The Happiest Hour {White Christmas Sangria}

One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is all of the fancy fantastical holiday parties. With spirited soirees galore, it's rude to show up empty handed. But, showing up with another candle seems thoughtless. While a nice bottle of wine or liquor is always an option, this year mix it up (literally!) by surprising your hostess with bottle of white cranberry sangria. Filled with holiday flavors like cranberry and pomegranate, it's got just the right amount of flavor and fizz for all to enjoy. So grab a glass and get ready to pour, here's the recipe.

:: Ingredients ::
750 ml White Wine
2 Cups Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
1/2 Cup Fresh Cranberries
1 Apple, sliced thin
Soda Water

:: Directions ::
1. Combine wine, cranberry pomegranate juice, fresh cranberries, and apple slices in a pitcher. Refrigerate for one hour or until ready to serve.
2. Serve over ice and top with splash of soda water.

The Perfect Gift {The Entertainer}

Every Christmas I always ask for the same things. New clothes, gift certificates, and electronics. But, my favorite thing under the tree is always great pieces for entertaining. Nothing makes me happier than unwrapping a chic little serving tray or a well designed wine decanter. It seems that over the years, all the pieces have began to look about the same. But this year, retailers are raising the bar. Here are 5 amazingly designed pieces that every entertainer will love to unwrap...

{1} Anthropologie Beverage Dispenser: Between the interesting shape and the rustic lid, I'm dying over this beverage dispenser. I've been eyeing it for months now and I'm hoping to add it to my collection of serving pieces ASAP.

{2} Slate Cheese Board:  This slate cheese board from Terrain is ultra chic and modern. My favorite part though is you can label the cheeses with chalk!

{3} Tasting Decanters: These tasting decanters are great for a wine tasting party. Each one is labeled and shaped for a specific type of wine. The set includes decanters for a merlot, cabernet, pinot grigio, and chardonnay.

{4} Tasting Plates: I love snacking on bread and dipping oils. But everyone seems to have a preference on dipping flavor. This plate will make everybody at your party happy. With four dipping dishes, you can put out everything from bruschetta to olive oil and balsamic vinegar to oil with dried herbs at the same time. 

{5} Whisky Stone Glasses: During the winter months, I love a good whisky drink. But, I hate when the  ice melts and dilutes the drink. These glasses made of soapstone and just need to be put in the freezer 4 hours before entertaining. When you are ready to fix a drink, skip the ice, grab a glass, pour a drink, and enjoy! These glasses are great for more than just whisky too. Try sipping vodka or any other spirit out of these chic glasses.

Social Graces {The Hostess Gift}

Well frankly, it's rude to show up to any party empty handed.  Especially one where the hosts have so graciously cooked for you and supplied your alcohol for the evening.  When attending any party (yes that includes a late night beer bash extreme if you are in college) the proper thing to do is to bring a small thank you for the host or hostess. It is completely acceptable to bring a bottle (or two if you are a big drinker) of wine with you. If bringing your alcohol isn't really something you like to do, try a small token of appreciation for the hostess's kitchen or house.  A nice candle, dish towel, cookbook, or even a quirky drink carrier are all acceptable options.  Other possibilities include a nice platter or even some serving spoons.  

Note: If you are the hostess and a guest brings a bottle of wine to your house that evening, the proper thing to do is to serve that wine at some point in the evening. 

Credits: Drink Caddy- West Elm, Sugarbaby by Gesine Bullock-Prado, Owl Dishtowel- Anthropologie, Capri Blue Volcano Candle, Cupcake Red Velvet Wine