This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Total Wine & More. The opinions and text are all mine.
The most patriotic plate at your 4th of July block party is sure to be this Old Glory-inspired cheese plate! Beautiful enough to double as a centerpiece, but easy enough to arrange in minutes, it's a true example of summer's easygoing entertaining vibes!
Prepping for the summer holidays is so very different than getting ready for those that come later in the year. Autumn arrives and has a way of making people work themselves into a tizzy, prepping for weeks and sometimes months in advance for over-the-top, elaborate gatherings. Summer holidays, on the other hand, drowsily float in on a pool raft and show up ready for a cool, casual party -- no painstaking plans required. I'm willing to bet that one of the most uttered phrases on July 3rd is, "Let's have people over tomorrow."
The one thing that they both have in common is the place where all first-rate parties begin: Total Wine & More, or as I call it, "An Amusement Park for Grown Ups." You might think of Total Wine as a straight-up liquor store, but I can tell you that it goes far beyond {amazingly priced} wine and spirits. It's a gift shop, learning resource and specialty store all rolled into one giant warehouse!
With the 4th of July and other summer festivities just around the corner, I thought I'd scout out my local Total Wine and share of the reasons why it's my favorite place to get the party started!
They have everything. And at really great prices.
Let's start with the obvious: Total Wine is a superstore. Whatever it is you're looking for, I can almost guarantee they have it! If you are easily distracted, you *may* want to go prepared with a list... otherwise you may find yourself roaming the aisles aimlessly for hours browsing their incredible stock of wine, beer and spirits. {Not that that's ever happened to me or anything...}
And speaking of their wines and spirits, they are able to save you some serious dough with their Winery Direct & Spirits Direct products. Basically, Total Wine creates partnerships with wine and spirits producers all over the world that allow them to provide a large selection of high quality, products at a great value to customers. Just look for their yellow tags and you'll see the savings!
They understand the importance of accessorizing.
I have to admit, I'm usually so busy taking stock of all the unique beverages at Total Wine that I tend to overlook everything else, but during my last visit I really opened my eyes and took note of the many supplies they sell that can help add pizzazz to your party! From napkins to koozies to pool floats, they've got all the things that make a party pop!
They've got you covered for those "Oops! I need a hostess gift!" moments.
Molly and Stephen's housewarming. Girls night at Kendall's. A visit to Aunt Gertrude. No one likes to show up empty handed, and Total Wine knows it. They've got a selection of surprisingly adorable gifts {plus cards and gift bags!} that would bring a smile to anyone's face. Can't find the right thing? They've also got gift cards! {You know how much Aunt Gertie loves her whisky.}
They're SO helpful.
From the moment you walk into the store, their friendly & knowledgeable employees are ready to help you out, whether you're looking for a rare craft bourbon or don't know the difference between Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. No question is too silly! They can point you in the right direction, help you discover a new brew and lead you to the perfect pairing for your dinner party. Seriously, just ask!
They've also got a penchant for teaching! From weekly wine tastings, to classes and special events led by industry experts, you'll be ready to pass "the bar" with flying colors in no time. 😉
They're always on-trend.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of what's hot in wine, beer and spirits is part of Total Wine's charm. Worried you might pick a product that's so last year? No way, Frosé! Just ask one of their ever-helpful staff members for some assistance and they'll set you on the right path.
Learn how to Rose in store or on their website!
I've rambled on {what else is new?}, but you can see why I head straight for Total Wine when it's time to start prepping for a party. When it's time to get in gear for the 4th of July, head over to your local store or visit their website for all you need to get party-ready!
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Ok, so now that I've covered how Total Wine makes it easy to get set up for a great party, let's talk food! Since summer entertaining is all about keeping things laid back and fuss-free, I decided to make a cheese plate that doubles as decor!
This simple {yet patriotic!} arrangement creates an eye-catching display that will draw guests over to the food table and encourage nibbling and mingling around the grand ol' flag!
Whether you're purchasing wine or beer for your 4th of July festivities, fruit and cheese is a great option for complementary pairings. Add your favorite berries, veggies, crackers and spreads to give it your own special touch.
Need help deciding what wines or beers go well with different foods? Total Wine's site can help you pick your perfect pairings by simply clicking around and learning about varietals and styles of beer.
Add this beautiful cheese plate alongside your favorite beverages this 4th of July, and your party is sure to end with fireworks!
4th of July Cheese and Fruit Platter
Ingredients
- Blueberry Goat cheese log sliced
- Blueberries
- Strawberries {or favorite red berries}
- Favorite white cheese cubed {I used Monterrey Jack}
- Water crackers {or favorite crackers}
Instructions
- Place slices of blueberry goat cheese {or your favorite blueberry spread, etc.} in a small square serving dish. Top with a few blueberries. Nestle the square dish in the upper left hand corner of a large, rectangular serving platter or cutting board.
- Arrange strawberries in a horizontal row across the top of the serving platter.
- For the second row, arrange cheese in the same manner under the strawberries.
- Repeat again with strawberries or other red berries.
- In the last row, arrange crackers horizontally to complete the "flag."
- Serve with your favorite, complementary beverages!
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