As the chill of winter sets in, there is nothing quite like hosting a cozy dinner party filled with warmth, good food, and excellent wine. Planning the perfect winter dinner party involves more than just selecting a menu. Care must be given to creating an inviting atmosphere and curating wine pairings that enhance the meal. Review the essential steps below to organize an unforgettable winter gathering.
Step 1: Set the Atmosphere
Lighting
The right lighting can transform your dining space. Use soft, warm lights to create an intimate setting. Consider string lights, candles, or dimmers to set the mood. A well-lit room makes your guests feel more comfortable and invites conversation.
Decor
Incorporate seasonal decorations that reflect the winter theme. Think about using evergreen branches, pinecones, and either poinsettias or white flowers for a fresh, elegant touch. A beautifully set table with festive dinnerware can also make the occasion feel special. Crisp white dinnerware alongside golden utensils add extra elegance.
Comfort
Ensure your seating is comfortable and your space is warm. Add throw blankets to your chairs or couches, and consider playing soft background music to enhance the ambiance. Adjust the thermostat to balance the heat from the kitchen with the frequency of the front door opening and closing when welcoming guests.
Step 2: Choose a Seasonal Menu
A winter dinner party should feature hearty, comforting dishes that warm the soul and pair wonderfully with wine.
Appetizers + Sparkling Wine
Kick off the evening with a sparkling wine, like Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava. Bubbles immediately add a festive touch and pair well with both heavy and light appetizers.
First Course
- Kale Salad & Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: Dark leafy winter greens dressed in a zesty vinaigrette are enhanced by a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy soup can be paired with a rich Chardonnay, especially if butter is used in the soup’s preparation.
- Bruschetta with Roasted Vegetables: This dish pairs well with a light-bodied Pinot Gris.
Main Course
- Roast Chicken with Herbs: This classic dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red, such as a Merlot.
- Beef Bourguignon: A rich, slow-cooked beef dish calls for a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Butter Basted Mushrooms & Herby Barley: The earthy flavor profile of mushrooms demands a terroir-driven, cool climate Pinot Noir.
Sides
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these go well with most wines.
- Green Beans with Crispy Shallots: This dish also pairs well with the assortment of the wines on your dinner table.
Dessert
- Chocolate Pots De Créme: Perfect for individual servings, offer these indulgences alongside Port for a decadent pairing.
- Spiced Pear Tart: This dessert pairs beautifully with late-harvest Riesling or a light Moscato.
Step 3: Engage Your Guests
Encourage interaction among your guests, especially if blending social circles. Try incorporating fun elements that stimulate conversation and make the evening more memorable.
Create a Wine Pairing Guide
To help your guests navigate the wine selections, consider creating a simple wine pairing guide. For buffet style dinners, this can be a printed card next to each dish. Alternatively, plated service is complemented well with a handwritten note at each place setting. Include guidance such as:
- The name of each wine
- Suggested food pairings
- A brief description of the wine’s flavor profile
This not only enhances the experience, but also encourages guests to engage in conversations about the wines.
Wine Tasting Game
Create a mini wine-tasting game where guests can blind-taste various wines wrapped in brown paper bags and guess their varieties or regions. Perhaps only two bottles, each containing the same grape, but from different countries of origin or price tiers. In its simplest form, a single bottle selected for a special reason makes for an excellent standalone blind tasting and discussion.
Story Sharing
Invite guests to share their favorite winter memories. Better yet is to invite stories related to wine. When did they first taste a sip of wine? Which bottle was their “ah ha” bottle? Ask if anyone is brave enough to share their biggest wine fail or faux pas. Sharing and connecting makes the evening more memorable for everyone.
Step 4: Plan for Leftovers
Do not forget to consider what to do with any leftover wine or food. Provide paper to-go boxes for leftover dishes. Offer guests the option to take home remaining wine. Another idea is to provide them with a tasty recipe from the evening’s meal to recreate at home. This adds a thoughtful touch and ensures nothing goes to waste.
Hosting a winter dinner party with wine is a rewarding experience that brings warmth and joy to your home. Take the time and care to set the right atmosphere, curate a seasonal menu, and select the perfect wine pairing to create an unforgettable evening for your guests. Winter is here! So gather your friends and family, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the magic of winter together.