Spring Cocktails

Spring Cocktails

Refreshing way to Toast the Seasons arrival

Spring cocktails offer a refreshing and invigorating way to toast to the season’s arrival, whether you’re craving a non-alcoholic sipper or a spirited libation.

Embrace the essence of spring with vibrant concoctions like the Strawberry Basil Spritzer, blending muddled strawberries, basil leaves, and sparkling water for a burst of fruity freshness. For a cooling sensation, indulge in a Cucumber Mint Cooler, where crisp cucumber slices and fragrant mint leaves are muddled and mixed with a splash of soda water.

For those seeking a bit more spirit, vodka-based cocktails like the classic Vodka Cucumber Drink offer a crisp and clean profile, perfect for sipping on sunny afternoons. Alternatively, whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy the robust flavors of spring with whiskey recipes like the Mint Julep, a timeless cocktail synonymous with celebratory occasions and outdoor gatherings.

Whether you’re raising a glass to the beauty of spring blooms or toasting to life’s milestones, these spring cocktails are sure to add a touch of elegance and cheer to any occasion.

7 Champagne Bar Tools and Accessories

7 Champagne Bar Tools and Accessories

Creating a sophisticated and inviting Champagne bar requires careful consideration of the essential bar tools and accessories that enhance the overall experience. A well-curated champagne bar set typically includes a range of tools designed to elevate the serving and enjoyment of this effervescent beverage.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bar Tools and Accessories

Champagne Bar Tools and Accessories include:

  • Elegant Glasses
  • Chilling Buckets
  • Bottle Stoppers
  • Mixers
  • Spirits
  • Garnishes
  • Bar Cart

Crystal flutes with a slender and elongated design are favored for preserving the bubbles and enhancing the aroma, providing a touch of luxury to the overall experience. To find out more information on champagne glasses, go to our complete guide on glasses, here.

Champagne Glass

Chilling buckets or ice buckets with a sleek design not only keep the champagne at the optimal temperature but also serve as decorative elements, adding a touch of glamour to the setup.


Silver Champagne Ice Bucket

When setting up a champagne bar, it’s essential to consider the layout and presentation to create an inviting atmosphere. A well-organized bar area with neatly displayed bottles, glassware, and accessories makes a lasting impression. See Serving Carts for Entertaining.

Silver Bar Cart

More Bar Tools and Accessories

A well-organized bar area with neatly displayed bottles, glassware, and accessories makes a lasting impression. Incorporating creative ideas for a champagne bar can include personalized champagne labels, themed decorations, and a dedicated space for a DIY champagne cocktail station. To add an interactive element, consider offering a selection of fruit garnishes, flavored syrups, and edible flowers for guests to customize their champagne drinks. The success of a champagne bar lies in the meticulous attention to detail and the inclusion of stylish and functional accessories.

Champagne Popsicle Party

Accessories for your bar

See our Inspiration Board below for some suggestions.

Click on any photo below to see item.

Champagne Buckets

Antique Brass and Glass Champagne Bucket
Famille Rose Champagne Bucket
Hammered Stainless Steel Champagne Bucket
Marlo Thomas Champagne Ceramic Bucket
Silver Champagne Bucket
Ice Bucket, 3.5 L Acrylic Drink Bucket

Champagne Bottle Stoppers

Champagne Stopper
Heritage Champagne Stopper
Marble Stopper
Bottle Stoppers
Le Creuset Champagne Stopper
Bottle Stoppers

In Summary

Champagne bar tools play a pivotal role in creating an exquisite and memorable drinking experience.

Elegant champagne flutes, with their slender and elongated design, are crucial for preserving bubbles and enhancing aroma. Ice buckets not only maintain the optimal temperature but also serve as stylish decor. Champagne bottle stoppers ensure freshness for unfinished bottles, while a well-designed beverage cart adds mobility and convenience to the setup.

