Be the host with the most this gathering szn with easy-to-follow pro tips courtesy of Alex Cahanap, Founder of Citrine Tablescapes. A seasoned event planner, Cahanap is helping hosts tap into their inner Martha Stewart with tips and tricks to throw a glitzy, curated holiday soirée. Cahanap offers her expertise on everything from batching cocktails, creating gorgeous tablescapes, keeping guests entertained, managing storage in a tight space, and more – all with the help of KORBEL California Champagne.
Before guests begin arriving, hosts can make sure beverages are ice-cold by planning ahead – if fridge space is limited, Cahanap suggests turning a bathtub into a chic cooler by adding ice, bottles of Korbel, and some disco balls for flair. At-home entertainers can keep the drinks flowing without having to bartend all night – Cahanap swears by pre-batching cocktails for easy hosting. See below for cocktail recipes, like a bubbly punch bowl featuring Korbel Brut, that will elevate any holiday festivities, from Halloween to New Year’s Eve.
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Hosting Tips from Citrine Tablescapes and Events
- Chill Your Drinks Early: Get your beverages ice-cold by planning ahead. If your fridge is packed, make use of what you’ve got—like turning your bathtub into a chic cooler. Add ice, toss in some disco balls for flair, and you’ve got yourself a fun, unexpected touch that’s both practical and playful.
- Pre-Batch Cocktails for Easy Hosting: Want to actually enjoy your own party? Pre-batch those cocktails. Mix them up ahead of time so you can spend more moments with your guests and fewer behind the bar. Because a great host knows when to take a break. Plus, guests get to self-serve, which makes for a fun interactive element.
- Shop Smart, Drink Smart: Stocking up on a versatile ingredient – such as Korbel Brut – not only makes for a simplified shopping trip, but also sets hosts up for success in creating abundance and variety – two hallmarks of great party fare. Korbel Brut shines in multiple, easily-batched spritz cocktails, or can be sipped on its own, giving guests plenty of options while keeping things simple for a busy party planner or host.
- Serve in Style: The glassware you choose can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to mix it up—use different glasses for each beverage. Whether it’s a cocktail or sparkling water, the right glass adds elegance and makes even the simplest drink feel special. After all, presentation is part of the experience.
- Color-Coordinate Your Cocktails: For a cohesive look, think about how your drinks can complement your tablescape. A vibrant cocktail or a perfectly tinted punch can tie the whole setup together, adding a pop of color exactly where you need it.
- Guide Your Guests with Signage: Hosting in a tricky spot? Help your guests find their way with simple signs or stickers to follow up to your front door. These little touches not only keep everyone on track but also set the tone before they even step inside. And once they’re in, labeled dishes add a thoughtful touch to your food spread and make navigating the table a breeze.
- Think Vertical for More Space: When your countertops start to look like a game of Tetris, it’s time to get creative. Stack a few books or boxes under your tablecloth to elevate your serving dishes. It’s a quick way to add dimension and keep things tidy without sacrificing style.
- Have an Interactive Element: Be it something simple like a whiteboard, chalkboard, or banner than guests can sign their names or write messages on; or leaving out disposable film cameras on a table for group selfies – or, more involved activities like having a karaoke machine or board games set up in a corner — an interactive activity that guests can busy themselves with often takes pressure off of standing around talking, and can extend the liveliness of your party.
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See cocktail recipes below:
In Bloom
Recipe Courtesy of Elva Ramirez, Sparkling Book Author, journalist, co-host, and cocktail expert
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces chilled rosé hard apple cider, preferably Right Bee Cider
- 2 ounces Korbel Brut Rosé
- 1 ounce Aperol
Garnish: N/A
Glassware: Balloon glass
Instructions: In a balloon glass filled with ice, combine the cider, Korbel Brut Rosé, and Aperol. Stir once to combine.
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Instant Crush
Recipe Courtesy of Elva Ramirez, Sparkling Book Author, journalist, co-host, and cocktail expert
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila, such as Herradura
- ½ ounce Yuzuri yuzu liqueur
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces chilled Korbel Brut
- 2 ounces chilled Fever-Tree Sparkling Lime & Yuzu soda
Garnish: Lime Wheel
Glassware: Highball
Instructions: In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the tequila, Yuzuri, and simple syrup. Stir briskly to combine, add more ice, if needed. Slowly add the Korbel Brut, then add the lime-yuzu soda. Garnish with the lime wheel. Serve with a bottle of Fever-Tree on the side so your guest can top off their drink.
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Studio 75
Recipe Courtesy of Elva Ramirez, Sparkling Book Author, journalist, co-host, and cocktail expert
Ingredients:
- *Makes 15-20 drinks*
- 18 ounces Fords gin
- 9 ounces St.George spiced pear liqueur
- 9 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 12 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 (750mL) bottle chilled Korbel Brut
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup star anise pods, for garnish
Garnish: Skewered pear slice topped with star anise pod
Glassware: Coupe or punch glass
Instructions: In a punch bowl filled with large ice cubes, combine the gin, pear liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters. Stir to combine, then add the entire bottle of Korbel Brut. Add a handful of pear slices to the mixture, reserving the majority for garnish. Serve the punch in coupes or punch glasses, garnishing each with a pear slice and a star anise pod.