I'm a big fan of developing signature party moves, and this is my current favorite: create a custom cocktail for the host or guest of honor, simply by combining Champagne and one other ingredient chosen just for them...

For My friend Medina's birthday party, I brought a bottle of excellent & affordable sparkling white wine from Bi-Rite and a bottle of cranberry raspberry juice. Guests were able to mix the two in whatever proportions they liked, and "La Medina" was delicious & lovely to behold, in the birthday girl's preferred shade of red. At a 1st birthday party for little Georgia, and we...older girls drank "Georgia Peaches" (Champagne and peach juice- a Bellini!) in her honor.

The possibilities are endless, provided the guests drink Champagne, and can be created and named for the host or for the occasion. I'm looking forward to having a "Leftover Cranberry Sauce" (cranberry juice & Champagne) with my breakfast mashed potatoes on the day after Thanksgiving...

Image: Tess Wilson