While large gatherings are shunned this year, it doesn’t mean we have to hole up in our spectacular and festive hovels alone. Here are some smart tips and products to make holiday entertaining a little more merry and bright. They can be shared in person responsibly or sent as gifts for your Zoom holiday party.
Handsome Bartender
BDI has a new collection of tables, desks and home furniture. Their sleek bar caught my eye and this is always the first stop when planning on a few visitors this season. The Tanami contrasts straight lines with flowing, sculpted patterns. It’s bound to be a conversation piece in your living room. I also chose this for bar cabinet for its organization abilities for everything you need to host the perfect small gathering.
Shop: BDI USA
The Acrobat and The Banshee
I’ve selected several outstanding wines from the Pacific North West this holiday season.
Greetings from Oregon!
First up is Acrobat Pinot Gris from one of the vineyards that span the three classic areas of Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley. Each vineyard has distinct characteristics and their own distinct flavor. I chose this Pinot Gris for it’s crisp, clean taste and mild bouquet. The price is also easy on the holiday purse/wallet.
Shop: Acrobat
Banshee Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley is a good place to start for a decent red wine. However, like most award winning wines, the prices of Banshee Pinot Noir can run the gamut depending on the year. This year I recommend a bottle from 2018 with its hint of Santa Rosa plums and wild blackberries. I think it pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon or a selection of hor d’oeuvres. For the wine snob in your bunch, try the 2013 Banshee Rice-Spivak Pinot Noir magnum and prepare to dig a little deeper into your holiday stocking.
Shop: Banshee Wines
The Mixer and The Magic Bullet
This tasty beverage can help you avoid one of those nasty hangovers on the 26th of December and the 2nd of January. Magic Bullet is the smart way to drink with its no caffeine, vegan and gluten free ingredients as well as the refreshing blood orange flavor gave it extra points on our criteria list. You can drink this sparkly beverage with or without your favorite spirit. We recommend you mix it with your favorite rum or vodka, add a spoonful of raspberry sorbet and top off with Grand Marnier makes the perfect holiday cocktail.
Shop: Magic Bullet
Vegan Children?
Don’t forget the little ones running around in their Christmas pajamas! Seven Sundays make three different grain free sunflower cereals: Real Berry, Real Cinnamon and Real Cocoa. Verified by the non-GMO project, these cereals are Vegan and made with no grains or gluten, no refined sugars or artificial flavors. The Real Berry and Real Cinnamon cereals were a huge success at the breakfast table, The Real Cocoa scored equally as well as a treat baked into cookies.
Shop: Seven Sundays
Keto Family
I’ve recently discovered Bubba’s Fine Foods for my friends and family who adhere to the Keto diet plan. I am not as regimented as several of my friends; however, this brand has found a new fan and consumer. Their line of Keto Nut Mixes come in several flavors including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Traditional Recipe with it’s selection of premium nuts and seeds, and Maple Cinnamon Praline. I am a nutty fan of their Pepperoni Pizza and Sour Cream & Chive blends. They live up to their flavor labels and it’s like a party in the mouth. I feel a little bit bad for those with nut allergies.
Shop: Bubba’s Foods
A Taste of Napa Valley
A nice bottle of red wine is always a good idea to serve at your small get-together. This year I recommend the Larkmead Solari. Hints of violet, dried herbs and black tea fill the nose while sweet fruit like black cherry and bittersweet chocolate fill the palate. What I enjoy most about this wine is fruit flavors fill the soul with warmth and the tannins linger for a while after each sip.
Shop: Larkmead
Stay safe and enjoy this holiday season!
