Shopping List
Sure, a refreshing bottle of crisp white wine or festive bubbly is always a welcome offering at summertime soirées, but why not show up with something your host(s) will actually remember? Recipients will still get their buzz from a delicious drink, but the rest of the buzz will be around your awesome gift. Keep these cool, thirst-quenching finds at the ready, and expect a return invite.
Get the party started with Chandon’s 2014 “American Summer” and tray by Jonathan Adler, just launched this Memorial Day: The Napa Valley sparkling wine-maker introduces its third limited-edition bottle, along with a coordinating acrylic serving tray (in two sizes) by the New York designer. Both in patriotic waves of red, white, and blue, the exclusives will retail at fine spirits distributors and select Jonathan Adler stores and online, respectively, through Labor Day. American Summer: $8 minis, $22-$24 full bottles; tray: $78-$98.
Clicquot Mail is not only a fun, eye-catching way to present a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (sans flimsy gift bag), but the lightweight metal “mailbox,” with working red flag, is designed to keep Champagne—a treat in itself—chilled for up to two hours. Stake it out at your favorite fine wine and liquor stores this summer, then bring their special delivery to your next backyard party (don’t forget a handwritten “letter”) or a picnic in the park. $49
Launching right after Memorial Day, as the season for sitting pretty at the beach, pool, park, or even on the patio, is the Clos on the Go by Trina Turk. Teaming up with Sonoma winery Clos du Bois, the designer brings her signature summery style to an easy-to-transport, bright-yellow ikat wine tote that folds out into a reclining lounge chair. The all-in-one fun includes, and holds, a bottle of Chardonnay (duh), two reusable wine glasses, and a corkscrew, plus playing cards and a beach towel. $98 at closdubois.com and at Trina Turk stores.
