Share This
I remember just three or four years ago, it was easy to find lots of cheap, tacky Christmas sweaters at your local thrift store. Now, with ugly Christmas sweater contests becoming a common tradition around the holidays, it’s a lot harder to find cheap options. And since I’m not particularly excited about spending $25 on a sweater that’s supposed to be “ugly,” I decided to DIY one this year! To take my outfit to the next level, I also made a sweater sleeve for a bottle of wine and bedazzled it with matching Christmas paraphernalia. After all, what’s more likely to win you a contest than a little bribery, in the form of wine?
You will need:
- A plain sweater with sleeves that are about the same diameter as a bottle of wine (you could even use a tall, thick sock).
- A variety of small Christmas-y items: gift bows, pom poms, ornaments, etc.
- Scissors, a needle, thread, and yarn.
Lay your wine bottle on top of one sleeve, leaving the cuff at the top. With your scissors, cut the sleeve off at a straight line, so the cut edge is parallel to the cuff.
Turn the sleeve inside out and stitch it up with some yarn (matching or contrasting).
Flip the sleeve back so the finished side is out. Stitch on a mix of your mini Christmas decorations, using matching thread.
Slip the wine bottle in and flip the cuff down, so just the top of the bottle is showing. Tie a thick, chunky piece of yarn around the neck, to secure it.
Voila! Your wine bottle is all decked out in an ugly Christmas sweater. Now, all you have to do is make yourself a matching sweater, by stitching similar items onto a plain sweater you already own.
The other nice thing about adding your own Christmas embellishments to a plain sweater is that once the holidays are over, you can remove them all, so you don’t end up with a sweater that you’ll never wear again.
Wine Pairings for Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Bottle Holder
Now that your ugly Christmas sweater wine bottle holder is ready to go, it’s time to think about what wine to pop inside. Whether you’re gifting it or just showing it off at a party, here are a few holiday-perfect wine options.
Pinot Noir: The Festive All-Rounder
A holiday dinner classic. Whether you’re serving turkey, roasted chicken, or charcuterie, Pinot Noir is versatile enough to pair with it all. The Jackson Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir brings bright red berry flavors and just a hint of oak, making it the perfect wine to toast with.
Cabernet Love: Bold, Beautiful, and Ready to Impress
For hearty dishes like beef tenderloin or a rich mushroom risotto, Cabernet Sauvignon is your bold and beautiful match. Kendall-Jackson’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon gives you dark fruit, spice, and a smooth finish, making it the go-to for big, festive meals.
Chardonnay Bliss: Creamy, Crisp, and Completely Charming
When it’s cheese boards and appetizers time, Chardonnay takes the lead. Its crisp, fruity flavor balances perfectly with soft cheeses and savory bites. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is a standout with its rich, fruity notes and touch of oak that adds just the right amount of depth.
Sauvignon Blanc: A Lively Sip for Holiday Bliss
When you need a bright, refreshing wine that pairs well with seafood, salads, or anything fresh and light, Sauvignon Blanc is your best friend. The Kelsey Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavors, bringing a burst of freshness to your holiday spread.
Rosé: Because Holidays Deserve a Pop of Pink
For those festive moments when you want something light and celebratory, Rosé delivers just the right vibe. It’s a fantastic match for light bites, seafood, or even a holiday brunch. The Vintner’s Reserve Rosé brings a touch of summer to your winter celebrations with its delicate fruit flavors and lively acidity.
