Ask B: Red, Red, Wine

Bourbon and Pearls

Dear B,

We love to have cocktail parties, and of course stock our bar with red wine. However, I'm always so worried someone is going to spill it on our rugs or furniture. In the event there's an accident, do you have any advice on how to remove the stain so it's not permanent damage?

Sincerely, 

Can I have Some Cheese with My Whine 

Whine, Darling, 

Speaking hostess to hostess, you're wise to fully stock your bar - with red wine no less - as it's sure to be the elixir of choice for some of your guests. At the same time, one definitely needs an insurance policy should there be a little spilling action that results in a scarlet stained white wool rug - talk about a party foul! My MBB recommendation is if a drop (or goblet) of rich red wine touches your gorgeous furniture, you do the following: 

1) Calmly assure the spiller that everything will be fine, as surely it was an accident

2) Blot the stain and soak up any excess liquid
3) Sprinkle salt over the stain, followed by club soda and leave it on for a few hours
4) Blot the stain again to remove excess water, and then vacuum the area to remove the excess salt

Another option, and this is Good Housekeeping approved, is to invest in a modern day miracle product called Wine Away, which is a fabulous non-toxic tonic that will erase red wine in a jiffy. I advice you pick up a bottle just in case!