When guests arrive tell them what you are offering to drink. Don’t make them ask what you have. It makes people feel awkward. Instead of asking, “What would you like to drink,” say this instead, ” What can I get you, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Stella Artois, lemonade, gin and tonic or diet coke.” Be specific.

Serve cocktails and all drinks with cocktail napkins.

Beer– Serve bottled beer. Always have a variety. For example, a domestic, a lite and a couple imports. Usually, I buy 3 0r 4 different kinds.

Wine- Serve red and white. There is nothing more frustrating than attending a party and there is only white wine. There is no need to have every variety or every variety of white, but at least have one variety of each. For example, for whites maybe have Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio or choose one. For reds have Pinot Noir and a Shiraz or just one. Again, it depends on your guests.

My favorites to serve at summer parties are Chardonnay ( I do not prefer, but most do) and Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is light and a nice summer wine. I will choose Merlot and Pinot Noir. Both are lighter. In the fall and winter, I will serve Shiraz and Cabs, Zinfandel and heavier French whites.

An amazing winery is V. Sattui Winery in Napa Valley www.vsattui.com. I have had the joy and experience of touring this winery. Order their wine online! The only drawback, they are a little pricey, the minimum is 6 bottles and shipping is expensive. This wine cannot be purchased in the store. It is special opening each bottle.