Red. White. Champagne. When it comes to wineglasses, that’s about as far as my expertise goes. But, after a little vino research, it seems the primary features of glasses (wide brim, narrow bowl, etc.) actually benefit the flavors in different ways. So here’s a lowdown – from a non-expert.

In general, all wines need to be aerated, acidity-regulated, and aroma-preserved. The taller the bowl and wider the brim, the more oxygen reaches the wine, while narrow rims and smaller glasses preserve the aromas inside the glass (ideal for older vintages and sweet wines).

Regulating acidity is all about where the wine lands in your mouth – directed by the shape of the glass. Narrow rims direct the wine to the center of the tongue, tempering acidity, while flared rims direct it to the tip of the tongue, showcasing it. Now, I release you to throw your first eight-course dinner party – with every appropriate glass represented.

Our Geyser Peak Winery Boutique opens Wednesday, May 8, at 11AM ET.

Our Sink In & Sleep Tight: Mattresses & Bedding Basics Boutique opens Tuesday, May 6, at 11AM ET.

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Photos by Adam Roberts.

Is Cinco de Mayo on your radar? It’s certainly on ours. (Can’t beat Mexican food.) In preparation for Sunday’s endless feasting, we’d been scouring the Internet for party-ready recipes.

That’s when we came across The Amateur Gourmet – the answer to our foodie dreams. Adam Roberts doesn’t mess around in the kitchen. Check out his super-comprehensive blog, mouthwatering recipes, gorgeous cookbook, and impressive accolades.

That is, of course, after you whip up a mean batch of Carnitas Tacos with Green Salsa and Pico de Gallo.

Our Sunday Supper: Mexican Night Boutique opens Sunday, May 5, at 11AM ET.

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Our Rugs 101: Find the Best Style for Your Room Boutique opens Friday, May 3, at 3PM ET.

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Leather is one of the most durable materials for upholstering furniture. Over time, and unlike other textures, use lends the piece a patina and character. The more worn-in it looks, the more it feels a like an integral part of your home. Now – on to making it such.

1. Tell a color story.
You can’t go wrong with an old-school, single-color look. But you also could really shake it up. Play the dark leather off of a bright wall color (like yellow) to make a strong statement.

 
3. Leather ottomans are not just for feet.
Use the Jackson ottoman as a coffee table, entryway bench, nightstand, or settee at the end of your bed. Its uses are endless and the leather makes it feel more luxurious than wood.
 
Our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: Signature Leather Collections Boutique opens Tuesday, April 30, at 11AM ET.

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For today’s Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Boutique, our Home Team took off to Greensboro, North Carolina, for a three-day photo shoot. There, they created five different worlds – one for each buttery leather chair to live in. Luckily, we were able to snap a few behind-the-scenes shots and see how each setting came to life.

Our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Boutique opens Tuesday, April 30, at 11AM ET.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Continue reading “A Look Behind the Scenes: Inside Our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Photo Shoot” »

Our Fashion on the Floor: Rugs in Trending Prints Boutique opens Monday, April 29, at 3pm ET.

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Kristin Rosenau thought she’d be an astroparticle physicist (we had to Wikipedia it, too), but that was until she fell in love with pastries, inspiring one seriously lovely – and highly acclaimed – food blog, Pastry Affair. It’s packed with recipes, prose, and gorgeous photography (her genius camera skills certainly come in handy).

These two eats in particular have us positively drooling. For more where they came from, be sure to visit Kristin’s blog – we promise you’ll fall in love, too.

Photos by Kristin Rosenau of Pastry Affair.

Summer Berry Pavlova
Yields 4 mini pavlovas

“This Summer Berry Pavlova is sweet, light, and fresh. The pavlova is a large meringue with a crisp exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like interior. When it cools, the center collapses, revealing a cavity that is filled with a white chocolate whipped cream. The pavlova is topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, with white chocolate shavings and a dusting of powdered sugar. These are a cool delight when the heat is high and friends are near.”

Pavlova
1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice)
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup (225 grams) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, place the vinegar onto a paper towel and rub over the bowl and egg beaters to eliminate grease (which can prevent the meringue from rising).

Beat together the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and cornstarch and keep beating until stiff, shiny peaks form. Whip in the vanilla extract.

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (do not skip this step!).

Divide meringue into 4 equal portions and form into disks approximately 2 inches high, creating a slight dip in the center for filling later. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until meringues appear dry and are barely gaining color. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and allow pavlovas to cool to room temperature before removing from the oven (the centers will fall; do not be alarmed). Very carefully remove from parchment paper and transfer to serving dishes.

Continue reading “Embark on a Pastry Affair” »

Our Outfit the Lake House: From Furniture to Décor and Outfit the Beach House: From Furniture to Décor Boutiques open Friday, April 26, at 3PM ET.

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Our Skyline Customizable Furniture Boutique opens Friday, April 26, at 11AM ET.

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