A few decades ago, Bing Crosby sang Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive. Great advice for all of us today. So when it’s time to re-think your summer getaway, think about an at-home staycation. With a bit of kitchen prep and imagination, you can make it happen. The positives: no time pressures, traffic jams, airport lines…no $$ spent on gas, lodging, restaurants, parking, tips, etc. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started, so read on. (Listen to Bing and the Andrews Sisters, 1944.)Idea 1: Luxury “Me Time” at HomeCreate a little 5-star ambiance at home. Clear your calendar and imagine how your day might go at a luxury resort.1. Call “room service” for brunch. Tropical Acai Bowl Creamy-cool/fruity/crunchy smoothie bowl is an artful assembly of healthy goodies.PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Semi-Seco Sparkling Wine*Recipe Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.2. Pamper yourself with beauty – fragrant bath, facial, mani-pedi, yoga.
3. Tour fascinating locales virtually – here are 52 for starters4. Cocktail hour!Blood Orange Sangria – A gorgeous fizzy burst of citrus, Riesling and sparkling.PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Brut Sparkling WineStone Fruit Sangria – Peach, apricot, nectarine and rosé are the stars here.PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Rosé Sparkling WineStrawberry Rosé Spritzer – Sweet strawberries and rosé, balanced with Aperol and lemon.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 RoséRecipes Courtesy of Bon Appetit.Idea 2: Romantic Getaway at HomeSkip the routine (whatever it may be) and plan something special. Flowers, lanterns, music, great wine and entertainment.
1. A wonderful meal with fabulous wine Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi – Crisp scampi bathed in garlic butter with bright vegetables is divine. Best of all, it cooks in 10 minutes. PAIRS WITH: Table White WineRoast Chicken with Potatoes, Olives and Greek Seasoning– From the chef at Lucques in LA comes this flavorful chicken with vegetables, olives and feta.PAIRS WITH: Tatu Estates 2019 Petit VerdotCitrus Herb Marinated Steak Salad – Fancy summertime salad comes together easily with grilled sirloin, oranges and avocado.PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 MalbecHerb Green Beans – Tender-crisp beans dressed up with butter, herbs and lemon.PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Evening StarGreek Squash Ribbon Salad – Thin ribbons of summer squash drizzled with Greek vinaigrette and feta.PAIRS WITH: Table Rosé Wine2. DessertsLemon Tarts with Limoncello Blackberries – Lemon heaven! Even the crust, meringue and berries are lemon-kissed.PAIRS WITH: Elance Cellars 2018 ChardonnaySummer Fruit Tart – Summer peaches and blueberries with cinnamon and ginger make a simply perfect tart.PAIRS WITH: Cloud Number NineFrozé Pops – Fruity flavored rose pops with creamy coconut milk tips look pretty and taste jazzy.PAIRS WITH: Albion Cuvée Rouge3. Go dancing (in your living room) or check out a comedy club (Netflix).4. Sleep like a baby.Recipes Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.Idea 3: Family Fun Backyard CampoutTake an electronics break and set up camp (day camp or an overnighter). Have a picnic, play games, tell stories and just appreciate one another.
1. PicnicMini Corn Dogs – Bite-sized dogs baked in a cheesy cornbread muffin batter. Make extra!PAIRS WITH: Adagio 2016 MinuetPizza Turkey Burgers – No need to decide between pizza and burgers when you can have both.PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Evening StarSmoky Chicken Wraps – Grilled chicken, Cheddar, bacon and onion wrapped in flatbread with a zippy sauce.PAIRS WITH: Tatu Estates 2019 Petit VerdotGrilled Corn with Cheesy Taco Butter – Taco-spiced butter, lime and Pecorino give this sweet grilled corn its dazzle.PAIRS WITH: Terroir Cellars 2018 L’OuvertureRoasted Barbecue Potatoes – These awesome sweet-savory potatoes can be roasted in the oven.PAIRS WITH:Dusk 2019 MalbecZesty Corn and Cucumber Salad – Cumin, cilantro and lime bring a Southwestern flair to our crunchy corn salad.PAIRS WITH: Table Rosé WineS’mores Dip with Spiced Chcoclate Ganache – S’more-inspired, this irresistible creation can be cooked in a skillet under the broiler.PAIRS WITH: Glory Cellars 2017 Hero’s BlendRecipes Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.2. Activity time—sports, games, swimming—your choice 3. Ice cream break for the kids (with perfect pairings for adults)4. Naps