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The Citizen, 1994-02-23, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23,1994. Sparkling wines create effervescent parties Engagement parties, bridesmaid brunches and rehearsal dinners are festive occasions meant to be shared with family and friends. When planning these intimate parties, add an extra touch of elegance without taking a big bite out of your overall wedding budget - serve imported sparkling wine rather than expensive champagne. You can also celebrate by popping the cork with this alternative at every wedding celebration. Sparkling wine is an ideal complement to formal and informal party menus. You can serve it with inexpensive hors d'oeuvres and entrees, or turn your pre-wedding gatherings into dazzling dinner parties accompanied by sparkling wine served in a variety of ways. Its natural effervescence adds excitement to every occasion once the cork pops and the bubbles rise. To maximize the pleasure of your wedding celebrations, experts suggest these delicious variations using sparkling wines. Sparkling Punch Rind of 1 orange Rind of 1 lemon 3 teaspoons sugar 1 bottle sparkling wine 2 ounces cognac 2 ounces Grand Marnier Custom spread quickly Continued from page 19 In 13th century Italy, a bride was canied to her husband's house on top of her bridal chest. Throughout her life, everything inside the chest would remain her property, unlike her lands or money, which legally passed to her husband at their wedding. “Cedar became part of chest­ making during the 15th century, and served almost as sacred material for storing and preserving ecclesiastical vestments.” Dalton says, “Soon, secular chests - and especially bridal chests - were made of cedar, walnut or oak, then lined with cedar. We still make cedar-lined chests this way today.” The custom of the bridal chest spread quickly from southern Europe northward to England and, from there, io the America colonies. These sturdy boxes, with their sentimental associations, travelled across oceans and continents often to serve as the oniy real piece of furniture in a rugged colonial home. Settlers arriving from other parts of Europe brought bridal chests bearing all the ethnic colour and design endowed by culture and tradition. Even in the New World, chests performed rites of courtship, and a young man announced his intentions when he gave his girl a “hope chest”. Today, Dalton says, cedar chests enjoy the same widespread popularity they have known for hundreds of years. While it remains a safe haven for precious heirlooms, today's cedar chest can function as a coffee table, window settee or bedside nightstand as well. “Today's women, who value practicality and versatility alongside romance and tradition, prize the cedar chest as much as their counterpart of yesteryear,” Dalton says. “Cedar chests have a rich history of romance and tradition,” she adds. “And tradition and romance are back in style. When they exchange wedding rings, share the first piece of wedding cake or fill a cedar chest with their hopes and dreams of a life together, couples give new meaning to old traditions.” 2 cups carbonated water ice cubes Place fruit rinds and sugar into two-quarter pitcher. Pour in wine and liqueurs. Stir and put in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Before serving, add carbonated water and ice cubes. Stir gently. Serves 7 (one cup each). Sherbet Float Fill standard wine glass two- thirds full with sparkling wine; add scoop of your favourite flavour of sherbet. This creamy delight will melt into a luscious foam. Serves one. For One Fill champagne glass two-thirds full of sparkling wine; add cassie and twist of lemon. Serves one. Sparkling Glace For a sparkling French ice treat, fill glasses with fine ice chips; make a well in middle of chips and fill with cassie. Now fill glass with sparkling wine, and, voila! Serves one. Sparkling Fruit Delight Once poured, you can “dress up” the wine itself in the glass. Freeze strawberries, cherries or blueberries in ice cubes made from pink lemonade and place in wine. Or add a peach slice to each glass of sparkling wine for a very romantic effect. Wedding traditions How did our traditional wedding customs get started? Why a ring? Primitive man believed that the circle had magical properties. It could, for instance, tie one's soul to another. Therefore early brides and grooms were encircled by a ring of woven grass. Today, too, that circle - ring - signifies a lasting tie between two people. Why a best man? In the distant past, the would-be groom had to abduct the bride of his choice. A good friend accompanied him to fight off any who would try to stop him. Why a wedding cake? In ancient Rome, the wedding cake was broken atop the bride's head and then the guests were allowed to eat the cake. Why throw rice? Rice, a grain, is a symbol of fruitfulness. In some parts of the world, the custom of sprinkling brides and grooms is Most people think there’s only one way to help the developing world. We have 26 Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world Please send me more information about CODE literacy programs. Name....................................................... Address................................................... Phone...................................................... Mail to: CODE, 321 Chapel St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7Z2 insurance to promote productive marriages. Why old shoes? The father of the bride presented his son-in-law with one of the bride's shoes as a token of the transfer of his authority to the groom, who responded by hitting the bride over the head with the shoe to make the transfer clear and definite. Refined Formal wear Fashions for any special occasion Choose from our extraordinary selection of superior quality, superbly tailored tuxedos, exquisitely cut tailcoats and elegantly appointed accessories. Whatever your style, you'll find it here in our 1994 Syd Silver formal wear collection. Catalogues available at WEBSTER’S Clothing & Footwear Blyth 523-9709 __ TV hen you're boohing your very best,..Count on us to capture the ebegance of Mac Campbell Photography JT name, synonymous utitfi 'Wedding Tfiotograpfcy for over 30 years Royal Bank Block, Goderich 524-7532 Area Bed & Breakfast provide gracious country accommodations for your wedding guests. BLAKE BED AND BREAKFAST Situated right in Blyth, turn left on to King Street W. off Highway #4, across from Blyth Community Centre. Two storey white brick century home just a five minute walk to the Blyth Festival Theatre. Two bedrooms with double beds (cot if needed). Equipped with air conditioning, and colour television. Children are welcome. John and Reta Blake 196 Gypsy Lane Blyth, Ont. N0M1H0 (519) 523-9587 Breakfast Style: Full Country THE COUNTRY LANE Marie and Pierre Rammeloo invite you to spend an enjoyable stay at their Bed and Breakfast just minutes outside of the beautiful village of Blyth. You’ll enjoy our nice spacious home as well as our picturesque perennial gardens and a full country breakfast. It's within a half hour drive from Lake Huron beaches and historic sites. As well, an hour drive from Kitchener, Stratford or London. Marie and Pierre Rammeloo 11/2 miles east on Dinsley St., Blyth, Ont. NOM 1H0 (519) 523-4533/9478. Breakfast Style: Full Country. MITCHELL'S COUNTRY BED & BREAKFAST Enjoy quiet country, relaxing itinerary for shopping, sightseeing available for a day's travel in different directions. Your extra guests for special occasions are very welcome. Four double rooms. Wheelchair accessible. Full meals from Nov. - Apr. Phyllis and Emerson Mitchell RR3, Walton, Ont. N0K1Z0 (519) 887-6697. SUNNY VIEW BED & BREAKFAST Spacious, quiet, country century home. Short drive from Blyth theatre. One queen and two double beds available. Call ahead for reservations. Ken and Judy Shortreed RR 3, Walton, Ont. NOK 1Z0 (519) 887-6888. Breakfast Style: Full Country WALTON INN Simple cozy rooms seven miles east of Blyth. Country Inn built in 1862. Rates: single $20, double $28, taxes and breakfast included. Laundry facilities. Far from the city, close to nature. Karl and Annie MacNaughton #1 High St., Walton, Ont. NOK 1Z0 (519) 887-9517 Breakfast Style: Country