There’s nothing quite like a tangy, spicy Bloody Mary to kick you into shape at brunch, whether you’re simply groggy-eyed or you sipped a few too many drinks the night before. A good one can work wonders but a bad once can be, well, just bad. Here’s exactly what you need to know to achieve success the next time you find yourself shaking up a few in the late-morning hour.

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Everyone gifts wine this time of year, and I have absolutely no problem with that! The more wine, the better. (Even if your host doesn’t drink or totally hates the varietal of grape you’ve brought, she can always crack it open and serve it to her guests. Or regift it later!)

You don’t have to spend big bucks, or go nuts picking a bottle that might mean something to its intended recipient. All I ask is that you dress it up a little bit to make it look like you put in some effort. You know, versus just grabbing whatever was by the register at your local liquor store.

To help you make a bottle of wine more presentable, we rounded up five DIY ideas from bloggers.

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Vacation Rental: Modern Farmhouse in the Woods in Saugerties, New York
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Price: Starting at $299 per night
Why We Wanna Cook Here: Can you say dinner party?

When we travel we believe in staying in real homes as much as we can; to really taste a place means cooking local food in a local’s kitchen. And if you’re traveling to the Catskills (check out our Bite-Sized Guide to the Catskills) here’s a vacation rental to love.

This updated farmhouse has a stainless-steel six-burner gas stove, a porcelain apron-front sink, and plenty of natural light. As if that’s not enough, it also has brand-new cookware (think: All-Clad pots and pans). And the perfectly rustic dining table seats 10 people comfortably. During warmer months, dinner parties can be indoor-outdoor hybrids, as the house opens up to a big deck, a three-acre yard, and a new gas grill.

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