Food Gift Hamper

If after your parties over, you find that you have an excess of wine which has been opened do not despair it can be saved for another day, in fact for a further 6 days if stored correctly. The key factor to keeping wine is not to let oxygen come into contact with the wine, if you can find a small container of a size in which the wine can be poured until almost overflowing then you can cap the container ensuring that just a little wine spills out. This way you can be sure that there is no air in the container and it can then be stored in a refrigerator for up to 7 days.

The type of wine which you choose for your party will of course depend largely on the type of party you are having, if you are having a casual party which includes finger food and nibbles then both red and white are a safe bet. Excellent choices for white are a french white wine, a good chardonnay or a Sauvignon, when choosing red avoid anything too heavy and overpowering a good and safe all-round choice is a Rioja. You should plan on the safe side if wine is to be the main beverage served and allow for one bottle for every 2 or 3 guests.

• If having hot food then warm the plates before filling them with food, if having cold then rest the plates over bowls of ice before using
• Never add fresh food to platters that have been used, always replace them with fresh platters
• If you are having a buffet don’t be tempted to put out food earlier than 2 hours before your party
• If you are having a large number of people around then choose plastic throwaway plates, cutlery and napkins to save on washing up
• To encourage safe driving always provide plenty of soft drinks as an alternative to alcoholic beverages but is always good to have a bottle of french white wine to share.
• Try adding flavour to buffet sandwiches by adding garlic, chives, herbs or cinnamon