Unwind This Holiday Season: Your Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wine-Forward Celebration

If you’ve been dubbed the go-to "wine person" in your social circle, the holiday season might feel overwhelming as you juggle your role as both host and sommelier. From spontaneous gatherings to planned dinner parties, being the wine curator for friends and family can be quite a task—especially from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. However, hosting doesn’t need to be a stressful affair. Here are some tips to help you navigate holiday entertaining with ease.

Purchase Reliable Wines

Begin with wines that appeal to a wide audience. The holidays aren’t the time to introduce obscure varietals. Instead, focus on crowd-pleasers that can cater to everyone’s palate. Choose blends and wines from lesser-known regions that deliver quality without complexity. Some solid choices include Chenin Blanc, Albariño, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Ensure to have sparkling options available, as they create a celebratory atmosphere and are often enjoyed by many.

Suggested Wines:

Choose Appropriate Glassware

Quality glassware doesn’t need to be expensive, but it makes a difference in the experience. You don’t need to have a different glass for every type of wine. A sturdy, all-purpose stem will suffice for red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines alike. If you’re worried about breakage, you can consider mixing glass styles or renting elegant options.

Recommended Glassware:

Lead-Free Crystal Wine Glass, set of 6, $40
Govino Unbreakable Stemless Wine Glass, set of 8, $28

Keep Food Simple

Food should complement your drink selections without becoming a stressor. Skip elaborate charcuterie boards, as they can be overly complicated and messy. Instead, opt for a few quality snacks like Marcona almonds, good potato chips, or some olives and simple cured meats. If you’re serving a sit-down dinner, go for easy classics such as roasted vegetables or a hearty Bolognese.

Suggested Snacks:

Point Reyes Farm Fresh Three-Cheese Gift Pack, $60
Marcona Almonds, approx. $12

Prepare a Batch Cocktail

If you want to serve cocktails, select one recipe to make in bulk ahead of time. Simple drinks like Negronis or pomegranate martinis fit the bill—just make sure to prepare them a few hours in advance. Serve these during the appetizers and transition to wine as you sit down for the meal.

Useful Books:

Batch Cocktails: Make-Ahead Pitcher Drinks for Every Occasion, $20

Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Options

Not all guests may want to drink alcohol. Providing quality non-alcoholic options, such as zero-proof wines or botanical spirits, reflects thoughtful hosting and can ensure that everyone feels included. Consider lower-ABV wines to keep things light and enjoyable for guests.

Non-Alcoholic Choices:

Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Wine Celebration Bundle, $55

Preserve Leftover Wine

Learn how to store leftover wine properly—re-corked wine can last a few days in the fridge. If you regularly host and find that you have leftover bottles, investing in a wine preservation system can help you keep wine fresh for longer.

Preservation Tools:

Coravin Timeless Three+ wine system, $209
Repour Wine Saver, 4-pack, $10

Bottom Line: Relax and Enjoy

Remember that holiday gatherings are about warmth, joy, and making memories. There’s no need to aim for perfection; focus instead on creating an inviting atmosphere where guests can feel at ease. With adequate preparation and selecting a few standout items to emphasize, you’re sure to host a successful holiday gathering that everyone will love.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!

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