To elevate the festivities, consider hosting a themed champagne popsicle party, where guests can customize their drinks with flavored popsicles, fruit garnishes, and unique champagne cocktail combinations.

This innovative and interactive approach adds a delightful touch to the champagne bar experience, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

14 Types of Wine Glasses: A Complete Guide

14 Types of Wine Glasses: A Complete Guide

In this blog, we explore the world of 14 types of wine glasses. Wine, a beverage cherished for centuries, has its own world of nuances and rituals. One such aspect that often goes unnoticed but significantly enhances the overall wine experience is the choice of glassware. Different types of wine are enhanced with specific glass shapes to accentuate their unique characteristics. We dive into the intricacies of their shapes and the reasons behind them. Types of wine glasses: a complete guide will help you figure this all out and I will give you some recommendations. All glasses can be purchased here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

14 Types of Wine Glasses:

Red Wine Glasses

Cabernet Sauvignon

Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine has strong tannins, full body, dark color and black currant fruit. Cabernet originates from France’s Bordeaux region. Today, you will find this grape in vineyards from Napa Valley’s sunny slopes to the grassy terrains of Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon is famous for its deep, layered flavors – a mix of dark fruits such as blackcurrant, with hints of green pepper, and often a hint of oak. The universal wine glass is for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Features of a Cabernet Sauvignon Glass:

  • Tall large bowl with a wide base and tall stem, allowing the wine to aerate and breath thus, developing its complex aromas. Oxidizing softens the tannins found in red wine which improves the flavor overall.
  • This shape directs the wine to the back of the palate, enhancing the perception of its rich tannins. Before pouring Cabernet into wine glasses, you will see it poured in a decanter to allow it to aerate first.
Cabernet Sauvignon Glass

Burgundy

Characteristics of Burgundy: light in color, intensely fragrant, medium-bodied wine with a fruity, elegant palate redolent of cherries, with highish acidity and low levels of tannins.

Features of a Burgundy Glass:

  • Burgundy wines, like Pinot Noir, thrive in a glass with a wider bowl and a larger opening.
  • This design promotes aeration, allowing the delicate aromas to evolve and the wine to express its full potential. The gentle tapering at the top captures and focuses the fragrances towards the nose.
Burgundy Wine Glass

Zinfandel

Characteristics of Zinfandel: the late-ripening red Zinfandel wine produces a jammy flavor bursting with fruity aromas of blackberry, cherry, plums, black pepper, and cinnamon with varying levels of oak. A fuller bodied wine that is high in alcohol content, Zinfandel is known for its fruity meets spicy kick with a smoky body.

Features of a Zinfandel Glass:

  • Zinfandel glasses strike a balance between the Cabernet and Burgundy shapes. With a moderately wide bowl, they allow the wine to breathe while focusing on fruit-forward characteristics.
  • The slightly tapered rim aids in directing the wine to specific taste receptors on the palate.
Zinfandel Wine Glasses

Pinot Noir

Characteristics of Pinot Noir: dry, light- to medium-bodied, with bright acidity, silky tannins and alcohol that ranges between 12–15%. The best Pinot Noir taste has complex flavors that include cherry, raspberry, mushroom and forest, plus vanilla and baking spice when aged in French oak.

Features of a Pinot Noir Glass:

  • Pinot Noir glasses have a broad bowl with a tapered rim to capture the delicate aromas of this finicky grape.
  • The wide surface area enhances oxygen exposure, allowing the wine to soften its tannins and unfold its nuanced flavors.
Pinot Noir Wine Glass

Bordeaux

Characteristics of Bordeaux: Bordeaux reds are medium- to full-bodied with bold aromas of black currant, plums and an earthiness like smelling wet soil or pencil lead. Depending on the quality, vintage and what region within Bordeaux the wine is from, fruit flavors range from more tart fruit to sweeter ripe fruit.

