Luxury where it’s least expected
Sometimes luxury can be found in the simplest of things. Not the ones that are the most expensive, nor the most exclusive, nor the most fashionable, but rather in the experiences that are spontaneous, that live in one’s memory, that feel ‘authentic’ and that can be shared.
The debate about which glasses are ‘the best’ for drinking champagne is a case in point.
Opinions range from the sauce shaped glass that was popular in the heyday of Hollywood in the 1950s and 60s ( take a look at the ‘Here’s to Your Kid’ scene in Casablanca), to the tall, flute shaped glasses which allow you to watch the bubbles rise up the glasses and concentrate the aromas as you sniff the wine and more recently to a wider, white wine style glass advocated by professional sommeliers and other wine aficionados because they allow you to agitate the champagne and appreciate, to best advantage, all the complex aromas in the wine.
Styles may come and may go but some things endure throughout the generations and humble though they may be, they have an undeniable authenticity and an appeal that is the inverse of their appearance.
Take the humble Blida glass that is ubiquitous in Champagne at many an impromptu celebration and low-key occasion such as a village fair or school fete (yes, really; champagne is served a school fetes!)
No stem to hold the glasses decorously, and do be careful not to agitate the champagne in the glass – you will certainly spill it. Definitely not the best design for appreciating the finer points of the wine, but what fun!
It all makes for a ‘Grand Day Out’ as Wallace and Gromit might say.
You can even get a somewhat inelegant, but highly practical carrying case to take with you on your next coach trip.
To round off the fun of the occasion, remember that nothing goes quite as well with champagne as home-made brioche.
Of course, everyone has their own notion of luxury, but the Blida glass has a style all of its own which is all about enjoying life in every moment.
What simple things do you consider to be luxurious despite their simplicity?
