The Wine:

Like everything else – serve a variety. Two whites and two reds are perfect.   For the white – offer one on the sweeter side (perhaps a Riesling) and one more on the dry and crisp side (a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc).   As for the red choices – try one on the ‘lighter’ side (Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau are good choices) and a full bodied one (a French Bordeaux or Californian Cab would be perfect). Of course make sure there are non-alcoholic beverages too – whether water, club soda or the like.

The Cheese:

You’ll want to offer at least four types of cheeses. It is important to vary the taste and texture of these, as well as the aesthetics.  My recommendation would be a good Cheddar (white or yellow), a blue (Maytag blue is a nice choice if you don’t want anything too strong), a soft cheese such as Camembert (make sure you bring it to room temperature so that it is at its creamiest when served) and a Gouda. Put a tented place card in front of each cheese with its name on it – your guests will want to know what they are sampling.

I recommend putting a jar of fig preserves (if you can’t find fig, you can use raspberry) next to the Camembert cheese. Crackers topped with preserves and a bit of Camembert is absolutely scrumptious.

I also love to serve a ‘melted’ cheese, either in fondue form or better yet – a brie en croute. The later is a round of brie cheese wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. I like to first cut the brie in half (top and bottom – NOT side by side). On the bottom half I spread a thin layer of peach jam, chopped pecans, a teaspoon of brown sugar and just a teeny dash of cayenne. Put the top half over it and then wrap it in the pastry. This can be made a day in advance (not baked though) – just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

The Crackers:

Make sure you vary the crackers you put out – just like the cheeses. A butter cracker (such as Keebler Townhouse®), a seeded flat bread cracker and hearty a whole wheat cracker makes for a nice assortment. If you can find other interesting crackers, by all means, include them.

Fruit:

Of course grapes are a perfect compliment and a ‘must’ for a wine and cheese party. Make sure you serve at least two colors of grapes (green and red). Set out in bunches is how they look the loveliest. But don’t stop there – pears are also a natural. Cut the pears into slices right before the guest comes and rub a lemon over their surface to help prevent them turning brown. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are also a natural compliment. Either cut into thin slices or into cubes.  I also love to put out bowls of pomegranate seeds. Not only are they beautiful to look at – they are a delicacy for most.

Sweets:

Keeping with the theme of the party – bite size nibbles such as miniature cheesecake bites, chocolates (truffles and caramels) and/or small biscotti all would work well. These can be set out from the start – no need to ‘serve’ this after the wine and cheese. Coffee and tea should also be served.

Debra Rosenberg is a party planner and constant home entertainer. She also recommends the terrific bridal favors available at DivaEntertains.com including their personalized beauty favors and custom custom wine favors.

You may also wish to consider ordering custom wine labels.

Photo by Vincent Ma

Related posts:

1. Give a Unique Personalized Wedding Gift – Wine Label
2. Plan a Beautiful Bridal Shower for the Unique Bride
3. Unique Bridal Shower Themes

Let’s face it: not every bride dreams of the bridal shower where she’ll eat cucumber sandwiches holding her pinky finger up all day listening to classical music. There are some brides – human brides – who would prefer something a bit more original and different. There are some great ideals for bridal shower themes for unique brides.

Secret #1: Always think of the bride. When it comes to planning the best bridal shower ever, refer to secret #1: always think of the bride. While the bridal shower may involve family, friends and other loved ones – the bridal shower should be an expression of the bride’s personality and taste. It is the ideal time to say something about who the bride is as an adult woman and to celebrate her becoming a married woman. So begin delving into what she likes, what she doesn’t like and what would make her the happiest. It is in uncovering these answers that you’ll find the perfect shower most often for the “unique” bride.

A bridal shower in a unique place can be an excellent choice. If the bride has always loved the aquarium, see if you can plan her bridal shower there. Or if the bride is a history buff, start researching local historical homes open to the public. You may be surprised at how many places are available for special events. Some cost very little and others are exorbitant. But you’ll only know if you ask….

Sometimes the best unique bridal shower exists in creating the “perfect” menu. Is the bride a chocoholic? Have a sweet chocolate theme and serve only desserts and other tempting treats with coffees and teas. Perhaps the bride has been a margarita girl at heart (and who isn’t?)…then try a margarita shower at her favorite Mexican restaurant complete with Mariachi band. The Asian foods bride would appreciate a sushi themed bridal shower. Or the wine loving bride might especially enjoy a bridal shower in a vineyard that featured a wine tasting. Some brides may be very “into” the menu and with others, this may matter little.

With all brides it is critical that those near and dear to her attend. This is not just the unique bride – but for every bride. To plan the perfect unique bridal shower you need to plan it well in advance so loved ones have enough time to travel or prepare to come. You will have a very disappointed bride on your hands if her great grandmother or college roommate cannot attend.

Don’t go bridal shower-zilla on us when it comes to planning. Most people won’t notice napkins that don’t match, if the favors don’t come or if something is spelled wrong. But they will notice the big things. They’ll notice if the bridesmaids and other ladies planning it are stressed about planning the shower – bridal showers should be fun! Shower guests will notice if you’ve run out of ice or cups or napkins. Anyone else who gets too fussy should be reminded it’s the bride’s day to be the fussy one.

Related posts:

1. Unique Ideas for a Bridal Shower
2. Unique Bridal Shower Themes
3. Unusual Bridal Shower Favors for Special Day