The holiday season is the time of year to unwind and enjoy the little pleasures.
Laughter-filled feasts with family and friends, the clinking of glasses, and the wonderful aromas of home cooking and fresh pine needles. Immerse yourself in your favourite festivities, pour a glass, sit back and sip in the moment.
Whether you’re preparing to host or heading out with a bottle in hand, we’ve got the perfect inspirations to elevate your holiday entertaining. From creating the ultimate grazing platter to devour alongside your Sauvignon Blanc, to pairing the perfect side dish with your Pinot Noir, these simple yet impressive inspirations will light up your celebrations.
A Fun Way to Chill Your Sauvignon Blanc
Kick off your holiday get together with a perfectly chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and these gorgeous wine ice cubes. They’re simple to make and a fun way to chill your wine without diluting its flavour.
Instructions:
For these wine ice cubes, you will need one bottle of white wine, we recommend using our Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, a handful of edible flowers and an ice cube tray.
- Pour around a quarter of the wine you are going to be drinking into an ice cube tray
- Add in some colourful edible flowers
- Place flat in freezer and freeze until frozen solid. Around 4 hours
- Remove wine ice cubes from tray and place into a glass
- Pour in your wine and enjoy
Recipe Inspirations
Entertain and delight friends and family with these holiday-worthy recipes, perfectly paired with our favourite wines. No matter if you’re a novice cook or you make a holiday feast every year, there’s a dish waiting to become the star of any celebration.
The Ultimate Grazing Platter
Paired with our Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Begin your holiday event in style and wow your guests with this ultimate grazing platter. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you create a platter that looks amazing, tastes incredible, and pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled glass of our Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Grilled Asparagus & Pine Nut Salad
Paired with our Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc
This fresh and vibrant green salad is the perfect side dish to accompany the bright and zesty flavours found in a chilled glass of our Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. With simple ingredients, it’s an easy crowd pleaser that pairs well with roasted or grilled meats and fish.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Paired with our Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir
Crispy maple roasted brussels sprouts made with bacon and deliciously toasted hazelnuts. This delightful side dish is perfect for your holiday entertaining and a wonderful match to the juicy summer berry and toasty oak notes in our velvety Marlborough Pinot Noir.
Simple and Sustainable Gift Wrapping
Whether you’re bringing a bottle to a dinner party or giving one as a present, a nice bottle of wine makes a wonderful gift. For a more personal touch, try our simple, sustainable and unique wine bottle gift wrapping ideas.
Instructions:
- The Bow: Rather than using paper of a gift bag to wrap the whole bottle, simply tie a bow around the neck. Reuse some ribbon, eco-friendly twine or cut some strips of cloth or hessian. We like to use both a strip of cloth and some twine tied together.
- A Touch of Colour: You could use either dried or fresh cut flowers or simply cut some foliage straight from the garden.
- Add a Gift Tag: Add your personal touch and a message by adding a gift tag. We like to use kraft paper tags which can be recycled after use and have a natural appearance in keeping with your bow and foliage.
Set the Perfect Table
Set the scene for an unforgettable get-together this year. Welcome friends and family into your home and surprise them with a sensational table setting with these tips and tricks.
- Centre of attention. Scatter a collection of baubles across the table for a festive feel or gather various plants or trees from your backyard that you can trim to add a rustic touch.
- Let there be light. From candlesticks to tealights, lanterns and glass jars, try clustering a selection on a mirror to create an elevated mood.
- Take a seat. Layer your crockery by sitting the side plate and dessert bowl on top of the dinner plate. Tie a bow around the setting so your guests feel like they are opening up a present! A handwritten name tag is also a sweet touch.
- Through the looking glass. Best to have a Champagne flute, a wine glass and a water glass. Mix and match with vintage and modern and don’t forget the kids! A small milk bottle with paper straws is a great idea.
- Family style. Using different-shaped platters, bowls and plates creates interest on the table. Whether you have a main course or multiple courses, the ‘family table’ style gives your guests the option to select the food they like.
