I can count the number of beers Ive drunk in my life on one hand.
I was 22 years old and happened to be visitingMunichduring its annual celebration.
(Yes, it wasmorning.)
A scene from Chanel Métiers d’Art 2014 Bavarian-inspired collection, shown at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria.
Oktoberfest wasnt my planned destination that day.
Life is too short to learn German, so they say.
(The quote has a murky provenance but its attributed to Oscar Wildesounds about right.)
Could I also learn to enjoy the beverage that fuels the culture that speaks it?
Lets try this again, shall we?
Find all their tips for hosting a chic Oktoberfest celebration, below.
Vogue:Is beer a non-negotiable?
Or can I serve wine, too?
Heilbrunner:As a true Bavarian, I have to say its a must.
Schumacher:Oh, you might absolutely serve wine!
A chic Oktoberfest dinner is all about your personal flair.
Even the most traditional Bavarian would appreciate a fine Riesling or an elegant Pinot Noir alongside the beer.
Think of it as a perfect pairing for those who prefer a touch of sophistication.
Weng:Beer is important, but wine is okay, too.
Overall, there are over 35 tents, some of them serving wine.
And there is actually a tent, which serves mostly wine, called the Weinzelt.
Must beer come in oversized mugs?
Can I serve it in crystal Pilsner glasses?
Heilbrunner:You have to imagine drinking beer out of gigantic mugs is like an arm workoutwhile having fun!
Sturm:If you have access to oversized mugs, they are definitely part of the fun.
Even the Champagne and wine is served in those.
Schumacher:Crystal Pilsner glasses?
Who says Oktoberfest cant sparkle a little more?
Youll still get that golden glow of the beer, just with a little more elegance.
This would be seen as a huge issue.
It would be like serving espresso in a latte macchiato-glas.
So you’re able to go with other glasses, but definitely not with dedicated Pilsner ones.
Should I feature the blue and white Bavarian flag motif somewhere on my dinner table?
Heilbrunner:Id rather you do a gingham tablecloth in any shade (whatever your heart desires).
Much more beautiful and true.
Think chic napkins or maybe a subtle accent in the flower arrangement.
Or go all out on your own color scheme but keep the shapes and patterns traditional!
The key is to keep it elegant, not kitschy.
Weng:Not necessarily, but for sure it is an easy element to go with.
What are some elevated traditional things I can put on my table?
Heilbrunner:Oktoberfest is traditionally a party for the people.
The whole idea is enjoying the simple things.
Sturm:I find customized, gingham table napkins with the guests initials, for instance, very charming.
Add touches like wooden boards or silver serving trays to give it that elevated feel.
Its all about the juxtaposition between tradition and modern chic.
Weng:you’re free to decorate with local flowers.
The Edelweiss is the national flower of Bavaria.
What should be on the menu?
And if you could, try the traditional cheese spread called Obazda.
Dont forget a lovely Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy shredded pancake) for dessert.
Your guests will be swooning, trust me.
Weng:If you’re able to get some in the US, Weiwurst!
Non-vegetarian: pork with Spatzle.
Can tracht be chic?
What are some things I should stay away from?
Heilbrunner:I do love a beautiful dirndl.
Tracht is super chic.
Nothing better than a classic Janker.
I wear mine all the time.
A dirndl should be ideally midi or, at the shortest, knee-length.
Shorter ones are cute for kids and teens.
For fabric, choose heavier ones like cotton or velvet.
Stay away from anything polyester for the blouse.
Lace or cotton is beautiful.
In terms of shoes, I say anything goes.
Whatever your vibe is.
Personally, I go for either Timberlands or ballerinas and socks.
Sturm:So chic.
I recently came across a brand calledAnnina Dirndl,which I love.
The designs are classic, chic, yet colorful and fun.
If you are looking for something a little more extravagant, Lola Paltingers dirndls are stunning!
Schumacher:Oh, tracht is always chic when done right!
Its less about the brand but more about your take on it.
Stay away from anything too touristy: You want your tracht to say timeless, not souvenir.
Great brands are Gottseidank, Amsel, Sportalm, Lodenfrey.
kindly do not go too short (over-the-knee), and avoid cheap-looking materials.
What kind of music should I play?
Heilbrunner:Do you want torture?
Its a fun one!
Other than that you should go for a lot of old-school classics, some cheesy ones.
Sweet Caroline tends to play on repeat, and Angels by Robbie Williams is a must.
Its all about creating an ambiance thats festive but still stylish.
Weng:In the tents, bands play party songs everyone knows.
This is for getting people to drink.
There are brass bands.
A good song to play is the Bavarian hymns.
Anything else you could think of?
Elements for a chic Oktoberfest dinner?
Heilbrunner:Definitely shots of Schnapps to get people dancing!
But I wouldnt recommend it to increase chicness.
Sturm:Braid your hair!
And if you are not in the mood to wear a dirndl, go for a pair of Lederhosen.
Theyre cool for women, too.
Schumacher:Fresh flowers, always.
Hydrangeas or wildflowers in soft tones will add that chic, understated elegance to your table.
They are available all over the festive ground, and the personalized version is cute and has style.
