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6 Wonderful Ways To House Your Wine Collection

Every wine lover should have a dedicated space to keep their favorite bottles of red and white safely stored. Doing so will showcase your collection while also adding some character and style to the home. There are many styling options that you can choose from based on your space and needs, so let’s explore some of the possibilities! From a wine cellar to a wine storage cabinet and everything in between, here are six wonderful ways to house your wine collection.

#1. Install a built in wine storage cabinet in your kitchen.

Custom cabinets are much more accessible these days, and it’s easy to add your own personal touches. Incorporating a built-in wine rack is a brilliant way to store a few of your go-to bottles right in the heart of the home. These cube style wall cabinets blend seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry and add a bit of open shelving that doubles as decor. With Willow Lane Cabinetry’s New Year’s Sale running from December 24th to January 4th, now is an excellent time to make any cabinet upgrades or improvements to your kitchen.

#2. Add a wine rack to your home bar cabinets.

If you have a home bar, installing a wine storage cabinet there makes perfect sense as well. As we mentioned, these open racks offer easy storage and can also enhance the ambiance of the room. Alternatively, a cabinet-size wine cooler is another way to incorporate wine storage into your home’s cabinetry. These mini refrigerators keep your wine at the optimal drinking temperature for that perfect glass every time.

#3. Hang a wall mounted wine bottle rack if space is limited.

If your kitchen is small or you don’t have any designated bar cabinets, a wall mounted wine bottle rack is another possibility. This wall accessory keeps bottles stored horizontally and can be hung anywhere you have open space. However, since this storage solution offers little protection, opt for an area away from windows. Exposure to heat and direct sunlight can actually damage your wine collection fairly quickly.

#4. Build a wine wall in the dining room.

A wine wall is almost like a work of art and can be built in a common area like the dining room. Typically, a wine wall will consist of cubed shelving to both display and protect the bottles from traffic. But if bumping into the wall isn’t likely, you can go with a more open concept, such as metal racks, or one where the majority of the bottle is exposed.

#5. Create a wine pantry in a lonely corner or unused area.

If you have an oversized room with unused space, carving out an area to serve as a wine pantry could be an incredible addition to your home. This could be a walk-in style closet where the surrounding walls are used to store wine, or it could be something more contemporary, such as an all glass structure that you can see into from the outside. Let your imagination run wild and decide on a design that works with your home’s floor plan and aesthetic.

#6. Give your basement a makeover and transform it into a wine cellar.

Since dark, cool spaces are ideal for storing wine, building a wine cellar in your basement can help maintain your collection. Some things to keep in mind before moving forward with your project are the room’s temperature, humidity level, and exposure to UV light. Experts also recommend avoiding vibrations if possible, since over time this can actually disturb the wine’s maturation. In other words, you wouldn’t want to store your wine on a wall that is shared with your washer and dryer.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, closet, TV room or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free, plus all the accessories needed to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

5 Late Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

It’s common to hide your slow cooker behind cabinet doors during the warmer months, but this handy kitchen appliance is perfect for lazy summer days. You simply need to adjust your menu. When you swap out hearty stews and chili for light dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you end up with an easy dinner the whole family will love. Here are five late summer recipes for cooking low and slow on the kitchen island.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

This easy slow cooker lasagna from Eating Well calls for garden fresh vegetables instead of meat, like late summer zucchini squash, baby spinach, and portobello mushrooms. Stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, you can cook this healthy and delicious meal in a slow cooker on low for four hours (or high for two hours) and have dinner on the table in a flash. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad (and a glass of Summer Sangria from your wine storage cabinet). Click here for the recipe from Eating Well.

Slow Cooker Pork Ribs

Erin from Well Plated says these easy slow cooker ribs take only ten minutes of prep — the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you! Using a slow cooker instead of a grill reduces the risk of overcooking and fills your kitchen with the sweet and savory aroma of BBQ. If you’re craving succulent and delicious, fall off the bone pork ribs with a flavorful homemade sauce, click here.

Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder is a light and tasty late summer meal that cooks low and slow in four hours (or 40 minutes on high). This warm and cozy slow cooker recipe from Better Homes and Gardens features fresh summer corn, potatoes, and bacon. You’ll also need a splash of your favorite dry white from your wine storage cabinet, and dried thyme and paprika from your spice rack, for an extra punch of flavor. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions from BHG, click here.

Slow Cooker Barbacoa-Style Beef Tacos
What could be better than tacos on a late summer evening? Slow Cooker Barbacoa-Style Beef Tacos! Not your average taco recipe, this Tasty dish features a tender chuck roast simmered low and slow for eight and a half hours with spicy chili peppers in adobo sauce. Serve on a flour or corn tortilla with queso fresco, avocado slices, fresh cilantro and a twist of lime. For the complete recipe from Tasty, click here.

Slow Cooker Coconut Lime Chicken
This easy dish from The Slow Cooker Gourmet calls for bone-in chicken breasts and gets its summery flavor from coconut milk, lime and pineapple juice. Rubbed with dried curry powder, ginger, garlic powder and cajun seasonings from your spice tray, this breezy meal is best enjoyed on the back patio, or pull up a stool at the kitchen island and dig in! For the recipe from The Slow Cooker Gourmet, click here.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free, plus all the accessories needed to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

4 Sensational Cocktails For A Hot Summer Day

Beat the heat this summer with a refreshing drink made with ingredients right from your bar cabinet. These sensational cocktails use simple supplies that you likely have at home — and the best part? No bartender is needed! Whip up one of these ice cold adult beverages for your next at-home happy hour or weekend wind down.

1.Vodka Lemonade

Lemonade is a classic summertime treat, and it also makes a great base for a cocktail. You should already have vodka on hand, so head to your home bar and grab a bottle right from your bar cabinet, along with some freshly squeezed lemonade and a few extra lemons.

Mix two ounces of vodka with six ounces of lemonade and pour over ice. Thinly slice a lemon to use as a garnish and voila! You have yourself a delicious summer cocktail in seconds. If you don’t like your drinks super sweet, you can dilute the lemonade with a little club soda or lemon-flavored sparkling water.

2. Calimocho

Sangria is a go-to cocktail in the spring and summer months, because of its fresh, fruity flavors. But some recipes can get pretty elaborate with four kinds of fruit, cinnamon sticks, and brandy. If you want the sweet, slightly bubbly taste of Sangria without the prep, try the Calimocho.

Also known as the “Poor Man’s Sangria,” this Spanish cocktail originates from the Basque region of Spain and needs only two ingredients — soda and wine. If you have a bottle of wine in your wine storage cabinet, you’re halfway there! Traditionally this recipe calls for equal parts cola and red wine. You mix the two liquids together and serve over ice with a lime garnish. It’s unexpected, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

3. Ranch Water

A summer staple in Texas, Ranch Water is simply tequila, lime, and sparkling water (preferably Topo Chico). How much you add of each ingredient is based on your own preferences. Since this recipe is up for interpretation, you can go heavy on the tequila or flood it with lime — it’s completely your call.

If you like your cocktails with a bit of a kick, run a lime around the rim of your glass and dip the glass into some spicy salt. You can make it easily at home by blending coarse salt with ground chili pepper from your bar cabinet spice rack.

Bellini champagne cocktail in crystal glass on blue wooden table

4. Fresh Bellini

If you have a huge bowl of fresh fruit on top of your kitchen island, this recipe is a great way to make use of those ripe peaches. Although opting for fresh peaches in a Bellini is a little more leg work, it’s a thousand times more delicious than a pre-made mix. And this recipe is still only two ingredients!

