Host a suave wine tasting soiree

Those who glance at their host of holiday wine gifts - and wince - might want to consider sharing their vino with friends and relatives. A simple wine tasting event is a great party idea to share your presents with others - and ensure you're not the one left with a headache.

An at-home wine tasting won't take too much party planning. You'll need your wine - encourage guests to bring bottles they wish to share - some disposable plastic wine glasses, plenty of snacks and wine charms.

Set up one wine station with whites, another with reds and a third with sweet dessert wines. Hold back a couple of bottles for a game of Guess the Grape later on. Either act as wine pourer yourself, or enlist the help of a non-drinking relative and let each attendee sample the wines they choose. If they like a particular wine, offer them a full glass.

For Guess the Grape, cover the labels of a selection of bottles and hand guests a sheet with spaces for them to write each guess. After sampling each wine, they must write down the type - or grape - from which it was made, be it Chardonnay, or Merlot.The winner should take home an unopened bottle as a prize.

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