Coeur d’Alene’s premier shop for your entertaining needs
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Morgan Redal
In 2007, Coeur d’Alene was introduced to a one-of-a-kind upscale wine and gift shop, where owners and husband-and-wife team Mary Lancaster and George Balling offer a broad selection of wines from most regions, both domestics and imports. If you are looking for that perfect wine to pair with your next meal or to gift a family member, friend or co-worker, look no further than The Dinner Party.
“With our expertise, we help with wine selections that suit your palate, pair well with your meals and broaden your experience,” smiles Mary.
In addition to the lovely wines available, the gifts they feature are uniquely beautiful, from the stemware and dinnerware to linens and wine accessories—all from artisan producers, with many produced right here in the United States. Whether shopping for yourself or for a special someone this holiday season, these are items you would be proud to own or give.
Over the years it has been part of George and Mary’s mission to work in developing a sense of community through their shop, wine club, and winemaker dinner and tasting events. Over the years, many of their customers and friends have found new friends, developing lasting friendships through the shop. “Our goal is to not only enhance the enjoyment of wine and build this community but also to get wine consumers and gift givers to try things they wouldn’t normally try,” Mary adds.
When asked what inspired the business, the couple credits their endeavor to their many dinner parties over the years, adding, “Our families and friends always told us ours were the best!”
Since first opening their doors 13 years ago, they have enjoyed not only being able to provide quality wines and gifts but the time they’ve shared with their customers; meeting quality people through their shop, who they are proud to now call friends for life.
George and Mary are proud to be able to give back to the community that has embraced them and their business over the years. George is on the board of Hospice of North Idaho, and he and Mary sponsor their Wine Taste each year. “We also donate to local organizations including the Humane Society, Safe Passage, Sorensen Magnet School and Excel Foundation, to name a few,” says Mary.
As the holiday season is quickly approaching, if you are looking to bless your friends and family with a beautiful bottle of wine, a new dinnerware piece or décor, The Dinner Party has you covered.
When asked what they have found most rewarding about what they have created at The Dinner Party, George and Mary agree: “The community we have built through our wine club and winemaker dinners/tastings is truly special. It is very rewarding to witness folks making new friends, discovering new wines and enhancing their circle of friendship.”
Be sure to mark your calendars for their upcoming wine tasting events:
December 10: Daou Vineyards & Winery Winemaker Dinner at Fleur de Sel, 6pm. Reservations required.
December 11: Daou Vineyards In-Shop Tasting, 3:15 to 6pm. Reservations required (sign up in advance for one of four 45-minute time slots).
The Dinner Party
3510 North Government Way
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815
208.765.5653
Comments