5 ways to celebrate everyday occasions

If you look at most people’s calendars, the days that stand out are the big ones — national holidays, anniversaries, graduations — in other words, those occasions that almost require special parties, rituals or ceremonies. But the truth is, it’s the everyday moments that people remember, and that are worth cherishing. Why wait for a “big” reason to celebrate the everyday act of living?

Here are just a few ways you and your friends or family can elevate the small but special events that truly make life wonderful.

Making a new friend

You recently met someone you think could become a great friend. It gets harder to make new friends as adults, so why not nurture your new relationship in a memorable way? Invite him or her over for a casual lunch. Without too much effort, you could put together a simple, elegant veggie salad topped with goat cheese and dressed with a mild vinaigrette. If you love to cook, keep it light with fresh fish and herbs to go with your salad. Pair your lunch with bright, crisp Flat Top Hills Sauvignon Blanc to make the day even more enjoyable.

Finding a good book

The Altar Boy

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon

From Kindle to B&N to Kobo and Apple, there are so many reading apps available to our smartphones. So you can carry as many books you want! If you’re into fiction, “The Altar Boy” by Phil Stephens and “Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon” are good reasons to celebrate. Read them during your lunch break or if you read at home, you can make the occasion special by opening up a bottle of full-bodied Flat Top Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, a smooth, rich wine, with hints of dark fruit and warm spice.

On a personal note, reading “The Altar Boy” made me think of my Catholic upbringing. And since I’m also a practicing Catholic, this book was poignant though there were laugh out loud funny moments too. With the book being set in the 1960s, being an altar boy is literal, i.e. you have to be a boy. Nowadays, girls are allowed to serve in the altar, too though that choice remains a prerogative of the parish or even the Bishop.

Still, “The Altar Boy” resonates with the Catholic in me. And even if you are not Catholic, you will also enjoy this book. To many, the Catholic Church remains mysterious and sadly, nowadays, it has a bad rap. “Altar Boy” will not explain what Catholicism is about (remember, it’s fiction), nevertheless, it will give you a glimpse. Whether it’s good, bad or indifferent, you will form your own opinion when you read it.

“The Altar Boy” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised.

Now, for those who are into fantasy, “Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon” is gem. Why? Aside from the fact that it was written by New York Times bestselling author, Kerrelyn Sparks, the protagonists are so unexpected – an elf and a dragon. And then, they have to fall in love!

Yes, it’s a romance; but isn’t it what makes the world go round – love. “Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon” is full of humor and drama. It has so many twists and turns that it can rival San Francisco’s Lombard Street. It is addictive! And yes, it is part of a series. So, don’t be surprised if you start reading the whole series.

“Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon” is Rated T for Teens

Mid-week birthday

While you wait for the blow-out birthday plans scheduled for the weekend, don’t just let the big day pass by without any festivities at all. Too busy to bake? Pick up a dark chocolate cake — or at least some cupcakes — at your local grocery store or bakery. Bring out a bottle of Flat Top Hills Red Blend to make the day seem even more festive. The mouth-watering flavors of dark fruit and bright raspberry will complement the dark chocolate dessert beautifully, making the birthday feel really special, even if it is just a Wednesday.

Girls’ lunch

How long has it been since you last invited your best pals over for a visit, just because you felt like it? Why not throw together a quick lunch party on the weekend for a couple of your favorite friends? Serve take-out on your most beautiful dishes — spending time together is the most important part, so don’t stress about the food! Complement the meal — and the conversation — with elegant, fruit-forward Flat Top Hills Chardonnay. You’re bound to remember this event for a long time to come. Maybe it will even turn into a regular tradition.

A quiet night in

When the opportunity presents itself for a quiet evening in with your partner, take advantage of it. These are the moments worth cherishing. Celebrate by sharing a simple risotto or just put together an easy fruit and cheese plate and enjoy with the supple Flat Top Hills 2018 Rosé to mark the occasion together. It may just remind you to plan these more often.

Find ways to commemorate — and treasure — the simple, ordinary days that mean the world to you. To help celebrate the everyday, Flat Top Hills is offering a Friday Night Experience Sweepstakes for 20 grand-prize winners to receive a $100 gift card of their choice for a movie or TV streaming subscription, meal preparation delivery service, golf outing or more. Enter at www.bit.ly/FlatTopFridayNight.