HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019: FOR THE HOSTESS

 
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I’m so excited to get into the swing of the Holidays & bring back my Gift Guides for 2019! The first Holiday Gift Guide is geared toward the hostess. So whether you’ve been invited to Friendsgiving, a cocktail party, an ugly sweater party or your neighborhood potluck, I’ve got you covered. All items are priced below $50 and most are actually under $25! I’ve included a range of gift ideas that any hostess is sure to love!

I hope this helps make your holiday shopping & gift giving a little easier this season. Click on links below to shop items.

  1. Winter 3-wick candle - When in doubt, candles always make a great gift! This one from Bath & Body Works smells AMAZING!

  2. Cordless Electric Wine Opener - A bar accessory any wine lover would appreciate.

  3. Sleigh All Day Coffee Mug - This sassy holiday mug would bring cheer to any hostess! Add a Starbucks Gift Card and gift complete.

  4. Silicone Marble Utensil Set - ONLY $15! The prettiest serving set that looks expensive and is functional for everyday use.

  5. Insulated 12oz. Champagne Flute - Under $20! This insulated flute allows bubbly to be taken on the go. Fun fact: it holds nearly 1/2 a bottle of champagne. And comes in 30 different colors!

  6. Holiday Wine & Spirit Tags (Pack of 3) - Add these festive tags to a bottle of white or red and you’re set!

  7. Holiday Dish Towel & Spatula Set- The cutest towel & baking spatula set for the hostess who love to bake.

  8. Marble Condiment Bowls (Set of 2) - ON SALE!! And would look great on any kitchen counter.

  9. Wooden Cheese Board - Ships FREE! A gorgeous natural wood cheese board with a copper handle that will look great in any setting. You can also add the matching cheese knives.

  10. Chalkboard Cheese Markers - These would make a great addition to any charcuterie board. Gift this set alone or pair with cheese board above.


XO, Rae



A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

 
Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

A few weeks ago, I finally got the opportunity to take a day trip out to Bridgehampton to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard. This has been on my New York bucket list ever since I discovered Wölffer Rosé a few years ago. I knew the winery was one of the more popular wineries on Long Island, so I was excited to experience it in person.

Being that Wölffer Winery is located in Sagaponack on Long Island, there are a few ways in which you can get there from the city. My friend and I decided to rent a car for the day via Zipcar, which was super easy and affordable. You can also take a train from Penn Station (LIRR) to Bridgehampton. And then it’s just a short Uber ride from the train station to the winery. The other option, is to take the Jitney Bus which travels back and forth from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Either way, it’s totally doable as a day trip.

Wolffer Winery 2019

What to know beforehand:

  • Wöllfer Estate Vineyard is Open Daily from 11am-8pm year-round.

  • Highly recommend making a reservation for the tasting room. It’s FREE entry and you just pay per glass or flight.

  • You can also make a reservation for a Vineyard & Cellar Tour which includes a tasting of four different wines. Cost is $68.50 per person.

  • The winery does close from time to time for private events. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Ph. 631–537–5106

  • Arrive earlier in the day if possible, as the crowd tends to grow as the afternoon/early evening approaches.

  • There is indoor and outdoor seating available for tastings. The patio overlooks the vineyard and has some shade for those warmer days.

Wolffer Winery 2019

What to Sip:

  • They offer a few different wine flights for $25 that include four different tastings. Seasonal flights are available.

  • Since it’s Summer, we opted for the Rosé flight and loved it!

  • You can also purchase wine by the glass or bottle(s).

  • I recommend the Wöllfer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé or Grandioso Rosé.

  • They also have signature cocktails on their menu that feature Wöllfer Ciders and ‘Pink’ Gin.

Wolffer Winery 2019
Wolffer Winery Rosé Flight
Wolffer Winery 2019

What to do:

  • Take advantage of the patio seating that overlooks the vineyard.

  • Stop by the shop inside to purchase bottles of wine and souvenirs to take home with you.

  • Sit at the bar if you want more of a one-on-one tasting. The bartenders are very knowledgable and can give you more of a personal experience.

  • Visit The Wine Stand and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of wine.

    *This was by far my favorite part of the winery. It’s located just down from the main winery and they offer wine by the bottle or glass. Once you grab your wine, head out back to sit in the Adirondack chairs that face the vineyard.

Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand
Wolffer Wine Stand Sunset

If you decide to visit Wölffer Winery, I hope these tips help! I had the best time there and can’t wait to go back again (maybe this Fall).

Have you ever been to a winery? If so, which one(s) have you been to? Any that you recommend me visiting?!

CHEERS!

