Tiny roses add an elegant detail to your champagne toast. To make the garnishes, insert a toothpick into the base of each blossom at an angle of a little less than 45 degrees. Cut the stems cleanly about 1-inch shorter than the length of the toothpick; you may have to adjust length depending on the weight of the bloom. Place each toothpick just inside of a rim, letting the roses balance delicately on top.

Begin the party with a time-honored favorite: Champagne flavored with a bitters-soaked sugar cube and a dash of Cognac. Bitters are an alcoholic flavoring made with herbs, spices, roots, and citrus peel, popular in traditional cocktails like this one.

Offered as an aperitif or for a toast, this aromatic drink evokes the romance of the South of France with each sparkling sip.

As an alternative to plain Champagne, try this cocktail for rehearsal-dinner toasts. To make a Blushing Bride, pour 2 ounces of chilled passion-fruit nectar into a glass; gently pour in 3 ounces of cold Champagne, then 1/2 teaspoon grenadine. Do not shake or stir. The three will commingle as prettily as a flush spreading on the cheek of a shy bride-to-be.

Give bubbly a boost with jewel-like cranberry-, pomegranate-, and apricot-infused sugar cubes. Working in batches, soak cubes in a bowl of fruit concentrate or puree until completely saturated. Remove with a fork, and place on a wire rack (don't let them touch); let dry overnight. Present cubes at a champagne bar, or serve them in passed drinks. The sweet, tangy taste will keep guests sipping long after the toasts.

Upgrade your punch with a splash of champagne.

Blood-orange juice turns what would ordinarily be a mimosa into a lovely ruby-tinted cocktail.

If you're looking for a simple but stunning idea for your reception, try a glamorous Champagne tower.

A sorbet course before the cake provides an icy, ultralight transition to much richer delights. Our sorbet is made with poached peaches and blush "off dry" (slightly sweet) Champagne.

Another alternative for sorbet with a champagne kick.