HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-02-09, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2000. PAGE 19.
Bridal 2000
Consider budget, quality when choosing wine
For 40 or 400, weddings of any
size or style celebrate love, hopes
and dreams for the future. But for
some couples, months of antici
pation and apprehension can strain
relationships. From menus to
dresses, flowers to formalwear,
rock band or waltz orchestra...for
some, these questions can
overwhelm the entire wedding
process.
Choosing a sparkling wine for
your first toast as husband and wife
can seem intimidating. How much
to spend, which wine to choose,
how much to order? Here are some
guidelines to follow when making
hte decision:
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
This will narrow the range of
sparkling wine you are willing to
consider. Sparkling wine can cost
from a few dollars per bottle to $60
or more.
On a tight budget? Champagne
punch can make your sparkling
wine go farther. To make a
traditional bridal champagne
punch, mix seasonal fruits
(strawberries, pineapple, lemon and
oranges) with 16 ounces of cognac
in a punch bowl. Add ice and three
bottles of fruity-style sparkling
wine, and stir gently. Select a drier
brut, for a classic wedding toast.
CONSIDER QUALITY
1. Look for the words methode
champenoise or m€thode
traditional. Chances are you'll get a
sparkling wine with tiny, long-
lasting bubbles and a pleasantly dry
taste with distinctive flavor. Avoid
sparkling wine with plastic corks
— a sure sign of low quality.
Cleaning diamonds
2. Stick to name brands. Perhaps
the only brand name visible at your
reception will be your champagne
or sparkling wine.
3. Don’t choose hastily. For
sentimental reasons, you'll
probably use this sparkling wine
for years to come.
KNOW YOUR CROWD
If the majority of your guests are
beer or schnapps drinkers, adjust
your beverage list and quantities
accordingly. However, always
order enough sparkling wine for the
first toast. Don't forget about non
drinkers and designated drivers —
sparkling apple cider or ginger ale
are festive additions to your
sparkling wine.
HOW MUCH TO ORDER?
Consult your caterer, or use this
simple formula.
1 - 750 ml. bottle of Freixenet
sparkling wine =
5 glasses x 12 bottles/case = 60
glasses per case.
Assume each person will drink
Diamond engagement and
wedding rings sparkle brilliantly on
your finger when you first put them
on in the jewellery store. They can
continue to shine just as brightly
over the years with care.
Diamonds seem to attract grease
and should be cleaned every month
to keep their sparkle.
The following tips come from the
Canadian Jewellers Institute.
To clean in detergent:
1 - Prepare a small bowl of warm
suds with any mild liquid
detergent.
2 - Brush pieces gently with a
tooth brush while they are in the
suds.
3 - Transfer to a wire strainer and
rinse under warm, running water.
4 - Pat dry with a soft, lintless
cloth.
To clean in cold water:
1 - Make a half and half solution
of cold water and household
ammonia.
2 - Soak the diamond for 30
minutes.
3 - Lift out and tap gently around
the back and front of the
mounting with a small brush.
4 - Swish in the solution once
more and drain on paper. No
rinse is necessary.
Quick Dip
Continued on page 20
[ PALMERSTON
24-Hour Service • 7 Days a Week
for Reservations call Jay Scholten
L (519) 3433336 or (519) 291 0417fax (519) 343-4780
Oo If O » ’ O °
warmer weather), time of day
(people drink more in the evening)
and the age of your guests (people
in their 20s and over 50 tend to
drink more).
an average of two glasses each
during the first hour of the
reception and one per hour
thereafter. Also, consider the time
of year (guests drink more in
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4 p.m. - 8 p.m. every Sunday
In-House Parties and Dances for up to 200 guests
also
Private, Residential and Business Parties
< Lyall & Karin Mabon will help '
you plan your wedding dinner
and reception in their charming
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For reservations please call"
■
482-9228
Turnberry St., Brussels
The Brussels Country Inn
is the ideal setting for family
gatherings, small wedding
receptions and rehearsal
parties.
Comfortable cozy
rooms & suites available
Casual country dining for breakfast,
lunch & supper
Sunday Brunch
~ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Weekend entertainment
For reservations call 519-887-9035