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Invited to my bosses for a 'holiday' party...


Puddy
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Looking for a good wine to bring. Should I only bring one bottle? Should it be red, white or does it matter? Should it be something that I enjoy? Let's hear some suggestions from the pros. :D

 

 

Oh, it's my first time at her house. Her and her husband do 'very' well and I'm positive I'll be one of the lowest on the social ladder at the house.

 

I'm willing to spend up to $50 (either on one bottle or two)

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I'm willing to spend up to $50

You spend $50 bucks on a bottle of wine for your boss and I'm guessing she is going to think that you are sucking up to her OR that she pays you too much OR that you think the solution to any problem is to just throw money at it. As such, you might do better to find a good bottle of something for a little bit less money.

 

(But, of course, I have the social skills of an economist.)

 

As for the social ladder, I can picture some people on this board being concerned about superficial crap like that, but I can't believe that you are one of them. :D

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You spend $50 bucks on a bottle of wine for your boss and I'm guessing she is going to think that you are sucking up to her OR that she pays you too much OR that you think the solution to any problem is to just throw money at it. As such, you might do better to find a good bottle of something for a little bit less money.

 

(But, of course, I have the social skills of an economist.)

 

As for the social ladder, I can picture some people on this board being concerned about superficial crap like that, but I can't believe that you are one of them. :D

 

 

Hmmm... I guess I put $50 down as a ceiling, but I'm happy to show up with whatever folks think is a good wine for less than that.

 

Of course I don't care about where I'm at on the social ladder. Maybe I should bring a 6-pack of beer :D

 

I'm pretty sure they'll figure out my social status if I break dance before the night is over.

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Looking for a good wine to bring. Should I only bring one bottle? Should it be red, white or does it matter? Should it be something that I enjoy? Let's hear some suggestions from the pros. :D

Oh, it's my first time at her house. Her and her husband do 'very' well and I'm positive I'll be one of the lowest on the social ladder at the house.

 

I'm willing to spend up to $50 (either on one bottle or two)

 

How tight are you with the boss' secretary? If you're on a conversational level with him/her, perhaps you ask them for a suggestion. I'm sure they've ordered wine for the big boss man before... or perhaps know who the boss uses for catering - and then contact the caterer to see if they have a suggestion.

 

Or heck, just use your best judgment; you can get a very nice bottle for $40-50... and won't come across as an ass-kisser bringing it.

 

Where the heck is twiley? :D

 

Edit: I have actually heard of some of those Bier mentioned... good calls.

Edited by darin3
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did the invite say bring wine--if not because they are well off they probably are already stocked for the party--don't waste the 50 on a who brought that wine gift--if you have to bring something to the party--bring flowers or a centerpiece for her table--something out of the ordinary that says thank you for inviting me

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did the invite say bring wine--if not because they are well off they probably are already stocked for the party--don't waste the 50 on a who brought that wine gift--if you have to bring something to the party--bring flowers or a centerpiece for her table--something out of the ordinary that says thank you for inviting me

 

 

I usually find a liquor store with a good wine selection and ask the help - there's always at least one person who is big into wine on staff, and in a city of ANY size there are stores that specialize in wine - and RARELY have gone up to $50 for a bottle - it obviously depends on the circle you're in, but generally it seems like you can get very good wines for $25 or less.

 

And I've found no matter how well stocked someone is, a good bottle of wine is ALWAYS appreciated; if not for the wine itself, for the thoughtfulness it indicates.

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Usually, one bottle of wine is a good practice of bearing a gift at this time.

 

No need to blow $50 on a bottle, unless you know what their tastes and preferences are, and if that said $50 bottle would be good for their collection.

 

9 out of 10 times, most brought bottles are not used at the party.

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Add me to the list of those who think you shouldn't even approach the $50 mark. If your boss is actually into wine and not simply into impressing people, they might actually appreciate a delicious but slightly out of the ordinary wine that costs less. If you're looking for some political bonus points, it likely wouldn't hurt if you showed a little creativity rather than simply going for some slam dunk big name cab.

 

In your land of college football teams that already had their shot and don't deserve another, do you have independent wine shops or are they state run? Can you find cool stuff?

 

I'm going to tout Spanish juice again as they really deliver for the money. $20-$25 spent there gets you into some enormously satisfying wine. One importer in particular makes wines that are particularly suited to the American palate. His name is Eric Solomon. If you can find any of his stuff, it'll likely go over pretty well. Look for a Rioja Riserva or a Priorat. Both are quite generously styled.

 

Another thought, what about sparkling wine? Avinyo Cava (once again Spain) is delicious for the money. Domaine Carneros from Carneros, CA is just a small step up on the price ladder. Of course real champagne is going to push you right up near $50 but you can get some cool juice for around $40. Stay away from the over exposed stuff like Veuve Cliquot and try and find some grower/producer stuff like E. Barnaut. Amazing wine and it costs about $26 wholesale in these parts.

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Certainly not as classy as the guy who let you off the hook on whatever sigline bet you just lost. That's some pretty tepid smack he laid on you.

Most siglines earned in a bet tend to be overly wordy and overly lame - anyway, who cares?

 

I'm just hoping that you OSU fans don't get too obnoxious and force me to root for the $EC representative in the bowl game. :D

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Add me to the list of those who think you shouldn't even approach the $50 mark. If your boss is actually into wine and not simply into impressing people, they might actually appreciate a delicious but slightly out of the ordinary wine that costs less. If you're looking for some political bonus points, it likely wouldn't hurt if you showed a little creativity rather than simply going for some slam dunk big name cab.

 

In your land of college football teams that already had their shot and don't deserve another, do you have independent wine shops or are they state run? Can you find cool stuff?

