11/23/07 Holiday House Guests

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and along with the holidays you may have a few house guests. Today let's talk about entertaining overnight guests. House guests during the holidays do not have to be a stress test. Just plan ahead and be ready to enjoy the company. I love the countryside even in the winter. Try inviting your guests for a long walk in the afternoon or a drive before dinner to share the area in which you live. Then keep the evening meal focused upon the bounty of the season  a savory pumpkin or squash soup with roasted beet salad is a very nice meal with either red or white wines. All of it can be made a few days ahead. After dinner sit comfortably (maybe beside the fire) and serve simple things like dried fruits with blue cheese and nuts with one of those dessert wines you have been saving for a special occasion. What is more special than good friends and family spending time together? Do something super easy one evening and get carry out sushi and open some champagne. Should you receive wine as a gift from your guests, determine if it is meant to be aged or shared during the visit. If you plan to share it perhaps a good time to do that is prior to dinner some time during the visit. Above all don't fuss focus on enjoying your guests, open a bottle of wine! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.