To make fresh peach puree, all you need to do is peel and slice your peaches and then blend them up in a food processor or blender. Store your puree in the refrigerator, so that it’s nice and cool when you’re ready to serve your Bellinis. Grab a bottle of Prosecco from your wine storage cabinet and you’re ready to go! Each flute should have about two ounces of puree in it before topping with Prosecco for the perfect peachy delight.

5 Summer Shrimp Recipes That Are Simply Delicious

If you love seafood, the summer months mean one thing — it’s shrimp season! From Po’Boys to tacos, there are so many ways to enjoy your favorite shellfish from the comfort of your own kitchen. Here are five simply delicious recipes to try!

Shrimp Po’boys

Imagine fresh shrimp coated in cornmeal and fried to a delicious, golden brown. Now imagine it served in a warm roll, topped with a juicy slice of tomato, crisp lettuce and creamy tartar sauce. Is your mouth watering for a Po’boy yet? It’s easy to make this classic Louisiana sandwich at home, and there is no better time than summer! Serve your Po’boys al fresco on the back patio with a twist of lemon, a dash of hot sauce, and a summer Sazerac — a signature New Orleans cocktail with moonshine whiskey from your bar cabinet. For a quick and simple Shrimp Po’Boys recipe from Martha Stewart, click here.

Shrimp Skewers

Time to put another shrimp on the barbie! This Peruvian twist on grilled shrimp skewers features a zesty Aji Verde sauce made from fresh jalapeno and serrano peppers, along with sour cream, parsley and cilantro. Simply marinate freshly peeled and deveined shrimp and chill while you soak your wooden skewers. Then thread your shrimp onto the prepared skewers, grill over medium-high heat, and serve with your homemade sauce and some lime wedges. For the complete Shrimp Skewers with Aji Verde recipe from Better Homes and Gardens, including the marinade, click here.

Shrimp and Grits

Quintessentially southern, Shrimp and Grits is a mouthwatering addition to any summer menu. Southern Living recommends using wild gulf shrimp and smoked andouille sausage. Other flavors include fresh thyme, mushrooms, lemon juice, and a dry white from your wine storage cabinet. In addition to corn grits, you’ll also need to raid the refrigerator for butter, heavy cream, and Cheddar cheese — and don’t forget the hot sauce! Click here to learn how to make this authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe from Southern Living.

Shrimp Scampi

If you love garlic, Shrimp Scampi is probably a dinnertime favorite. But you don’t need to visit a fancy Italian restaurant to enjoy this dish. If you have fresh garlic, butter, olive oil, and dry white wine in your wine storage cabinet, you can easily make Shrimp Scampi at home this summer. If you like it hot, you’ll also want to grab some red pepper flakes from your spice drawer. Serve your Shrimp Scampi over pasta or with warm, crusty bread. For a great recipe from Bon Appétit, click here.

Shrimp Tacos

Tacos are tasty all year round, but Shrimp Tacos are ideal for summer! Easy to make and easy to love, tacos are a quick dish that is filled with flavor. This recipe from Epicurious calls for freshly peeled and deveined shrimp tossed in spicy sriracha sauce and topped with broiled summer pineapple. Serve your Shrimp Tacos in warm flour tortillas with sliced avocado, jalapeño peppers, lime wedges and cilantro. For the recipe from Epicurious, click here.

6 Fruity Boozy Popsicles To Enjoy At Home

With the weather warming up, we’re already thinking of ways to keep cool this summer. And since many of us are spending more hours at home, it’s the perfect time to peruse the bar cabinet, dust off what’s in your wine storage cabinet, and get creative in your home bar by making some boozy popsicles.

Many of your favorite summer cocktails can be transformed into fruity, boozy popsicles with just a few tweaks. Cool and refreshing, these sweet treats are a delicious way to beat the heat and unwind in your backyard or on the patio. Here are a few fabulous ideas.

