Champagne on New Year's

Are you serving or gifting bubbly tonight? We're big fans and thought we'd give you our recession-inspired options that taste great and won't put you out. Sorry no links because there's no time left for on-line ordering; but these are easy to find at the grocery or wine shop.

Champagne, the traditional bubbly, is produced only in the Champagne region of France. Our pick? Perrier-Jouet with its Art Nouveau label will run you about $35 (though some vintages soar in the hundreds).

Its Italian cousin, Prosecco, is popular with our girlfriends and good bottles are less expensive than champagne. We always buy Il Prosecco in multiples because we finish them off so quickly ($13). Don't let the bottle cap throw you, this one is delicious!

Lastly, American sparkling wine didn't used to be highly regarded; but California continues to surprise. Try this festive bottle of Sofia Coppola Blanc de Blancs for $19 that comes wrapped in pink cellophane. Or better yet, guys bring beer, you bring a four pack of mini Sofia Coppola Blanc de Blancs to the party (yes, they're pink cans, straws included, $16).