Features of a Bordeaux Glass:

  • Bordeaux glasses are designed for wines like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The tall, straight bowl with a narrow opening concentrates the aromas, directing the wine to the back of the palate.
  • This shape emphasizes the wine’s structure and tannins.
Red wine glasses with Decanter

14 Types of Wine Glasses

White Wine Glasses

Chardonnay

Characteristics of Chardonnay: Flavors found in Chardonnay are hints of lemon zest, lime, green apple and grapefruit when unoaked. Putting this wine to age in oak barrels changes the flavor to take on fuller, oaked aromas with a lingering buttery finish and notes of vanilla and spice.

Features of a Chardonnay Glass:

  • Chardonnay glasses have a large bowl, similar to that of the Burgundy / Pinot Noir but slightly smaller and feature a much shorter stem.
  • This larger bowl allows for a big surface area to be created, ideal for full-bodied white wines such as oak-aged Chardonnay.
Chardonnay Wine Glass
Sauvignon Blanc

Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc: This is a dry and fragrant white wine. It is light bodied wine with a mellow color.Young in style and rarely aged. It is used in France to make refreshing sweet dessert wines.

Features of a Sauvignon Glass:

Sauvignon Blanc glasses are characterized by a narrower bowl and a more tapered rim. This design helps concentrate the vibrant and zesty aromas of the wine.

The smaller surface area minimizes oxidation, preserving the wine’s freshness.

Sauvignon Wine Glass

14 Types of Wine Glasses

Champagne Glasses
Tulip

Characteristics of Champagne Glasses: Champagne is commonly served in three types of glasses: Tulip, Coupe and Flute. The correct glass is based on personal preference. However, the flute and tulip glasses are often considered ideal for serving champagne because they help preserve the bubbles and capture the rich aromas, enhancing your overall experience. Each glass offers a unique way to appreciate the characteristics of champagne, from its visual appeal to its aroma and taste.

Features of a Tulip Glass:

The tulip-shaped Champagne glass is designed for premium sparkling wines. It features a tall, narrow bowl that captures and enhances the effervescence. The elongated shape allows the bubbles to develop and preserves the wine’s carbonation.

Tulip Wine Glass
Coupe

Features of a Coupe Glass:

The classic coupe glass, with its shallow and broad bowl, is reminiscent of the early 20th-century Champagne glasses. While stylish, it’s less favored today as the broader surface area allows the bubbles to dissipate quickly.

Coupe Champagne Glass
Flute

Features of a Flute Glass:

Champagne flutes are tall and slender, with a narrow bowl and a long stem. This design maintains the wine’s effervescence by minimizing the surface area exposed to air. The shape also showcases the wine’s bead and encourages a continuous stream of bubbles.

Flute Champagne Glass
14 Types of Wine Glasses
Dessert Wines
Port

Port glasses are small and narrow, designed to concentrate the rich and sweet aromas of fortified wines like Port. The diminutive size encourages slow sipping, allowing the complex flavors to unfold.

Port Wine Glass
Sherry

Sherry glasses, similar to port glasses, have a smaller bowl. The tulip shape concentrates the nutty and oxidative notes characteristic of Sherry wines.

Sherry Wine Glass
Type of Wine Glasses
Rose Glasses
Young Rose

Glasses for young rosé wines typically have a tulip-shaped bowl, similar to those used for white wines. This design highlights the wine’s delicate fruitiness and floral notes.

Mature Rose

As rosé wines age and develop more complex flavors, glasses with a slightly wider bowl and tapered rim are preferred. This shape allows the wine to breathe and showcases the evolving aromas.

Understanding Wine Glass Anatomy:

While the shape of a wine glass is crucial, understanding its components is equally important for a complete appreciation of the wine-drinking experience.