1.Prosecco Pops

Pop a bottle of Prosecco, and celebrate the first day of summer by whipping up some fizzy popsicles. Sweet and sparkly, this easy recipe from Delish combines Prosecco, freshly squeezed lemonade, and your favorite summer berries. Place strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries in a popsicle mold, and then fill three quarters of the way with prosecco. Top it off with lemonade and freeze for at least six hours before serving.

2. Tinto de Verano Popsicles

Grab your favorite Spanish red from the wine storage cabinet, and make a batch of Tinto de Verano to freeze. Enjoyed during the summer in Spain, Tinto de Verano is a simple mix of red wine and lemon-lime soda. To make this quick cocktail into a palpable popsicle, Tracy of Baking Mischief recommends adding lime simple syrup. You may already keep this flavored syrup in your bar cabinet, but if not, you can make your own by combining sugar, water, and lime juice.

3. Boozy Rocket Pops

The red, white and blue rocket pop was probably a summer staple during your childhood years. Now you can recreate this classic popsicle with a boozy twist. This Boozy Rocket Pop recipe from Delish calls for raspberry sorbet, vanilla ice cream, blue curacao, and white rum. With three delicious layers, it’s a festive and flavorful pop that should definitely be served as part of your 4th of July menu.

4. Tequila + Watermelon Popsicles

No summer is complete without taking a bite into a juicy slice of watermelon. This mouth watering recipe from Love and Olive Oil combines fresh watermelon with tequila for a margarita-like dessert — hold the salt. A little sugar and splash of lime really enhance the flavors, giving this pop a sweet kick and making it the obvious choice for your next pool day.

5. Miami Vice Boozy Popsicles

You’ll imagine yourself serenely sailing along the ocean the second you taste these Miami Vice popsicles. By combining two of the most popular frozen cocktails, piña colada and strawberry daiquiri, the Miami Vice has become synonymous with cruise life. The popsicle version crafted by The Beach House Kitchen is close competition and makes it easy to recreate a relaxing vacation at home. With sweet strawberries, creamy coconut and tangy pineapple, this two layer popsicle is the ultimate fruity and boozy combo.

6. Vodka Gummy Bear Pops

Have you ever tried vodka gummy bears? What about vodka gummy bear pops? This idea from A Spicy Perspective may sound slightly reminiscent of your college days, but who doesn’t love a good throwback? Pour the vodka into a bowl, and then add in the gummy bears. Leave them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a couple of days, so that the vodka is almost entirely absorbed. In popsicle molds, freeze the vodka gummy bears and lemon-lime soda in layers, so that the gummy bears are equally distributed. The finished product is a colorful creation that is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

How To Pamper Mom At Home This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is May 10, 2020, and although the way we celebrate may be different this year, the sentiment is still the same. Moms wear many hats, especially these days. This is our chance to acknowledge all of her hard work, unconditional love, and constant care. Here are some thoughtful ways to pamper mom at home this Mother’s Day.

Have fresh flowers delivered right to her doorstep.

There are many flower companies offering no-contact delivery right to your doorstep. Help support small business and give your local florist a call to see what type of arrangements are available for Mother’s Day. A beautiful bouquet placed on the kitchen island or breakfast table can really brighten up the entire kitchen — and mom’s special day! Your thoughtful gift of fresh flowers is sure to put a smile on her face every time she walks into the room.

Stock her wine storage cabinet with all of her favorites.

Does mom love a nice glass of wine? It is easier than ever to get alcohol delivered, and your go-to grocery or liquor store is likely offering this service. Treat her to a couple of bottles of her favorite white and red, so that her wine storage cabinet is stocked while homebound. If you want to make this Mother’s Day gift even more special, send her a bottle that she ordered on your last family vacation or that you drank while celebrating a special event. Include a note reminding her of why this wine is sentimental for a jog down Memory Lane. Or if she loves trying new wines, gift her a wine subscription that sends bottles based on personality or favorite flavors.

Help her recreate her favorite spa or salon treatment.

