Molly Sider, Wine Buyer, Crush
Hosting parties can be stressful, but wine buyer MOLLY SIDER—from chic uptown NYC wine shop Crush—recently hosted a clothes-swapping party for a few friends that went off without a hitch. After all, setting the scene for your event is just as important as pairing the right wine with a meal. Since this party is about shopping other people's closets (and nobody wants to be overwhelmed while trying on clothes), keeping things simple and light is the way to go.
Herewith, the 10 things Molly Sider relies on when she's hosting a clothes-swap.
- 1
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers brighten up any tiny New York apartment, and luckily my apartment is small enough that they also freshen the air.
- 2
Zalto Glassware
Austrian hand-made, mouth-blown, super lightweight wine glasses are all the rage in the wine world right now. Truly gorgeous, these are a great example for when form follows function. There is a real difference between Zaltos and regular wine glasses; the reason why every somm/wine buyer/wine director I know prefers them to any other brand. Don't believe me? Try drinking the same bottle of wine out of a regular glass and a Zalto glass side-by-side.
- 3
Bedford Cheese Shop Cheese
I can't resist their Aussie Feta in a garlic and peppercorn olive oil, and neither can anyone I serve it to! Besides a variety of cheeses, they also have selections of cured meats from small producers, specialty pastas, and artisan chocolates—plus all the cheese is accompanied by detailed, slightly lewd, and severely entertaining descriptions, which, alone, are worth a stop in the store. If only I could convince them to write my wine descriptions!
Tip: Order the "Cheese of the Month" for a gift for a cheese lover! - 4
Barilla Mulino Biano Cuor di Mela Cookies
I discovered these little apple filled pillows of joy years ago when I first visited my friend in Turin, Italy. When I returned to the states I emailed Barilla and asked if they could please import them into the US. They said they'd consider it. If you can't get your hands on these, any of the Barilla cookies will work.
- 5
Thomas Paul Cake Stand
(With Farmers Market Veggies)To reap the most benefits from your local farmer's market pay attention to when fruits and veggies are in season so you don't miss out on the best goods! An artsy cake stand is the best way to serve fresh produce. I like the birds on this one by Thomas Paul.
- 6
Glad Fresh Clean Scent Garbage Bags
If you're going home with trash bags filled with clothing, why not make sure it smells like clothing and not trash!?
- 7
Aldo Armato Olive Oil
Use this or another nice olive oil for finishing dishes. Make sure the date is as recent as possible. New vintages of olive oil are usually released in the beginning of the year, between January and March. Unlike some wines, as olive oil ages the quality lessons.
- 8
Clemens-Busch Reisling Vom Roten Schiefer, 2010
I serve Riesling, of course! This means "from red slate." Citrus, slate, minerals and crackling acid is exactly what I want to drink on warmer nights with fresh veggies and cheese. Skip the reds and go straight for the noblest of grapes!
- 9
Monogrammed Napkins
I have a stash of leftover cocktail napkins from my Bat Mitzvah with my name on them. I like to use them when I'm hosting to add a little quirk and humor. If you know me, you know I'd be the last person to have napkins with my name on them!
- 10
Bee Hardy Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are an all-natural product, burn longer and brighter than regular wax candles, have a faint honey scent, and emit negative ions which purify the air.
