If you're planning a bridal shower for yourself, a friend or a loved one, consider keeping things simple-yet-elegant by serving wine and appetizers rather than a full meal. Treat guests to a few different types of wine, including a popular bordeaux blend or two which they can sip and sample throughout the event.
Bourdeaux wines come in both red and white varieties, and several different types of grapes give the blends their unique flavors. Red bourdeaux blends often contain a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while white bourdeaux blends typically feature Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. If your party-planning budget allows, provide a few high-quality bourdeaux blend wines to accommodate everyone on your guest list.
Because the bourdeaux blends are composed of a variety of wines, you'll have a wide array of complementary appetizers to choose from. You can set the wine and snacks up buffet-style, allowing guests to pick their favorites as they mix and mingle. Keep with the theme of the event by working in some bridal shower-inspired touches.
Here are some bridal shower wine and appetizer ideas to consider when creating your event menu:
1. Fruit and Cheese Platter
No wine-inspired event would be complete without a delicious fresh fruit and cheese platter. On sophisticated silver platters, arrange a mix of red and green grapes, apples slices and any types of seasonal fruit you'd like, such as melon, strawberries or blueberries.
Start with popular cheeses, including medium Cheddar and Swiss, and then add a few types that pair specifically well with the bourdeaux blend wine you're serving. Some examples include an aged Gouda with a red bourdeax blend wine, and Gruyere with a white blend. Be sure to label the cheeses in case the party-goers are unfamiliar with them. Provide sliced, crusty bread and crackers as well.
As a special touch, display bunches of grapes in wine glasses, and use a vase filled with wine corks and flowers as a table centerpiece.
2. Wine and Gourmet Pizza
Another delicious pairing is wine and gourmet pizza. You can either make the pizza yourself or hire a professional caterer, depending on your finances. As another options, provide the dough and toppings, and have guests prepare their own personalized pizzas.
If you choose to serve prepared pizza, set up a long table with the selection of bourdeaux blend wine, wine glasses featuring whimsical bridal shower charms, such as high-heeled shoes, bouquets and diamond rings, and plates of individual slices.
High-quality pizza toppings ideas include arugula, grilled peaches and pineapple, sun-dried tomatoes and shrimp.