Ladylike Laws: How to Hold Your Drinks
Sometimes I find that I just have to treat myself to a much-deserved glass of wine after a long day of work, or sip a flute of bubbly to celebrate a special occasion. But you would be surprised to learn that there are very specific rules when it comes to the way you hold your drink. Clutching your cocktail correctly might be a custom that we often overlook, but I've found that it is just as important as basic table manners. Whether you're a guest at a summer dinner party or the happy hour host, these essential-yet-simple tips will remind you to grasp your glass the proper way the next time you wine and dine. Without further ado, here are my rules for holding drinks:
- White wine & champagne. Always hold your glass or flute by the stem. Holding it by the "bowl" warms your drink, and both white wine and sparkling wine taste best when chilled. Instead of holding the bowl, pinch the stem between your index finger and thumb. Otherwise, you might get called a "bowl grabber." No thank you!
- Red wine. First of all, a bottle of red should always be uncorked or poured into a decanter for a while before serving so it has time to breathe. This improves the taste enormously! Like white wine and champagne, red wine should be held by the stem (contrary to popular belief). Not only does it keep your merlot or cabernet the right temperature (a little cooler than room temp), it also prevents your fingers from leaving smudgy prints on the glass too.
Now that you know how to hold your glass correctly, you might find these tips helpful too:
- Proper placement. When setting your glass down on a dinner table, place it to the right of your water glass.
- Eye contact. You may remember from my post on Cheers & Toasts that it is polite to hold eye contact when clinking someone's glass. Otherwise, you risk seven years bad luck, according to the French superstition.
- Keep glasses full. If you're the host, make sure your guests' drinks are never empty.
- Direct your gaze. While sipping your drink, you should direct your stare into your glass. It is impolite to look at another person while drinking if you are in conversation.
- Chill champagne flutes. When serving champagne place the flutes in the refrigerator beforehand to chill them. Like I said before, champagne tastes best chilled!
- Filling facts. Know the appropriate measurements when pouring drinks. Red wine glasses should be 1/3 full, white wine should be ½, and sparkling wine or champagne should be ¾. A glass that is too heavy might result in an unladylike spill.
- The "twist pour."To prevent dripping, when filling your glass, twist the bottle at the end of pouring. It also looks pretty fancy!
So there you have it. You now know how to hold, serve and drink wine and champagne like a true lady. Class dismissed! Now go ahead and celebrate with a glass or two (and for those of you who don't drink, treat yourself to something sweet for reading this anyway)!
If anything, just remember: Always hold by the stem :-)
Do you have a Ladylike Laws request? Let me know what you'd like to learn the etiquette for in the comments below.
XO Lauren
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Photos: persephonesbox.com, sweet-southern-comfort.tumblr.com
Sources: Real Simple, EHow, vinnakatz.com, joannagoddard.blogspot.com, SFGate.com
88 comments
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ladylike laws on being courted - i.e. at a bar, social setting - and how to properly turn someone down if you are not interested.
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I never knew that you should put red wine into a decanter for a while before serving so it has time to breathe & that this improves the taste! I guess you learn something new everyday. Great tips. I drink white or rose wine but when I have friends over who prefer red wine I will make sure to do this for them.
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I just started driving. the problem is I don't really know how to get in and out of the car when I'm wearing a dress or skirt. It would be very helpful or those who don't know how not to flash. I had enough of hitting my forehead during this ceremony of getting in and out!
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perhaps you can also make a post about how not to drink out of a cocktail stirrer, someone has to address it! :)
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Thanks!
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According to the Dutch superstition you risk seven years bad sex if you do not hold eye contact when clinking someone's glass..
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I'm definitely going to put these ladylike laws to use in a couple of months! Thanks Lauren!
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Thank you for sharing the tip on uncorking red wine and letting it sit awhile, as well as the proper pouring measurements for each time of beverage - very helpful info!
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In fact, not making eye contact while cheering equals 7 years of bad sex, not 7 years of bad luck... Worse !
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Great tips. Thank you :)
xo, Petra
take a look on my new post http://www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com
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"it is polite to hold eye contact when clinking someone's glass. Otherwise, you risk seven years bad luck, according to the French superstition."
Never even knew this one.......
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Such great tips! And don't forget to fill your glass with some of these delicious low cal summer drinks: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/kristinefretwel/low-cal-summer-drinks
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Who knew?
Check out this awesome recipe: http://www.umbrelladrink.com/key-lime-coconut-mini-cheesecakes/
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@Stacie: Good point! I like the stemless cause they don't topple on a crowded table. But I love that Lauren is always keeping us ladies classy!
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I like these tips! I do hold my glass properly when I have a stem, but at home I use stemless. Thanks for the tips!
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I just came back from a trip to Napa Valley, and I couldn't agree more with all these ladylike tips! I had no idea about the Filling Facts!
headheldhighhh.wordpress.com
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Hilarious- I didn't realize I was doing it all wrong:) Wonder if it matters when you drink boxed wine- ha!
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