If you would like to plan a small, but elegant reception for a select group of people, a champagne reception might just fit the bill. It is perfect for small weddings, milestone birthdays or any other event in which a very classy but small guest list is anticipated.
You will need three types of champagne: Dry or Extra Dry for cocktails, Brut for the main course, and finally Sec or Demi-Sec for dessert. If you are purchasing champagne to be served during the cocktail hour, select Dry or Extra-Dry because you want a touch of sweetness to open the appetite, but not too sweet to dull the appetite before the main course. If you are serving white wine, buy a dry wine for the cocktail hour. Serve sweet wines after the main course.
There are some differences between white wine and champagne. Whereas white wine that is marked Dry is not sweet, champagne is the opposite. Dry on a champagne bottle means it has some sugar added. Brut on the label describes a champagne that is not sweet and ideal for the main course, as the taste does not clash with the various flavors in the meal. Champagne to be served during dessert should be labeled Sec or Demi-Sec, as this is the sweetest form of champagne. The sugar content in this champagne complements fruit in the same way that port or sherry is served during dessert. Its light, sweet taste complements the sweet taste of the dessert.
BEAUTY TIPS:
I recently read in a newspaper article that the new trend in offices is for people to lie about the ages of their children so that they appear to be younger. I do not know how effective that is, but I do know that facial exercises work if you do them daily.
Lie on your back across the bed. Place a pillow under your shoulder and lift your head slowly, then return to the bed. Start with five and increase as your neck becomes stronger. You can strengthen the neck muscles also by turning from one side to the other slowly.
An advanced form of this exercise is to lie on your bed with your neck off the bed. Slowly lower and raise your head 10 times. These exercises will strengthen your neck and jawline. Please go slowly.
Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.
Etiquette Boss: Appearances do matter