The most obvious occasions for champagne. With large numbers price can be a critical so try "house" champagne from independent merchants. They cost little more than supermarkets own-label offerings.

 

These are usually afternoon events, traditionally tea parties. A lot of sweet things call for a demi-sec champagne or better still, a delicious grapey fizz.

 

You might serve champagne as a toast but for the rest, sparkling wine, which is not too dry, is fine. Young people are often unused to wine, so some easy drinking fruity new world wines, not to mention few beers would be welcome. And lay on plenty of water and soft drinks.

 

Older people tend to develop the case a taste for softer, slightly sweeter wines. Consider medium dry whites.

 

With intimate dinners for two, the key is your partner's tastes. A safe bet would be a top red burgundy.