Mom is probably missing a beauty treatment or two, so do what you can to bring the spa or salon home to her. While some services are better left on pause (home haircuts usually don’t end well), there are plenty of ways to help her refresh and relax in her very own bathroom. Pick a treatment, and then put together a gift basket with all of the goodies she’ll need. Here are some ideas for an at-home salon gift:

Mani/Pedi:

A neck massager (the next best thing to those plush massage chairs)
Softening foot mask to nourish dry skin
Nail polish remover and file
Classic nude nail polish for a foolproof application

Color/Style:

Color enhancing shampoo
Conditioning hair mask for deep hydration
Blow dryer brush for easy styling
Root cover up spray to use until she can get back to the salon

Bring her favorite dining experience home.

Since mom can’t have dinner at her favorite restaurant this year, find a way to bring that same dining experience to life at home. Order her favorite dishes to go and set up the dining room in style. You can take out the good serving ware, light a few candles, and even print out a menu. Afterwards, head to the TV room and rent that movie she recently missed in theaters. You can still create the ultimate dinner and movie night while staying safe at home.

3 Seasonal Cocktails For Wine Lovers

You don’t need to go out to enjoy a delicious wine cocktail. Head right over to your home bar and whip up one of these enticing spring recipes. By combining your favorite wine with some of the season’s most scrumptious flavors, you can indulge in a tasty cocktail in the privacy and comfort of your home.

French 75

You should have at least one bottle of bubbly in your wine storage cabinet, so pop some champagne and put together this classic cocktail. The French 75 (or Soixante Quinze) has been around for over 100 years and should be served in a champagne flute with a lemon twist. But don’t let the fruit fool you. This champagne cocktail may be slightly sweet and citrusy but it packs a serious kick.

Ingredients:

2 oz. gin
2 oz. champagne
¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz. simple syrup

Directions:

Grab a cocktail shaker from your bar cabinet and pour in your gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain your mixture into a flute, top with champagne, and serve with a lemon twist.

Springtime Sangria

Make the most of the season’s fresh fruit with a juicy spring Sangria. This wine cocktail is a favorite year long — but it’s especially delicious when you combine white wine with ripe strawberries or oranges. Pick your favorite bottle of dry white wine from your wine storage cabinet to use as the base for your spring Sangria. The optional addition of brandy adds bold flavor, and you can control the sweetness by using either club soda or a lemon-lime soda. Serve in a large pitcher and enjoy on your backyard patio.

Ingredients:

750 ml. bottle of chilled dry white wine
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup to ⅔ cup of white sugar
1 to 2 cups of club soda or lemon-lime soda
Fresh seasonal fruit (such as strawberries, oranges, pineapple or cherries)

Directions:

Sangria can be made a few hours before, or left over night, so that the flavors really marinate. Combine all of your ingredients (except your soda) into a large pitcher, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Before serving, add one to two cups of either club soda or lemon-lime soda (depending on how sweet you like your Sangria). Serve in white wine glasses.

Rosé-Aperol Spritz

This springtime version of an Aperol Spritz from Bon Appetit is as pleasant as it is pink, so you’ll want to stock your bar cabinet with Aperol a little earlier this year. By swapping Prosecco with a bottle of sparkling rosé and adding passion fruit juice, this Italian, wine-based cocktail turns a blushing shade of soft pink. If you love an Aperol Spritz in summer, fall in love with a Rosé-Aperol Spritz this spring.

Ingredients:

750 ml. bottle of sparkling rosé
¾ cup passion fruit juice
¼ cup Aperol
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
4 tsp. sugar
Grapefruit (optional garnish)

Directions:

In a large pitcher, mix the Aperol, passion fruit juice, lime juice, and sugar. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, stir in the sparkling rosé. Serve your Rosé-Aperol Spritz over ice in a large wine glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

How To Host An Elegant Baby Or Bridal Shower At Home

There are so many advantages to hosting a baby or bridal shower at home. You are able to enjoy the intimate occasion with the utmost privacy and not be bothered by rental time restraints. To plan a special event that your guest of honor will remember forever, follow these tips for hosting an elegant baby or bridal shower at home.

