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GourmetGrrl Bites
GourmetGrrl.com: Food with 'tude
December 7, 2005
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Mind Your P's and Q's. This week we're brushing up on our etiquette to save ourselves from any manners-related holiday disasters.

Cin Cin!
GourmetGrrl, aka Laura Holmes

WineGrrl Etiquette
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All the questions you always wondered but were afraid to ask...
• The Wine Bottle Gift. If a guest brings a bottle of wine to your house, should you drop everything and open it? It's your party, so you aren't obligated to open it, and frankly, the guest shouldn't feel hurt if you don't. It's a gift after all, and you'll drink it when you're good and ready.
• Serving Bubbly. The proper way to open bubbly is to stop the "pop." Point the bottle away from anyone's head and slowly open the bottle. When pouring, tilt the Champagne flute at a slight angle and pour slowly, filling the glass two-thirds full.
• Stocking the Holiday Bar. For a list of what to stock for your holiday party, check out our Holiday Bar Guide. For wine drinkers, figure on five servings per bottle, so 12-14 bottles for 25 guests. The ratio of red to white wine depends on the crowd. We like to split it down the middle and offer interesting varietals (Zinfandel and Syrah for reds, Viognier and Pinot Gris for white) in addition to the standard Merlot and Chardonnay. If you know your audience you can adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that almost every wine store gives a case discount, and you can usually mix and match, so get creative.
• Glassware. Save yourself (and your dishpan hands) and rent glassware. No washing and no heart attacks when Suzy breaks a Riedel glass. It's cheaper than you think, and all you have to do is rent, pack, and go.

PartyGrrl Etiquette
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• The Party Guest. As a guest, your role is to bring cheer and make merry, so bring a small hostess gift as a token of appreciation. A package of pretty candles, a box of gorgeous chocolates, or a jar of jam -- the hostess gift shows how thoughtful you are.
• The Host. As a host, your job is to mingle and make people feel welcome, so stick to these tips: don't get held hostage by a chatty Cathy - politely excuse yourself and keep circulating. If you actually want to enjoy the party, hire a bartender and/or cleaning person. Buy the food if you're pressed for time; there are plenty of online appetizer sites to ease the pain (we like Appetizers To Go and Williams-Sonoma; amazing quality and reasonable prices.)
• The Buffet. You learned it from Seinfeld but we're going to say it again: don't double-dip. Not once. Not ever. The second buffet rule is keep the line moving. No one wants to stand behind you while you arrange the pink food so it's not touching the green food, etc. Pick a few treats and get on with it.
• The Bar. If there's an open bar, use all your coordination to pour yourself a drink without spilling (and for God's sake use the ice tongs).
• The Office Party. Two things to remember: Don't get drunk and don't get near the photocopy machine. Other than that, mingle, smile, drink two Perrier for every one vodka, and make an early exit.

GiftGrrl Etiquette
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• Re-gifting. On the surface re-gifting is a brilliant tool; after all, one man's trash is another man's treasure. But there are some rules. A grrl should only re-gift if 1) there's no chance of the original giver finding out; and 2) the gift is unused and in its original box. If in doubt, donate it to a local charity and wipe your conscience clean.
• Thank You Notes. The most essential, and overlooked, aspect of any gift. A quick thank you is appreciated by all. (And if you need cute stationery to inspire you, check out the cards from Just B Studio; witty and original.)
• Grace Under Pressure. When you're buying those gifts, find some inner peace and avoid a meltdown when that little old lady takes the last box of chocolate truffles. The same truffles you planned to give to your dearest Grandma. You know what they say: grin and bear it.