Easter is quickly approaching, so today I am wrapping up this mini-series about the surprise Vino & Ale tasting party I threw for my husband last weekend. We’ve already gone through the food and drink pairings, and now it’s time for the party decor and printables.
I wanted to keep the decorations simple and understated. It was, after all, a “man’s” party. I knew the focus was to be on the food and drinks, and company of course. But, what’s a party without a few decorations, at least?
I recruited my very talented friend – Hannah, creative mastermind behind Nooches – to make two paper circle backdrops for me. I found a great neutral assortment package of card stock at Michael’s. We also threw in a few pieces of wood-look scrapbook paper for some “texture.” She sewed the circles into strips and then sewed the strips onto a white piece of quilt binding. I have fallen so in love with these that I have left them up, even though I’ve taken down the rest of the party decor.
What is a party without some fresh flowers? I wanted to have something to add a bit of life to the party, but nothing too girly. This was a tall order since Easter is coming…everything was pink, purple, or extremely bright. I bought one bouquet each of green hydrangeas and white daisies, plus a few bouquets of baby’s breath. The flowers were all split between five beer and four wine bottles. I love the contrast between the rustic quality of the bottles and the fresh flowers.
I opted for a citron, gray, and brown color scheme for my printables. A pairing menu for both beer and wine was placed on the food tables, so there was no confusion as to which foods went with which beverages.
On a smaller table with pens, and a swill bucket, we had “Rate Your” beverage cards available. Each drink was described on the cards, and the guests could score them as well as take notes.
For the novices in the group, including myself, I created a few “How to Taste” printables with step-by-step instructions. The tasting process for beer and wine varies a tad bit, and the instructions helped keep them straight. These were a fun way to really get into the tastings and savor each drink.
In addition to the other printables, I created label tents for all of the food and drink options. They are simple, but I believe they add a good amount of “class” to the tables.
I’m sad to say that wraps up this mini-series on the Vino & Ale tasting party! It was incredibly fun to plan the party, and get together with friends and family…but most of all, to surprise the husband! I hope you guys enjoyed it and found some inspiration.
All of these printables are available for purchase in my Etsy shop.
[…] Atkinson Drive created this simple yet elegant backdrop for her husband’s wine tasting party. […]