Wines To Be Thankful For!

The rules for wine pairing have relaxed a bit, but the fact remains that certain flavors of food and wine complement each other much better.  The ultimate goal is to achieve that perfect palate balance.  The wine should not overpower the food, nor should the food overpower the wine.  Wine consumed by itself tastes different than wine with food, because wine acts on food similar to the way a spice does.  The acids, tannins and sugars in the wine interact with the food to provide different taste sensations.

Since my goal is to save money during the impending holidays, here are a few of my favorite recessionista-friendly finds and the wines featured are all under $25!

$20

Sparking Vino

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV, pairs well with seafood dishes such as scallops and swordfish.  This pale yellow sparkler opens with an attractive melon and apple like bouquet.  On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine is balanced, crisp, and displays delicious lemon lime flavors with hints of granny smith apples.

$9

The Big Dinner Vino

2009 Man Vintners Chenin Blanc, pairs well with most poultry, fish and salad dishes.   The palate is rich and layered, in light of its price it really packs a lot of flavor and over delivers in every way, with melon and tropical fruit to the fore, backed up with some nice citric zest on the finish that gives this drive and crispness as well.

$15

Black Friday Vino

2008 Calera Central Coast of California Chardonnay, pairs well with yummy leftovers.  It offers abundant notes of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, white currants, and tropical fruits. Crisp, elegant, mid-weight, and revealing no evidence of its wood aging, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 1-2 years.

$11

Snack Time Vino

Château Guiot Rosé 2008, pairs well with a wide variety of foods.  This dry rosé is bursting with flavor and fruit, it is a blend of mainly Grenache, with some Syrah and a small dollop of Mourvedre.

$20

Football Game Vino

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (10%), and Malbec (8%).  This wine has firm, chewy tannins and good acidity and will pair well with grilled chops, a yummy burger, or strong cheeses.

In a last minute effort to find that perfect bottle of Vino, please visit The Wine Bin on Thanksgiving Day (Yes, they are open) to select a nice addition to your Turkey Day feast.  The Wine Bin is a boutique wine store located in Historic Ellicott City, Maryland, that offers consumer a wide range of wines and spirits in a contemporary setting, and features 200 wines under $20.

"Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant and every day more civilized." - Andre Simon

Sunday Inspiration :: Candid Capture :: Amazing!

Captured by: 

Anahi Navarro Photography

Daily Inspiration {Stylish Peacock Bryde}

Captured by:  Christine Chang

Just Snap It - {The Ideal Bridesmaids Gift}

What a cute clutch to rock on a night out on the town or a Savvy Bryde can present one of these extremely functional eco-chic clutches to her bridesmaids. Snap Handbags, are made with the finest quality fabrics and green-certified materials, which we love!  From woven metallics to textured prints and silks, each clutch is lined with Snap Handbags signature turquoise satin.

Pairing this fab bag with your favorite jeans and a pair of haute pumps is definitely a must. Also, with the holidays approaching, these gorgeous clutches can be dressed up or down and is perfect for many seasons to come.

{Tickled Pink} - Pink Wedding Gowns

Pink is one of our favorite colors at Savvy Soirées and it provides a modern yet feminine touch for any special event or a Blushing Bride's wedding attire.  Pale pink retains a traditional lady like feel, yet it is subtly distinct from tones of champagne, off-white or ivory. Pink also compliments olive and yellow skin tones, as well as pale complexions compared to white and various shades of cream.

Brides who decide to wear a pink wedding dress carry this special color throughout the entire day by incorporating hints of pink in the groomsmen's ties and boutonnieres, the bridesmaid's florals and shoes and by adding pale pink elements to the table decor and floral centerpieces.

Soft, elegant and dainty.  Think Pink!

{ETSY} Statement Hair Accessories by: bethany lorelle

Ok, I must admit that I am addicted to Etsy and I often spend major hours on this wildly tasteful website each week.  Since planning the High Tea Party in August, I've fallen deeply in love with eclectic hats, vintage hair clips and colorful peacock feathers and Bling headbands. Since Etsy features designers who offer unique and one-of-a-kind creations, it increases the chances of me purchasing fun items for myself and friends. 

 

To date, *bethany lorelle,* is one of my favorite new designers and provides all the inspiration I need when it comes to adding to my growing collection of hair candy! *bethany lorelle* specializes in fine, handmade fashion accessories. Since its founding in 2000, *bethany lorelle* has become known in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for its popular headbands and hair accessories. In 2008, *bethany lorelle* expanded to boutiques around the country, as well as opening this shop on Etsy.com!

Sitting Pretty!

Spruce up your next soirée with these FABULOUS chairs courtesy of Chameleon Chair Collection.  When a "cookie cutter" event is not an option, look at these amazing chair designs that pushes boundaries of creativity and provides the perfect finishing touch to any overall décor. 

 

When elegance, uniqueness and versatility can hold their own in style-give your guests something to talk about for days!

Chic Mismatched Brydesmaid Dresses

For many moons,  Brydes have been selecting their brydesmaid dresses; however, our recent Savvy Brydes have been selecting only the color palette and allowing their Brydesmaids to choose the designer and style that compliments their bodies.

The benefits of allowing your Brydesmaids to select the perfect dress: 

• Decreases the stress level of the Bryde
• Provides a unique twist to the Bridal Party attire and photos
• The ability to purchase a dress at a retail store or consignment shop and possibly wearing again to another soiree!
•  Ensures that your best gal pals are comfortable considering we all come in various shapes, sizes, and colors
• Our Savvy Brydes inform their bridal party in advance of how formal their attire should be because she is confident and they are certified Fashionistas too!

Which Recessionista Bryde Are You?

The Conscious Bryde

• Will have her invitations printed on recycled paper.
• Provides guests information about the pre and post wedding festivities via the couple’s wedding website.
• Minimize the amount of driving her guests will need to do, and have the wedding at an accessible venue.
• Donate leftover food rather than discard.
• Will not register for items not needed.
• Very concerned about her budget and her true priorities after her special day.

The Budget Bryde

• A master negotiator and very resourceful.
• Spends a considerable amount of time online researching and securing wedding-related deals.
• Creates her own bouquets with roses purchased at Costco and secured her ribbon and pins from a local dollar store.
• Secured her fab wedding peep-toe pumps from Cutesy Shoes
• Bartered with many of her professional friends for makeup, hair services and other wedding-related services.
• Will utilize the 40% coupons provided by Michaels Craft.
• Will opt to use candles, gems and other embellishments for centerpieces, in lieu of fresh flowers and other costly factors.

The DIY Bryde

• Extremely creative.
• Thoroughly enjoys planning her special day.
• Has multiple glue guns, tons of glitter and bridal DIY magazines/literature.
• Solicits assistance from her bridal party and/or close friends for bonding projects.
• Very organized and knows what she wants in an effort to conserve funds.
• Has a very limited budget, but makes it work!