 

I'm going to tout Spanish juice again as they really deliver for the money. $20-$25 spent there gets you into some enormously satisfying wine. One importer in particular makes wines that are particularly suited to the American palate. His name is Eric Solomon. If you can find any of his stuff, it'll likely go over pretty well. Look for a Rioja Riserva or a Priorat. Both are quite generously styled.

 

Another thought, what about sparkling wine? Avinyo Cava (once again Spain) is delicious for the money. Domaine Carneros from Carneros, CA is just a small step up on the price ladder. Of course real champagne is going to push you right up near $50 but you can get some cool juice for around $40. Stay away from the over exposed stuff like Veuve Cliquot and try and find some grower/producer stuff like E. Barnaut. Amazing wine and it costs about $26 wholesale in these parts.

 

 

Great suggestions here.

I was going to say something similar, but not as well, and with less info.

No one ever remembers who brought what, when at parties.

 

You could also bring an eau de vie (brandy) they'll probably never drink it, but at least it's a little more original.

-Vieille Poire (pear)

- Prune

are the most classic

Lately we have been serving Fig liqueur after dinner at our shindigs which has been very well received. If you are remotely interested PM me and I will get you the info

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Great suggestions here.

I was going to say something similar, but not as well, and with less info.

No one ever remembers who brought what, when at parties.

 

You could also bring an eau de vie (brandy) they'll probably never drink it, but at least it's a little more original.

-Vieille Poire (pear)

- Prune

are the most classic

Lately we have been serving Fig liqueur after dinner at our shindigs which has been very well received. If you are remotely interested PM me and I will get you the info

 

Picked up a bottle of Eau de vie de Figue when I was in St. Martin a little while ago. Must say it's not likely as tasty as the fig liqueur you've been enjoying. Barely tastes like fig at all.

 

Poire William is a good call though. If you want to be really cool, see if you can find one of the bottles that actually has a pear inside then you'll have a story. The whack-job Frenchies actually put bottles on the pear tree as the fruit sets so the pear actually grows inside the bottle. Then they fill the bottle with pear brandy.

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Her and her husband do 'very' well and I'm positive I'll be one of the lowest on the social ladder at the house.

 

 

 

Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch. :D

 

People usually bring wine to dinner parties so sometimes we'll pick up a good Port instead. It's nice for after dinner with a cigar or dessert.

 

If not, you could always bring Champipple, they won't forget that :D

Edited by Cunning Linguist
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Poire William is a good call though. If you want to be really cool, see if you can find one of the bottles that actually has a pear inside then you'll have a story. The whack-job Frenchies actually put bottles on the pear tree as the fruit sets so the pear actually grows inside the bottle. Then they fill the bottle with pear brandy.

 

I would actually go with this suggestion. Everyone brings wine and unless you're the guy that's already known for bringing good wine then your bottle will be tossed to the side and used to cook with or re-gifted. Not that I've ever done that before. :D

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Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch. :D

 

People usually bring wine to dinner parties so sometimes we'll pick up a good Port instead. It's nice for after dinner with a cigar or dessert.

 

If not, you could always bring Champipple, they won't forget that :D

 

 

 

Good info here

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People usually bring wine to dinner parties so sometimes we'll pick up a good Port instead. It's nice for after dinner with a cigar or dessert.

 

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I ended up going with the port. It was Graham's 10-year port. :D The paid help took the gift from me and it wasn't opened and they have no clue I even brought it yet. I did sign the little 'card' on the Christmas wine bag saying thanks for inviting me however.

 

Anyway, her house was uh....nice. 7,000 square feet :D in Bloomfield Hills (which is a prime piece of real estate in Michigan).

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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I ended up going with the port. It was Graham's 10-year port. :D The paid help took the gift from me and it wasn't opened and they have no clue I even brought it yet. I did sign the little 'card' on the Christmas wine bag saying thanks for inviting me however.

 

Anyway, her house was uh....nice. 7,000 square feet :D in Bloomfield Hills (which is a prime piece of real estate in Michigan).

 

Did you pee in any potted plants?

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As for the social ladder, I can picture some people on this board being concerned about superficial crap like that, but I can't believe that you are one of them. :D

 

 

 

Superficial crap? :D I guess, if providing for yourself and your family is considered superficial.

 

You want to be more successful? Hang out with successful people. You're going to get a lot more business opportunities at the country club than you are "keeping it real" at the chinese buffet.

 

And I think a nice bottle of wine is a great gift.

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The paid help took the gift from me and it wasn't opened and they have no clue I even brought it yet.

 

Typically, the host has already planned everything, including the types and amount of wine, so they are not going to open the one that you bring (unless maybe they run out of the stuff that they have on hand.) There are some other factors that go into it. (Its a gift. Maybe there are many untrained palates at the party that would fail to appreciate the fine wine that you brought, etc.)

 

 

Unless you are bringing the wine specifically for the meal, its probably not going to get opened whilst you are there.

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I'm a caterer and believe it or not my suggestions of fresh flowers would have worked==nine times out of ten the host has the wine taken care of and no matter how fabulous the gift is he or she will never know unless it is something in a different catagory ie flowers but the port you chose is a very nice brand alnog with Dunn or Cockburn diffently the way to go

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I'm a caterer and believe it or not my suggestions of fresh flowers would have worked==nine times out of ten the host has the wine taken care of and no matter how fabulous the gift is he or she will never know unless it is something in a different catagory ie flowers but the port you chose is a very nice brand alnog with Dunn or Cockburn diffently the way to go

 

 

Funny thing is I considered this only to find out that another VP of our company threw a party the week before (I wasn't invited) and my boss did this exact thing (actually had the flowers delivered earlier in the day with a 'looking forward to seeing you tonight' message attached). I was glad my coworker told me this a few days before the party.

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