12 Summer Tasting Ideas
We’re all SO ready to see each other—in person! Now more than ever, people are craving personal connections. And boy, are they up for a good time. A few “new etiquette” tips: Buffets and community dips are out, specialty bars and individual desserts in. So is making everyone comfortable with plenty of space and hand sanitizers. Have extra wraps handy in case a guest gets chilly. And just be your usual thoughtful self.
Globetrotter Getaway
Everybody’s itchin’ to blow town! Throw a travel bug party for your guests. Decorate with travel posters, maps, banners and fun favors. Pair up your wines with exotic bites—Moroccan, Brazilian, Thai—whatever thrills you. Decoration inspiration.
Rustlers and Cowpokes
Dressin’ in wild west gear and sharing wine and tasty nibbles can’t be beat. Think about chuckwagon favorites like barbecue and beans. If you’re outside, set up the horseshoes. Add a country playlist and don’t forget the hot fiddle tunes. We reckon you’ll soon have yourself a hoedown.
By the Sea
Imagine the seashore, boardwalk, beach. Now create those vibes. How about real sand, real shells and surfboards? You and your friends are in your cool beachy wear, sipping wines and enjoying seaside snacks. Hot dogs and fries? Don’t forget salt water taffy. OR retro idea: Go Beach Blanket Bingo.
Mermaid Goals
Create underwater illusions with “wavy” blue décor, even silk scarves and a fan. Add toy or paper fish and shells. Fill a treasure chest with gold chocolate coins. (If you have a pool, all the better!) Guests wear mermaid attire, easily found online. Sip wines and serve mermaid cookies. Lots of mermaid ideas.
Tiki TIki
Tiki culture lives! The Hollywood version of South Seas allure makes an extra fun party. So many decorations! And food! Anything pineapple or coconut, shrimp, egg rolls, more! Ask everyone to dress island festive and have a total Tiki ball.
*Image courtesy of hollywoodlife.com.
Hot August Nights
Hot rods and pompadours, pin curls and poodle skirts, the 1950s offer endless ideas. The iconic pop film “Grease” is an ideal place for inspiration. Whether your event is outside or in, you can have a great time finding props and decorations. Go all out with a diner or drive-in theme, or maybe a sock hop? Rock and roll is here to stay!
Music Festival Vibes
We all love summer music festivals and concerts. Choose your favorite band/bands and plan a party. Put on your own “Coachella 2021.” Or if you are a superfan of a special artist/band, dedicate the event to them (helps if your guests are fans). Posters, tickets, sunscreen, our great wines and simple festival foods are all you need. Oh, and music!
Cities and Snacks
Invite guests to “come as their hometown or favorite city” and bring an object, accessory or outfit that symbolizes that place. Some will be obvious (Lady Liberty) others won’t. It’s fun to have guests guess each other’s town. Ask people in advance what they’re “coming as” and serve a food from that town. Anyone for Philly Cheese Steaks, Cincinnati Chili or Muffelatas?
BTS Color and Sip
The kids are finally going back to in-person school. Celebrate and catch your breath with something relaxing. National Coloring Book Day is August 2nd, so a Color and Sip is just the thing. Set your Tasting table with bright flowers, simple snacks and quality colored pencils and markers. Have coloring books handy (or guests can bring their own). BTW no pressure to finish coloring the entire page—enjoying the process is what matters most.
Reunions!
After missing people near and dear to us for such a long time, we’re finally able to get together. Let’s gather and have Tastings! As if there’s not enough reasons to celebrate, August is brimming with fun observances—for a start, it’s Family Fun Month. Week 3 is Friendship Week, August 1st is Friendship Day, National Girlfriends Day and Sisters Day. Find more offbeat holidays here.
Book Buddies
Find a great book and a few friends who want to read it too, then get together over our tasty wines and discuss. Book Lover’s Day is August 9th, yet every day can be a book lover’s day, no book club required. And when a story touches your mind and your heart, it’s gratifying to talk about it with friends. Who knows—one book buddy gathering may turn into several.
Red Flower, White Flower
Red wine lovers, white wine lovers. At your Tastings, how to remember who loves which? With flowers. Carnations are easy to find and fun to wear in your hair. With ribbon and a pin, you can make a corsage for each guest. BTW both National Red Wine Day and National White Wine Day are in August (28th and 3rd). If you were wondering, National Rosé Day is June 12th, but there’s no reason to wait.
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