So what are the romantic alternatives?
Planning a Burns Night dinner
Some years ago we had some good friends who were really into Burns Night. They were both actors and Steve (north London Jewish) did a brilliant ‘address to the haggis’ in a ripsnorting Scots accent which had tears rolling down our faces.
Which wine glasses to buy
With the sales still in full swing it’s a good time to be snapping up cut price wine glasses but which kind should you buy and how many do you need?
Three easy Christmas cocktails
If you have tiresome relatives around making a nuisance of themselves give them a job to do and let them run up one of these simple cocktails:
Choosing wine for a party
Party time is here again but whereas, I suspect, you spend hours planning the food, drink probably doesn’t get much of a look-in until the last minute. A bit of forethought, however can not only mean you drink more appropriately - bearing in mind parties are hot, thirsty events - but save you money into the bargain.
What wine to order in a restaurant?
You’re eating with friends - there’s a party of six of you and you all order different dishes off the menu. Whose dish do you match or do you just give up the struggle?
What to drink at a wedding . . .
Q I am the best man at a wedding and agreed to provide the wine for the head table. The couple is serving a soy, ginger salmon and chicken dish (i assume you get a choice). Any thoughts?
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