  1. Bowl: The bowl is the rounded, open part of the glass that holds the wine. Its shape is tailored to the specific wine type to enhance aromas and flavors.
  2. Rim: The rim is the top edge of the bowl, influencing the way the wine enters the mouth. It can be tapered, wide, or flared, affecting the wine’s flow and the perception of flavors.
  3. Stem: The stem is the slender part that connects the bowl to the base. Holding the glass by the stem prevents heat from your hand affecting the wine temperature.
  4. Base: The base provides stability to the glass and can vary in size and shape. A stable base is crucial to prevent spills and accidents.
Rose Wine Glass

Summary

Choosing the right wine glass is an art that elevates the sensory experience of enjoying wine. Each glass shape is meticulously crafted to enhance the unique characteristics of different wine varieties. By understanding the science behind the design, wine enthusiasts can fully appreciate the complexities and nuances of their favorite wines. Whether it’s a robust red, a crisp white, a celebratory Champagne, a sweet dessert wine, or a refreshing rosé, the right glass can make all the difference in unlocking the full potential of every sip. Cheers to the art and science of wine appreciation!

Timeless Neutrals – 30 Examples

Timeless Neutrals – 30 Examples

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Timeless Neutrals make a beautiful foundation for layering.

Timeless neutrals serve as an exquisite foundation for layering within any interior design scheme.

From serene whites to soothing grays and warm beiges, neutrals provide a versatile canvas that allows for endless creativity and customization. These hues effortlessly blend with any decor style, whether it’s modern minimalism, classic elegance, or rustic charm.

For instance, a crisp white backdrop lends an airy and open feel to a space, while soft taupe tones create a sense of warmth and coziness. Neutrals have a remarkable ability to adapt to various moods and aesthetics, making them indispensable in the realm of interior design.

Layering neutrals within a living space adds depth and sophistication, resulting in a visually rich and inviting environment.

Timeless neutrals

Photo Courtesy by Pottery Barn. Timeless Neutrals

Consider combining different shades of neutrals to create contrast and interest. For instance, pairing creamy ivory walls with charcoal gray furniture and accents can evoke a sense of drama and refinement, while still maintaining a timeless allure.

Introducing textures such as linen, wool, or leather further enhances the tactile appeal of neutral layers, adding depth and dimension to the room.

Additionally, incorporating metallic accents like brushed nickel or gold provides a touch of glamour and elevates the overall aesthetic.

Neutrals also offer a sense of longevity and timelessness, ensuring that your living space remains stylish and relevant for years to come. Unlike trendy colors that may fall out of favor, neutral palettes have enduring appeal, standing the test of time while allowing for easy updates and transitions.

By starting with a foundation of timeless neutrals, you can effortlessly introduce seasonal colors or trends through interchangeable accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork, ensuring that your living room remains fresh and inviting throughout the years.

Timeless neutrals in home decor create a harmonious and enduring aesthetic that transcends trends, providing a sense of tranquility and sophistication to any space.

The versatile palette of whites, beiges, grays, and soft tones have a way of accentuating an interior and creating continuity in an open-plan space. Neutrals adapt to various design styles, from classic to contemporary, allowing for seamless integration of different elements.

Other ideas for your home.

Whether it’s the clean lines of modern furniture or the intricate details of traditional pieces, neutrals serve as unifying the space, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity. Additionally, neutrals possess the unique ability to amplify natural light, making rooms feel more spacious and inviting.

Adding timeless neutrals is a good choice that goes beyond fleeting fads by creating a timeless and elegant sanctuary.

Pottery Barn Classic Blues

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stoneware Kitchen Canisters
Canisters
Stoneware Utensil Holder
Kitchen Canister
Party Bucket
Spice Rack
Oversized Linen Tablecloth
Fringed Table Runner
Ivory Linen Napkins
Marble Napkin Rings
Neutral Striped Napkins
Seagrass Napkin Rings
Oval Jute Placemats
Rectangular Rattan Placemats
Wicker Oval Placemat
Round Natural Placemat
Woven Round Placemat
Cotton Round Placemat
Charger Plate
Alabaster Charger Plate
Acacia Wood Charger Plate
Stoneware Footed Serving Bowls
Condiment Server
Party Bucket
Heart Marble Board
Round Marble Board
Rectangle Marble Board
Metal Bar Cart
Marble End Table
Artisan Bowl
Collections for the Home – 30 Items

Collections for the Home – 30 Items

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Collections for the Home is about creating collections of tabletop pieces for home entertaining that adds a personalized and curated touch to gatherings.

