How to Host a "Mom's Night Out" Wine Tasting Party

Every mom deserves a fun night out once in awhile. Hosting a "Mom's Night Out" wine tasting party is a great way for you and your friends to take a break from the kids and have a little bit of indulgence and enjoyment!

Invitations

Busy schedules are nothing new to most families. Thus, when planning your party, it is important to send out formal invitations a month or more in advance. This will give your guests a head's up that the party is happening and allow them to make any longer term arrangements to attend. In addition, send out an email or make a few phone calls a week to ten days before your wine tasting to give moms a chance to finalize childcare.

Food

Especially for moms that either a) have been so busy with the kids that they skipped lunch or b) it has been awhile since their last glass of anything outside a sippy cup, food is extremely vital at your wine tasting event. (C'mon, we've all been there!) Find finger foods and appetizers that pair with well wines. Fruits, cheeses, chocolate, and even some grilled fair such as chicken or beef are all good options. Remember that there is no rules on pairing wine with food, but there are certain flavors that have proven themselves to combine well. Check online or with local winery experts to determine what wines pair well with what types of foods.

Make It Fun

A "Mom's Night Out" is supposed to be a break from all things kid related. Thus, make a rule to banish all talk of soccer schedules, cleaning, cooking, school plays, husband woes, and basically anything else that involves everyday stress. For every mom who breaks this rule, make her put a dollar in a wineglass. At the end of the night, the mom who has refrained the most wins the pot. (Or if several moms win, they get to split it.)

Wine: The Price Is or Is Not Right?

One way to turn the evening into a wine tasting event instead of just drinks is to have your mom guests vote on the wines they are drinking. Decanter three or four bottles of wine -- one low priced, two mid-priced, and one high priced. Only mark the bottles by number and not name or label. Hand out cards to your guests to vote on their favorite to determine if price is really worth it.

Designated Driver

As always necessary when hosting a wine tasting party, it is important to keep everyone as safe as possible. Coordinate a designated driver or two for your guests ahead of time so there is no confusion at the end of the night. (Hint: This is the perfect job for a husband who may not have anything else to do!)