Ideas & Tips — Wedding

As the holiday season approaches, you'll likely be shopping for wine to bring to gatherings or serve to your guests. Wine can be a good addition to any meal, but it can be confusing to keep track of the different varieties and which foods they should be paired with. Here's a quick guide to consult before you head to the store: Merlot: Known for its drinkability and well-rounded, fruity flavor, Merlot pairs well with almost any dish, but especially with red meats like beef and lamb. Look for notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Cabernet Sauvignon: Merlot's sassier cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon...

If you recently became engaged, you may be wondering exactly how to create your wedding registry. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin the process: Do register: Registering makes gift giving easy for friends and family members, especially those who might not be confident that they know your tastes well. Registries let loved ones know exactly what you want, removing the guess work. Be tactful: Instead of referencing your registry on your save-the-date card, include a link to your wedding website and link to your registry there.  Include all price points: The gift your mom's coworker sends will...

Are you in charge of throwing a friend or family member a wedding or baby shower? If so, consider using a garden-theme for a fun and flower-filled affair. Here are some tips:  Arrange fruit: Set out this beautiful basket and fill it with fresh fruit for your guests to snack on. Invite them in style: Send mailed invitations that are in keeping with your garden theme. You might choose a floral stationery or tuck a silk daisy inside the envelope.  Make floral straws: We love Martha Stewart's idea of using pretty paper to turn your straws into awesome centerpieces. For the "stems,"...

If you've gone out to a brewpub or into the home of a beer aficionado lately, you have probably noticed that there are a whole bunch of different beer glass styles in heavy rotation these days. Each type of glass corresponds to a particular brewing tradition and is meant to bring out the particular qualities associated with that beer style. That's not to say that you can't serve beers in the "wrong" glass, only that serving them in their intended glassware will give you a better idea of which characteristics the brewers were aiming to bring out in the beer....

If you're getting married, remember that thoughtful wedding favors can really set your special day apart. This detail is too often overlooked, but it is crucial to acknowledge the time and money your guests have invested in celebrating the start of your new life. Show your appreciation with a special gift that will always remind them of your wedding day.  "There's something extra memorable about any occasion (wedding, baby or bridal shower, birthday party) that sends you home with a special treat," says lifestyle magazine Real Simple.  Favors are often arranged as part of the place setting, allowing them to...