Plan a menu that doesn’t require reheating.

When serving a large group from home, it’s important that the majority of menu items do not require reheating. Not even dream kitchens can compete with their commercial counterparts. A menu that is easy for a restaurant to prepare and serve can be a nightmare in a home kitchen.

Focus on foods that can be served cold or room temperature like quiches, sandwiches, different varieties of salads, and pastry items like muffins, scones and croissants. You can create a delicious and versatile brunch that doesn’t require you to shuffle dishes in and out of the oven.

Hire a bartender.

While you know your wine storage cabinet better than anyone, it’s best to surrender your home bar to a professional. Even if their job is simply managing the mimosa station, it will be a weight off your shoulders knowing someone will be there constantly uncorking the champagne.

When hosting a shower at home, it’s likely that your refrigerator and freezer will be at max capacity, so it’s smart to fill a large cooler with ice before the big day. Keep a few extra bottles of alcohol and juice chilled to make sure you never run out of drinks. Store your backup cooler out of sight but close by, preferably in a no-traffic area like your kitchen pantry, garage or laundry room.

Set up the perfect gifting spot.

Opening gifts is often the highlight of a shower. As the host, you want to designate the perfect spot for gathering gifts and viewing the unwrapping. If you have an open concept kitchen, the kitchen island can be an ideal area to organize gifts. Since it’s up a little higher, even your guests in the back of the room will be able to see clearly. Alternatively, set up your gifting spot at a buffet table that can be pushed against a wall with plenty of open space in front of it.

Make sure you also designate a gifting assistant, whether it be yourself or someone else at the party, to pass gifts to the mother or bride-to-be and take notes on each gift that is received. This is one detail that can be overlooked in the moment, so it’s best to plan in advance.

Keep decorations to a minimum.

You might feel like you need to overcompensate with decorations to make your home shower feel more festive, but this is not the case. There’s no need to cover your entire kitchen island with confetti or construct seven diaper cakes.

When planning your party, remember that the room will not look as it does right now. It will be filled with your friends and family and overflowing with gifts and delicious food. Use decorations as an accent instead of a focal point by incorporating subtle details. Elements like the cake or cookies, servingware, and even the cocktail napkins can be great opportunities to showcase your theme without making an overwhelming statement.

If you want to create the perfect photo op, convert one wall or area of the room into a photo station. Hang a sign, backdrop, or letter balloons against the wall, and set up a portable cart with accessories that guests can pose with. Since it will be off to the side, it won’t interfere with the party, and guests will be able to capture a fun memory of the shower.

5 Champagne Cocktails To Ring In The New Year At Home

While lavish parties and fancy clothes are standard components of a New Year’s Eve celebration, there are other just as traditional ways to ring in the new year that are much more mellow. — like watching the ball drop in New York City, from the warm comfort of your TV room.

If you’re planning to cheer 2020 from your sofa, make sure you have plenty of champagne in your wine storage cabinet and the ingredients needed for one of these delicious champagne cocktails.

#5. Vodka Champagne

Let’s start super simple. Everyone has a bottle of vodka behind one of their bar cabinet doors, right? Great. That means you have everything you need to whip up this two-ingredient champagne cocktail.

If you want to be a little more creative, swap traditional vodka for a flavored variety (lemon or vanilla works nicely). You can also add a little simple syrup or drop in a sugar cube to sweeten the deal.

#4. French 75

This classic drink has been around since World War I. Can you believe it? This champagne cocktail has really stood the test of time. Like most classics, the ingredients here are pretty straightforward.

A French 75 requires gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, brut champagne, and a lemon for garnish. Shake the ingredients over ice and then strain into your glass.

Like most champagne cocktails, a French 75 is best served cold, so make sure to keep your champagne bottles in a refrigerated wine storage cabinet and serve in a chilled glass. Don’t forget the twisted lemon garnish! Use a paring knife to slice a thin, spiral peel.

