This post is sponsored by La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"If there’s one thing my inner circle always trusts me to be, it’s a good hostess. Nothing brings me more joy than curating a memorable evening full of good food, great wine, and lots of laughter. Whether it’s setting a pretty table or putting together the perfect playlist, for me it’s all about creating an ambiance that feels inviting and puts my guests at ease. While it took a few dinner party disasters to perfect my process, I’ve come to develop a few hostess hacks over the years that help ensure my parties go off without a hitch. One of my best hacks? Always have a few extra bottles of wine on hand.
My rule of thumb is to always keep at least three or four bottles in reserve. Keeping my bar well-stocked sets me up for success because then I’ll never have to worry about running out of wine in the middle of a party. It also comes in clutch when those last-minute gatherings pop up or when a few extra guests end up tagging along that I wasn’t expecting. Even when I’m not the one hosting, it’s nice being able to grab a bottle of wine off my bar cart before heading to a party, since I never like to show up empty-handed, and wine is one of those no-fail items you can always count on bringing as a host gift.
Now that party season is about to kick off, I’m making a point to stock up on wine so that I’ll be prepared when it’s in full swing. My plan is to buy a couple bottles each of red, white, and sparkling/rosé wines, so that I’ll have a good variety to take me through the entire season. The timing couldn’t be more perfect because editor-fave wine brand, La Crema, is having their Friends and Family Sale from November 2-14. You can save up to 40% off all wines by using the code EVERYGIRLFF, including their Blanc de Blancs, which is a major score. This is their best sale of the season, so now is definitely the time to stock up. Keep reading for my top wine picks from La Crema’s Friends and Family Sale!
Top White Wine Picks
A good hostess always anticipates that not every guest will like the same kind of wine. That’s why I always prefer to have a couple of high-quality options on hand. For white wines, I tend to stick to crowd-pleasers like La Crema’s Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, which is crisp and refreshing, and their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, which is rich with subtle hints of oak. But every now and then I like to serve something a little less-expected like a fruit-forward Pinot Gris or a vibrant Marsanne, which are both still light on the palate and would pair well with a cheese plate.
La Crema
La Crema
La Crema
La Crema
Top Red Wine Picks
When choosing red wine, I tend to stick to lighter reds versus heavier wines, since they’re more versatile and pair with a wider variety of dishes. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir—and La Crema’s Pinot Noir game is certainly on point. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has hints of red cherry, plum, and boysenberry, which would pair nicely with a salty dish like bacon-wrapped dates or something sweet like chocolate mousse. For an earthier option, their Monterey Pinot Noir has notes of tobacco leaf and black tea, which would pair well with bolder flavors like sausage and peppers or mushroom risotto.
Top Sparkling/Rosé Wine Picks
Nothing says the party has started like the sound of a popped cork from a sparkling wine bottle. I usually prefer to start a dinner party by serving either a sparkling or Rosé wine, since most wine tastings generally start with these before progressing to whites and reds. La Crema has such a great variety to choose from, whether you’re searching for something fruity and crisp like their Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé, which has hints of strawberry, peach, and orange creamsicle, or something effervescent and floral like their Russian River Valley Brut Rosé. No matter which one you choose, these wines all make great palate teasers to kick off your party.
Top Wine Gift Sets
If you happen to have any friends or family who are wine-lovers, a wine gift set would make a thoughtful holiday gift. Personally, I’m eyeing the Comfort & Joy box set, but La Crema has a variety of gift sets to choose from, including all whites, all reds, and a variety of different wines. Not only can you save on your holiday budget by shopping during their Friends and Family sale, but you can also cross a few gifts off your gift list early.
This post is sponsored by La Crema, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. We only recommend brands we genuinely love.