Buone Feste 2010

a party on a budget. wine. food. fun.

produced and photographed by : me

food: andrew wills 

Partygoers brought their favorite bottle of red wine (under $10, of course)...upon arrival, brown bags, ribbon, scissors, and a Sharpie invited them to "hide" their wine and give it a number - this way, voters would select the wine based on taste alone :)too, it was a fun little activity to start the party. I got the bags at Publix (just ask the cashier for extra)..

Andrew places his scrumptious cheese ball (recipe below) beside a slice of brie.

Andrew's Cheesy Christmas Cheese Ball:

2 Boxes of Cream Cheese

1 Packet of Ranch Mix

1 Bag of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2-4 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce (the Secret)

Kneed all of these in a large mixing bowl (get your hands dirty!)...

Next, crush 1/2 a cup of pecans....

on wax paper, roll the mixture into a ball,

then roll the ball in the pecans, yummy!  

a table of various sized wine glass welcomed guest in the door. 

The Wine Tasting:

Each person tasted each of the five wines censored by the brown bags...at the end of the party, party goers voted on their favorite.

The Winner: "13" Blueberry Wine 2010, Waters Winery,  Alma, GA 

(we think our votes may have been slanted with all the South Georgia folk in the Room - thanks to Rachel Jacobs for bringing this state wine, which was potent and 'truly homemade tasting'..pucker.)

the other players, in order of votes:

Selby 2007 Syrah - California 

La Finca 2010 Malbec - Argentina

Aconga Malbec - Cab Blend - Argentina  

Sangria is always a great party drink....

My usual mix:

1 Bottle of Red Wine (I usually use a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Shiraz/Syrah)

1 lemon cut in to circular pieces

1 orange cut into circular pieces

3 tbs. of sugar

2 cups of club soda or sprite

(I like the new cranberry 7UP)

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Combine all of this into a pretty pitcher, chill and enjoy.  

Additions: strawberries, blueberries, apples...you get the idea.

The $8 TableScape 

clear vase - 1.00

candles and candle holders - 3.00

brown craft paper (runner) - 1.00

daisies and greenery - 3.00

I love fresh flowers, but a graduate school student budget doesn't allow for the best....but, that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy cut flowers (notice that I left out the 'fresh' - that's because I always buy flowers and greenery that is 'not so fresh' ..most florist and in store floral sections have discounted cut flowers that are still presentable. The florist that I frequent has five dollar fridays - which consist of 'not so fresh' bouquets for 5 bucks. Also, don't forget your garden and the woodsy areas around your house! I got all the pine branches out of the woods off the trail that I usually walk - just be sure you aren't damaging the plants.

I love books. Always keep your eye out at yard sales for old books, they're so pretty - I got these for a dime a piece.  

working on my photography skills..

Andrew roasted these raw peanuts in the oven with a bit of wine and butter - they were delightful. 

Michael and Sarah: conversation makes the best party.

ummm.....yummy 

smiles :)

Overall, the little soiree went well...and, of course I had fun bargain hunting and decorating. So, always remember that entertaining doesn't always = a high budget.