#3. Classic Champagne Cocktail

This is another great champagne cocktail that only needs a few key ingredients: bitters, champagne, sugar cubes, and lemon (again for a garnish).

The secret to the classic champagne cocktail is a sugar cube soaked in bitters. This tiny touch packs serious flavor and brings out the different notes in the champagne. Like a French 75, you can also garnish this cocktail with a slice of lemon.

#2. Champagne Punch

You might be spoiled by all of these easy champagne recipes. Fair warning, this one’s a bit more complex. But if you’re staying in, why not do something a little special?

To prepare a champagne punch, you’ll need a bottle of champagne, club soda, and slices of fresh fruits like oranges, pineapples, and strawberries. In many ways, a champagne punch is much like a sangria. You are just swapping the red wine for champagne.

The liquors you will need are likely in your bar cabinet: brandy and cointreau. Add 1 ½ ounce of each. Serve this colorful mixture in a large punch bowl or pitcher and enjoy all night long.

#1. Death in the Afternoon

Ernest Hemingway was not just a great writer. He also knew how to make a strong drink. His champagne cocktail creation mixes the bubbly treat with absinthe.

But if you do start drinking this cocktail in the afternoon, there’s a good chance you’ll fall asleep far too early to say, “Happy New Year!”

Design Tips To Transition Your Home From Fall To Winter

November and December are notoriously busy months. That being said, taking a moment to get your home ready for winter is not as easy as it sounds. If you feel like you hardly have a minute to spare this time of year, you’ll appreciate these simple design tips that make transitioning your home from fall to winter sweeter than a cup of hot chocolate.

Build storage that can accommodate your holiday decor.

The word “storage” is often associated with cluttered, bulky boxes, stacked in a dusty corner. It’s no wonder getting out your holiday decor feels like a grueling chore. Someone cue the elves!

One of the best home design hacks for transitioning from season to season is built-in storage. By opting for all wood cabinetry rather than plastic containers and cardboard boxes, you can easily organize and label all of your holiday decor and keep it discreetly hidden behind closed doors.

The best place to add storage cabinets will depend on the layout of your home, but garages and laundry rooms are often ideal for storing seasonal items. If you need some help picking a place for your new storage cabinets, contact our team for free room design services.

Set up a home bar for holiday entertaining.

It’s not uncommon for your home to have an increase in foot traffic during the winter months. From festive family gatherings to New Year’s Eve celebrations, you’ll probably have at least one party this season.

While crowding in the kitchen is common, it makes entertaining much more difficult. It’s enough to have your hands full with food preparation — no need to add fighting for countertop space into the mix.

Direct some of the traffic flow elsewhere by investing in a home bar. The great thing about home bars is that they can be as small and cost effective or large and elaborate as you like. From a custom all wood cabinetry bar with a wine storage cabinet to a quaint, portable island or cart, there is an option for every size budget and home.

Invest in radiant floor heating for the ultimate winter luxury.

Turning on the heat is helpful, but if you have tile floors, you know that raising the temperature won’t warm up your flooring. Radiant floor heating or in-floor heating is installed under your flooring during a renovation.

This simple addition gives your home heat from the bottom up which offers a few key benefits. Firstly, you can forget about stepping on ice cold bathroom tile in the morning (not the wake up call we want at all). No matter what type of flooring you have, it will stay comfortably warm all year long.

But radiant floor heating warms more than just the floor. The heat radiates upward throughout the room itself, providing a consistent, equally distributed warmth. This is definitely a benefit, especially when compared to a traditional radiator that tends to leave many “cold spots” throughout the home that are just too far out of reach.

In-floor heating is also relatively affordable and an easy step to add when installing new flooring. Homeowners that have opted for this design feature also experience lower electricity bills, as radiant flooring is considered a more energy efficient heating option.