Champagne makes everything better and popping open a bottle of bubbly makes any occasion a celebration. Even the dullest of days become brighter when sipping champagne! My Instagram friends know I love to open my champagne in a creative way—with a knife!
Sabrage /səˈbrɑːʒ/ is a technique for opening a champagne bottle with a saber, used for ceremonial occasions. The wielder slides the saber along the body of the bottle to break the top of the neck away, leaving the neck of the bottle open and ready to pour.
There are several myths and legends on the story of Sabrage. One says that when the officers of Napoleon’s army returned home from the French Revolution, ripe with victory, cheering townspeople would toss bottles of Champagne as tokens of their appreciation. Since the soldiers were mounted on horseback it was difficult to hold the reins of the horse, remove the foil wire basket (muselet), remove the cork (bouchon) and hold a glass all at the same time, the soldiers simply took out their brass hilted sabers and struck it against the lip of the bottle with an upward blow sabering the cork-- Voilà! Another story gives legend that in order for Madame Clicquot to protect her lands in Reims, Champagne, following her husband Francois’s death she entertained Napoleon and his men in her fields. As Napolean and his men rode off on their horses back to the war, the widow or “Veuve” Clicquot supposedly passed out bottles of champagne for their journey. The soldiers, hoping to impress the wealthy young widow, would open the bottles with their sabers. The antics were obviously not of an impressive nature, however, since she never remarried.
The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It
This is one of my absolute favorite books!! Who doesn’t love reading a story of a visionary young widow who built a champagne empire, became a legend in her tumultuous times, and showed the world how to live with style!
Laguiole en Aubrac Champagne Saber- Williams-Sonoma
Although many sabers are very over the top, this one is very chic. What a perfect gift this William Sonoma Champagne Saber would be! Hint hint……
CHAMPAGNES
Here are some of my favorite champagnes and accoutrements that will have you sipping in style!
Krug Brut Champagne Grande Cuvee
Veuve Clicquot Rose 200th Anniversary (3L Jeroboam)
What’s more fun than drinking a bottle Champagne?! How about one bottle that holds the equivalent of six bottles --- A Jeroboam of Veuve Clicquot Rose is one heck of a way to celebrate, don’t you think?
Iris Van Herpen- Dom Perignon ‘Metamorphosis Rose’ 2003 Limited Edition
Made with Dom Perignon Vintage Champagne
Perrier- Jouet Belle Epoque Edition Automne 2005
Bollinger Special Edition Rose, 2006
What’s more fun than sipping on champagne while reading a good book on the subject?
The Champagne necessities, darling.
Set of 2 O Stemless Champagne Glasses
This affordable set of Stemless Champagne Glasses is timeless. These glasses made of machine-blown Bavarian crystal give a crisp look to your night of bubbles!
Dorset Champagne Coupre - William Sonoma
Vintage Crystal Etched Short Stem Glasses- Set of 10
Vintage crystal is always interesting and adds flair to any bar --like these from Chairish.
I find other great finds on ebay.com, etsy.com, OneKingsLane.com
and 1stDibs.com.
Higher Tall Champagne Flute by NasonMoretti
Moroccan Tea Glasses Set of 6
I like to use Moroccan Tea Glasses for champagne --it looks festive! And more refills mean always cold champagne!
Ralph Lauren Home- Wyatt Double Champagne Cooler
Antique Silver Large Champagne Holder From Pottery Barn
Mid Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Dry Bar with Nickeled Pulls
Hemstitch Linen Cocktail Napkins by SFERRA
Cocktail napkins are a great way to add a little panache to your entertaining repertoire.
Once you monogram something it becomes an heirloom—so I never hesitate to treat myself to chic personalized cocktail napkins.
leontinelinens.com
walkervalentine.com
juliab.com
You don’t need to limit the bubbles to being corked in a bottle! Add some sparkle to yourself to keep the champagne glow!
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Champagne Pop
Soft White Gold w/ pinky peach undertones
