Name: Red Wine Holiday Punch
Prep time: 60 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 bottle Riunite Lambrusco (750ml); 1/4 cup brandy; 1/2 cup pomegranate liqueur; 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice; 2 cups soda water

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Easy red wine party punch is the perfect way to entertain this holiday season.

I’m pretty proud of the level of holiday cheer I’ve been able to display so far this season. I think it’s safe to say that my usual grinchiness will not be rearing its ugly head. I attribute my change in attitude to being extremely organized and abiding by my new holiday checklist. As flexible as my profession requires me to be, I tend to excel when I’m able to stick to a specific plan.

Checklists aren’t just for work. I’m a checklist-aholic and love to list out every aspect of my life. Call me crazy, but it really helps keep me from becoming overwhelmed, and the holidays are no exception. Here’s my checklist for having the most fabulous holiday season ever.

1. Decor: One part of the holidays I have always loved is setting up our Christmas tree and other holiday decor. Although we’re skipping the outdoor lights this year due to our impending move, I’ve gone full force on the interior of our house. Wreaths, figurines, reindeer shaped marquee lights, garlands, and tons of holiday candles are only the beginning. I’ve even busted out the “fancy” dishes. My friend Val and I measure our holiday cheer by the number of bins of decor we unbox each year. I’m hoping to level up to 3 bins this year, while Val is pushing ten bins! (Her house is way bigger than mine)

2. Cute wrapping paper: I don’t love the shopping aspect of holiday gifting, but I love the wrapping portion. My high school friend, Jenny and I frequently discuss the imaginary wrapping paper store we plan to open someday. Nothing makes my heart lighter than a beautifully wrapped gift.

3. Cookies: Each year I select a day that I dub “cookiepocalypse” where I bake dozens of cookies to gift to my neighbors, pool guy, housekeepers etc. It’s nearly impossible to feel grouchy when you’re surrounded by tons of delicious cookies.

4. Festive Activities: Holiday parties, light displays, ice skating (a rare novelty in Southern California)……it’s not a fully festive holiday season without attending at least a few activities like these. So far I’m hoping to check out holidays at the zoo, a food blogger potluck, a holiday party with one of my clients, and a farewell bar crawl for The Hubs in addition to our usual Christmas Eve white elephant party.

5. Special Occasion drinks: Holidays are the perfect time to mix up some special occasion drinks, and bust out the fancy punch bowl. This year I’m absolutely loving this red wine holiday punch made with Riunite Lambrusco. This wine comes from Italy and is approachable and easy to drink while still adding a note of specialness to any occasion. Great on its own, or mixed up into a fun holiday cocktail. (Please drink responsibly)

6. Friends, Family and Dogs: A celebration means nothing without someone to share it with. I’m relishing every last bit of joy this final holiday in San Diego by spending as much time with my loved ones as possible. Cookies, decorations, beautifully wrapped gifts, festive cocktails, and events are just icing on the cake. Who you’re sharing your time with is the most important checklist item of all.

Wishing you and yours the most joyful holiday season ever.