Tis the season for some full-bodied, soul-warming, crisp wine selections to wow your guests. Don’t get pigeon-holed into failures of Thanksgiving past like Aunt Wilma’s tasteless homemade spiced wine or Grandpa Joe’s sour Chianti he’s been saving since 1982. With these simple tips, you’ll figure out the best selection of wines for any palate and score big with the family before Christmas – just in time to get that dazzling Baccarat Everyday crystal ware set you’ve been eyeing.

Give ‘em some sparkle!

Who doesn’t love the pop of a fresh champagne bottle or the fizz of a prosecco? This Thanksgiving holiday should be no different and we love to bring the light mood of the holidays with a fun glass of the bubbly stuff. Welcoming guests to your home with an Italian prosecco or a French champagne will prepare the palate for fuller, richer wines in the courses to come. A sparkling Rose or other sparkling wine can also be an inexpensive way to start the evening after slaving away in the kitchen and emptying your wallet at the local grocery store. Some great recommendations can start at the $15 price point and will get the celebration off to the right start. According to RachelRayMag.com, some suggestions in the lower price point are Yellow Tail Bubbles Rose, Freixenet Cava Carta Nevada Semi Dry, and Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato California Champagne. But for those with deeper pockets, you can’t beat the well-known flavors of Chandon’s Etoile Brut, Veuve Clicquot, or Dom Perignon.

Warm the soul with a full-bodied red

Pinot Noir is considered the epitome of the fine wine aficionado’s pick for the holiday. This wine pairs well with creamy side dishes like scalloped potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes, and with simply spiced dishes, like those only dashed with salt and pepper. And it’s not just side dishes that win with Pinot Noir, turkey meats (both white and dark) and cranberry-filled flavors will all benefit. Prepare your deeply flavored wine with the perfect decanter, like the stunning Lalique crystal decanter available at Woodrow Jewelers of Rye, NY. Some suggestions for this grape who’s genetics stem from Burgundy, France include Greywack, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Mendocino Ridge Estate, and Three Otters.

Lighten spirits with bright flavors

For those who prefer a lighter fare with their filling dinner, you may want to turn to (or at least offer your guests) a Sauvignon Blanc. Great with green beans and brussel sprouts, or for adding a simple herbaceous note to your turkey and mashed potatoes. It is also touted to be the perfect palate cleanser between heavy gravies. Some of the best producers are New Zealand, like Cloudy Bay vineyard, Robert Mondavi of the U.S., or Los Vascos of Chile.