Todd Talbot shares his top five tips to being bold and entertaining well this festive season.
1. Opt for a Foolproof Wine Pairing.
Go big on flavour but simple on your pairings. A bold red from Black Sage Vineyard pairs well to strong, aged cheddars and aggressively seasoned meats, making for a crowd pleasing and impressive platter.
2. Invest in One Great Basic Glass.
Everyone says you need a different glass to showcase the best of your wine, but if you live in a small space you don’t have room for a lot of options! Choose a wine glass with a thin stem and a wide bowl that’s larger than the top of the glass. A great staple is Riedel’s Cabernet Sauvignon glass—perfect for apartment living, yet refined enough to serve at your next dinner party.
3. Know About What You're Serving and Where it Comes From.
When I have guests over and want to impress, I choose local products with an interesting back story.
4. End the Night Strong.
I would trade a dessert for a nightcap any day of the week. A port-style blend with cherry, blackberry and fig flavours is where it’s at!
5. Give a Gift That Leaves an Impression.
I always want to give a gift that conveys personality and style. For me that’s something gentlemanly, like artisan made socks, a handcrafted bottle of whisky or a local bottle of wine. Leave an impression by punching up your presentation and showing creative flair.
