It may sound fancy, but a Champagne party can be whatever you want it to be … just add bubbles.

Ugly sweater shindigs, white elephant gift exchanges, cookie swaps. We’ve all had our share of these cheery holiday festivities. But this year, when you’re gathering with your nearest and dearest, why not level up with an affair that everyone will remember for years to come — a Champagne party! It may sound fancy, but a Champagne party can be whatever you want it to be. Ask your guests to dress up and go for simple elegance or have them come in their pajamas. (You could even pull out your blinking lights cardigan or bring along that cat puzzle to pawn off on an unsuspecting co-worker.) Whatever your vibe, all you’ll really need to throw the best party ever is your bubbles, best friends and some tips from the celebration specialists at fatcork for pulling it off without a hitch.

Let's plan the best party ever. 

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a total rager, or a friendly catch up session, a bottle of Champagne is a pantry staple for any amateur or professional host. You never know when you’ll need it and it’s hard to say no to a glass.

In France, especially this time of year, everyone always has a tin of cookies, treats, or a bottle of wine ready in case your neighbors Margot and Pierre, or Mama and Papa stop by. Remember what we say… don’t wait for a special occasion, create one by popping a bottle. That's why we're in the business of celebrating.

Are you planning on entertaining this month? Or as Alison Roman calls it, “having people over”? Is your New Year’s resolution to entertain more? We can't all be Amy Sedaris, but we can certainly take her advice "for festive gatherings and swanky lumberjack soirées". When it comes to Champagne specifically however, we have some unique and surefire back pocket tips. 

Give a Champagne party a try, it’s easier than you think and so festive. Remember, these tips work all year round, so whip them out anytime you have something to celebrate. 

1. Take stock of your glassware.
At fatcork, we serve Champagne in Burgundy wine or standard white wine glasses. But you can use whatever glasses you have on hand — blida, bodega glasses, even mason jars! What you give up in effervescence you gain in complexity.

2. Get your bottles nice and cold.
We recommend storing bottles in an ice bucket filled with half ice and half water for 20 minutes before opening. The bottle should feel cold to the touch. Set up multiple ice buckets throughout your party or fill up the tub with an ice bath to keep bottles at the ready.

3. Pop bottles, two ways.
To open your bottles like a professional, check out this video for step-by-step instructions. Pro tips: Never remove the cage and then walk away (even for a second), and always make sure to point the bottle away from your face! If you’re feeling brave or overdramatic, you should definitely saber at least one of your bottles! Fatcork founder Bryan Maletis is happy to show you how it’s done. 

4. Don’t lose your glass.
A silver dry erase marker or some novelty wine charms will help you keep track of your glass, while you mix and mingle. We love these colorful felt Wine-O’s by Graf Lantz.

5. Learn a little French.
Master the art of the toast with this celebratory slang:

• Santé — short for the formal “a votre santé” or informal “a ta santé” (depending on your level of politeness). Both mean “to your health.” Save “santé” (trés informal) for friends and family. The French don’t say cheers when toasting. Instead, they wish good health to those with whom they are drinking.

• Glou, glou — French onomatopoeia for that “glug, glug” sound one makes while gulping down an oh-so-delicious glass of wine or Champagne! 

• Tchin-Tchin — a Chinese expression meaning “please-please” or “happy days.” French soldiers popularized the phrase in France upon their return from the Second Opium War in 1860. 

6.  Cheers like the French. Here’s how:

• When you toast with someone, look them in the eyes.

• Clink glasses with everyone in your group before taking a sip.

• Don’t put your glass down between the toast and the first sip.

• Never cross glasses with anyone unless you want seven years of bad luck. (Mon dieu!) 

7. Serve the right snacks.
Champagne pairs beautifully with simple party snacks like popcorn and potato chips as well as luxurious treats like oysters (traditional at Christmas and on New Year’s Eve), caviar, shrimp cocktail and rich cheeses. We have more ideas for you here. 
 

Now, you’re ready to host your most epic party yet. And here’s a secret: These tips work all year round, so whip them out anytime you have something to celebrate!

Cheers to you, the host with the most, and the Champagne party of your dreams!

Team fatcork