Table of Contents

Collections for the Home

Click here for some Pottery Barn Collections.

Whether it’s an assortment of elegant dinnerware, intricately designed glassware, or vintage-inspired flatware, a thoughtfully curated collection enhances the visual appeal of the dining experience. Selecting pieces that complement each other in style, color, or theme creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

From festive occasions to intimate dinners, tabletop collections offer the opportunity to showcase individual taste and style. Mixing and matching various elements within the collection allows for a dynamic and eclectic presentation, sparking conversations and making each dining experience unique.

The art of collecting tabletop pieces not only elevates the aesthetics of home entertaining but also reflects the host’s personality, transforming the dining table into a canvas for self-expression and memorable moments. Let us help you start a collection to complement your home decor.

Pottery Barn Harrison Barware Collection

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Click here to see more Collections for the Home

Alabaster Pendant
Brass Candlesticks
Candles
Terra Cotta Collection
Cheery Blossoms
Lilacs
Extended Dining Table
Glassware
Entertaining Collection
Serveware Collection
Marble Cheese Knives
Alabaster Serving Platter
Pillow Collection
Stoneware Collection
Metal Frames
Etched Gold Rim Glassware
Lily of the Valley Glassware
Acrylic Drinkware
Vintage Kitchen Collection
Desktop Organizer
Melamine Dinnerware Collection
Stoneware Collection
Beachcomber Basket Collection
Antler Fireplace Collection
Bar Furniture Collection
Mirror Collection
Cocktail Plates Collection
Stoneware Pitcher
Stoneware Mixing Bowls
Stoneware Dip Bowls
Peaceful Classic Blue – 30 Items

Peaceful Classic Blue – 30 Items

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Peaceful Classic Blue

Peaceful Classic Blue, is sophisticated and brings timeless elegance to home entertaining and evokes memories of nature, ie; the sky and water.

As a versatile and calming shade, it creates a welcoming ambiance for gatherings and social events. Whether used in table settings, decorative elements, or even as an accent wall, peaceful Classic Blue provides a sense of tranquility that encourages meaningful conversations and a relaxed atmosphere.

This deep color complements a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to add to their home entertaining spaces with a touch of refined charm. Embracing peaceful classic blue in your entertaining decor not only aligns with the trendsetting color of the year but also promises a timeless and sophisticated setting for memorable gatherings.

Blue is a color often found in nature, such as the pale blue of the daytime sky or the rich dark blue of a deep pool of water. It is for this reason, perhaps, that people often describe the color blue as calm and serene. Add a touch of blue in your dining room, kitchen and living room. Just a few items like napkins pictured below and a navy seagrass placemat will get your table looking great this spring..

Click here to see more inspiration.

Pottery Barn Class Blue Tabletop

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Blue Dinner Plate
Seagrass Charger
White Dinner Plate
Hydrangea Bundle
Hammered Drinking Glasses
Forsythia
Confetti Flutes
Antique Cut Glasses
Beaded Stoneware
Pottery Barn Blue Jute Placemat
Sea Colored Vases
Blue Hydrangea Bundle
Italian Flatware
Pewter Napkin Rings
Eyelet Napkins
Linen Tablecloth
Gunmetal Flatware
Blue White Napkins
Blue and White Stoneware Plate
Blue Yellow Pillow
Blue Flowered Pillow
Slate Swivel Chair
Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Blue Upholstered Chair
Blue Bathmat
Blue Bath Towels
Duvet Cover