Springy Sips and Snacks
It’s official—March 19 is the first day of spring, just one of many dates to celebrate this month. Of course, there’s St. Patrick’s Day and Earth Day, yet how about National Crayon Day? Whether your weather is snowy or sunny, remember to think spring when wine tasting. Time to lighten up and enjoy!
5 Spring Tasting Ideas
1. International Women’s Month
Once celebrated on one day (March 8) and now celebrated all month. Be spontaneous and ask each guest to raise a toast to a woman she admires most. Or be more prepared and provide the name/image a famous woman and ask each guest to match her up with a wine (What would Cleopatra drink?)
Fun extras to consider:
Famous Women Playing Cards
Bad Girls Throughout History
50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World
2. Earth Day (April 22)
Celebrate and love the earth, and enjoy gathering over great wines and nibbles. Share stories and tips about everyday things you can do to save the planet. If you’re fortunate enough to have warm weather, have your tasting outside. Use green/recyclable accessories.
Fun extras to consider:
Love the Earth Lollipops
Plantable Confetti
3. National Goof Off Day (March 22)
Need we say more? You’ll know what to do. Take a break from the real world and have a goof-off tasting party. Suspend serious thinking and be silly. Play a goofy movie or comedian in the background. (Ferris Bueller anyone?).
4. National Chip and Dip Day (March 23)
This party table couldn’t be much easier. Serve potato chips, corn chips and tortilla chips with your fave dips. Quick pairing tips:
Potato Chips (plain) – le Cadeau Semi-Seco Sparkling
Potato Chips (BBQ) – Sun Fish 2018 Petite Sirah
Tortilla Chips/Salsa – Credia 2018 Reisling
Doritos and Cheetos – Elance Cellars 2018 Rosé
Ranch Doritos – Joy Cellars 2018 Chenin Blanc
5. National Crayon Day (March 31)
Oh the special fragrance of fresh crayons as you crack open a box! Transport your guests back to childhood with a coloring theme. Provide coloring books, plain paper or download online free here.
Lightened-up Spring Recipes
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Honey Spice Dip
Who needs ordinary fries when golden baked sweet potato fries are on the table?
PAIRS WITH: Credia 2018 Merlot
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Pea Bruschetta
Garlicky-fresh pea pesto smeared onto a toasty baguette, garnished with shaved Parmesan and pistachios—yum!
PAIRS WITH: Sun Fish 2018 Mola Tecta
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Tender and light, these bite-sized meatballs are glazed with orange marmalade for a burst of sweetness.
PAIRS WITH: Glory Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Sugar Snap Pea Crisps
Tender, snackable snap peas baked in herbs and Parmesan—crunchy and hard to resist.
PAIRS WITH: Credia 2018 Reisling
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Honey Ginger Fruit Salad
A refreshing salad or dessert, fruit gets dressed up with honey, lemon and ginger.
PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Semi-Seco Sparkling
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Orange Flavored Frozen Yogurt Dots
Frosty dots of frozen yogurt are easy to make, low in fat and excellent for snacking or dessert.
PAIRS WITH: Elance Cellars 2018 Rosé
*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
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