XO, Rae

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018: FOR THE WINE LOVER

 

This GIFT GUIDE is probably my most favorite that I’ve done yet! Y’all know I love my wine. So it seemed only fitting to compile a list of the best gifts to gift the wine lover in your life! There’s something for every kind of wine drinker. Whether they drink on occasion or are a self proclaimed wine connoisseur. Cheers to finding the perfect gift!

 
wine lover gift guide
 
  1. Oster Cordless Electric Wine Opener - Under $20! Every wine lovers dream gift. Who wouldn’t want easy access to the wine bottle?!

  2. Swoon Wine Decanter - This is the perfect gift for the sophisticated wine drinker. And would be a great addition to anyone’s Bar Cart.

  3. Monogram Marble Wine Stopper - A gorgeous and personalized wine accessory. A great gift on it’s own or can be paired with a bottle of wine.

  4. Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumbler - Under $15! This 12oz. stainless steel wine tumbler is insulated and has an anti slip grip. Perfect for outdoor events, camping, beach vacay or laying out by the pool. Also comes in other colors. Perfect for the casual wine drinker….

  5. Winc Wine Club Membership - The gift that keeps on giving. This monthly membership is curated by the wine lover and includes 4 bottles shipped straight to your doorstep.

  6. SippingTHIS Wine Coasters - These wine-themed coasters would make a great gift for anyone. Definitely a conversation starter for Holiday Parties. Also makes for a great stocking stuffer. *Comes in a 4-pack or 8-pack Holiday Mixed Set* Use promo code: RAE15 for 15% OFF $50 or more.

  7. Rabbit 4 Piece Wine Tool Kit - Under $25! A wine lover’s necessity. This set includes a corkscrew, a foil cutter, a drip-stop ring and a wine/champagne sealer.

Hope this Gift Guide helps give you ideas for all the Wine lovers in your life! Cheers!

**GIVEAWAY ALERT 12/4** Head over to my Instagram account @reinventingraenyc for how to enter + more details.

XO, Rae

8 GIFTS GIRLS REALLY WANT FOR Valentine's Day

 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And if you’re in need of some gift ideas for your Sister, Best Friend or Girlfriends….here are some ideas any GAL is sure to LOVE! And if you're a SINGLE gal, like ME. Why not treat yourself to a gift along with the chocolate and bottle of wine you plan to consume on Valentine's Day. No judgement here.

And GUYS, if you’re reading this, take notes! Your lady may have sent this to you as a hint on what to get her this Valentine’s Day!

1. Professional Glam Session

Who doesn’t love having their makeup done by a professional?! Or a blowout at DryBar? And thanks to companies like Glam Squad, beauty services can be booked easily and take place in the comfort of your home. This would make a great gift for the Gal who’s deserving of some pampering but maybe doesn't have a lot of time in her busy schedule.

2. Spa Day

A spa day is the ultimate gift with treatments from facials to massages and anything in between. Book Solo or as a Couples Massage, or even as a Girls Day of pampering. Not sure which Spa to book? Try Spafinder to purchase a gift card that can be used for local spas.

3. Hand Written Card

A handwritten note is always a good idea, especially for your long distance friends. I always like to send cards to my closest Girlfriends for Galentine’s Day. Just to remind them that I’m thinking of them and appreciate their friendship. If you like cards with funny sayings, check out Chez Gagné (one of my favorite online print shops).

4. Weekend Getaway

GUYS: Nothing says “I love you” more than a romantic getaway. And she will swoon over the fact that you planned it all by yourself. Think of places she has always wanted to travel to or places that are meaningful to the both of you!

LADIES: If you have any friends that are Moms, they could most likely use a weekend away or a Staycation somewhere nearby. Make it a GIRLS WEEKEND and invite all your mutual gal pals.

5. Jewelry

For the accessory lover. Jewelry is one of those gifts that can be simple, like a fun pair of statement earrings or can be sentimental, like jewelry that’s personalized. Kendra Scott literally has something for everyone! And I also love Alex and Ani bracelets to give as gifts.

6. Sweet Treats

You can never go wrong with chocolate. Whether it’s her favorite cookies, cake or cupcakes. Or maybe even a baking class? If you’re local to NYC, Butter Lane Cupcakes offers baking & decorating classes as well as Milk Bar.

7. Wine

When in doubt, give the gift of WINE. Treat her to her favorite bottle of red, white or bubbles. And if she really enjoys wine, a wine subscription makes a great gift.  What girl wouldn't love wine just showing up on her doorstep every month?!

8. An Experience

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t gifts at all, but rather an experience. Like taking a Cooking Class, a day pass to a Museum exhibit, Concert tickets to her favorite band/artist or even a night out to a fancy restaurant with a tasting menu. Think of something unique and meaningful that she would love.

I hope this was helpful and gave you some gift ideas for Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day! And feel free to share this post with your Sister, Best Friend or Significant other to drop hints. 💘

 

XO, Rae