How to Throw an A-List Wine & Cheese Party

What's a great way to kick off a celebration, graduation, or holiday? Throw an a-list wine & cheese party! You can do it and it doesn't have to be cost a million dollars. Follow this plan and you will be the talk of the party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• At least 20 different wine types - from Pinot Blanc to Champagne
• At least 10 different cheeses - from Brie to Goat Cheese
• Various types of crackers
• Various types of bread - make sure you have French bread
• At least 4 different olives
• Liver pate or other type of pate
• Gourmet coffee
• At least 5 different chocolates
• Grapes
• Apples
• Table cards
• Cloth Napkins
• Dessert plates
• Silverware
• Platters

1. The plan--what are you celebrating? Decide what the occasion is and make a list of all the decorations you will need. Now get up and hit three stores only --the party store, the wine/liquor store and the grocery store. At the party store, only buy items on sale and limit yourself to $150. At the wine/liquor store, limit yourself to $250. Look for deals. Buy some wines you haven't tried before. Buy at least two bottles of champagne in the $25 to $50 range. At the grocery store, limit yourself to $200. Don't forget to buy store brands. You can buy index cards at the grocery store and they can serve as your table cards.

2. Setup three tables: one for cheese and cracker platters, one for all other foods, and one for wine. Setup your the food platters first. Garish each platter with olives, grapes and apples. Next, set up the wine table. Place the bottles of champagne in the middle and then place a few cheese/cracker platters and other wines around the champagne. Make the third table a mixture of other foods and wine. Pile the platters high with food. Place plenty of napkins and silverware all around. Dig out the fancy glasses and plates. Finally, make your table cards for each bottle of wine. List the name and date for each wine. Place in front of corresponding bottle.

3. Decorate the entire house with decorations from the party store. Make the house festive. Double check your food and wine tables. Next, clean yourself up and get ready for your guests.

4. The party--enjoy yourself and let your guests help themselves. Don't worry about anything. Once all the food and wine is gone, it is gone. As guests are moving around the party, ask them about the wine and the various cheeses.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy plenty of food. You don't want to run out half way through the party
• Have some help with setting up and breaking down the party
• Hand write table cards or use a computer to print labels and then attach the label to a index card
• White wines should be chilled and reds should be room temperature
• Invite guests to spend the night if you have the room