University Chic

Fete Files: Sangria Soiree

Katie Reynolds
September 5, 2007 - 11:37am.
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With the new semester starting up, its important to get the school year off on the right foot. Welcome the entrance of fall with an elegant wine party filled with your favorite friends, wines, and cheeses!

Don’t stress trying to find the perfect Chardonnay to fit your beer thirsty buds pallet, but rather, create your own sangria (or a variety of wines), with a vast array of flavors. Under 21 or living in the dorm? Don’t fret! This idea is easily interchangeable with non-alcoholic beverages. Whether your wine comes from the box or a bottle of the best, your guests will be happy to attend a sophisticated soiree.

INVITATIONS ONLY

Considering we’re going for a more elegant theme than your typical welcome back frat party, try to doll your invites up in the same elegant manner as your party. Stick to something simple and affordable. Myexpression.com has some great invites.

(Photo and invite via http://www.myexpression.com/ProdCustomDetail.cfm?ProductID=1396#BookMark)

This particular one goes for $10.95 per pack of ten, but can be custom printed for an extra charge.

If you’re feeling crafty, consider making your own invites with some stencil, construction paper and ribbons! I tried this technique out myself, and although it’s a bit time consuming, it was fun! Simply cut out as many wine bottle shapes as needed on construction paper, write in the details of your party (time, place, attire, etc.) and add a little ribbon to your invite to dress it!

SPLURGE!

Polkadot design has custom printable invites available. Prices are $33.00 per pack of ten, depending on the type of décor you choose, (font, color, size, etc. but the invites are adorable) If you’re willing to shell out a few extra bucks for your chic tasting party, go to http://www.polkadotdesign.com.

SWEET SLURPS

There are LOTS of fun wines and juices to choose from for a wine tasting party. If you’re into a sweet tasting sangria, consider making your own.

Try the Sunset Sangria. I made this one myself, it’s easy to throw together, and can be made in large quantities for little extra cost.

Mix It Up:

3 tbsp sugar
4 Oz spiced dark rum
3 Oz orange liqueur
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
2 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
1 cup fresh berries
2 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle Rioja, chilled
12 Oz sparkling soda water

Let drink sit in fridge over night to ensure that all flavors are at their ripest. Add sparkling water or soda before serving to add a little bit of sass to your sangria!

(Recipe via http://www.mixdrinx.com/recipes/Punch/Wine/Sunset-Sangria/.)

For those under 21, no need to fret because your “wine tasting” party will be just as chic with mixed juices. It’s important to give your guests options, meaning not just one flavor of wine or juice! Mix it up a little bit with some Citrus nonalcoholic Sangria

Mix It Up:

1 Apple (sliced)

1 Orange (sliced)

½ Cup of sugar

3 Oranges

2 Limes

2 Lemons

40 Ounces grape juice (White or Red)

(Recipe via http://www.recipezaar.com/231399)

Use the 3 whole oranges for their juices, along with the limes and lemons, while the sliced apple and orange serve as decoration and added on flavor. This recipe for Citrus Sangria can be made into real sangria by simply replacing the grape juice with a bottle or red or white wine!

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME CHEESE WITH THAT WINE?

Consider serving simple snacks for your wine party. Stick to finger foods like cheese and crackers, olives and various breads, and don’t forget about dessert! Your guests will love the variation of different cheeses with the variety of wines or juices, and you can do it all on a budget under $50. Get your snacks at Pricechopper or BJ’s Wholesale Club if shopping in bulk.

For dessert, stay with the simple, yet elegant theme of your party. One of my favorite wine desserts is Philadelphia style cheesecake.

PHILADELPHIA CHEESECAKE:

1-1/2 cups Honey Made Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs

(Recipe via http://www.kraftfoods.com)

DAZZLING DÉCOR

Create an end of summer/early fall serene atmosphere for your party. Decorate tables in simple and affordable linens, such as plain white tablecloths with a flower setting on each table. If you’re serving blush colored wine, consider using pink tablecloths or linens to match. If you’re throwing your wine tasting party in a college apartment, make due with what you’ve got on a budget. Faux flowers are available at Michael’s Craft stores. Prices vary depending on size and style.

Consider setting up each table with wineglasses and wine tasting cards. Create your own tasting cards to save money. Simply take index cards, write out the type of each wine in the tasting, and leave a section on the card for comments. This way each of your guests can write down what they think of each wine and compare with friends at their tables!

Last but not least, remember to have fun! Whether you’re throwing a wine or juice tasting party, the point is to get all of your pals together and enjoy a nice relaxing day of good food, drinks and company!

Fete Files: Sangria Soiree

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