The IRL Guide to Bargain-Priced Champagnes and Bubblies

Sally Jones
Dec 18, 2016

The holidays are almost here, and soon you’ll be doing that thing you always do — searching high and low for an *affordable* bubbly. Despite Champagne shortage rumors, you’ll still encounter a staggering array of choices at equally staggering prices. Finding the right bottle for you depends on your palate, your pocketbook and your plans for it. Will you be drinking and clinking, mixing Champagne cocktails or pouring it down a Champagne tower? Whether you want to spring for a true French vintage or nab a budget-friendly sparkling white like a prosecco or Cava — produced using the Champagne method but without the price tag — we’ve got your back. Here are a dozen bubblies to power up your next special occasion toast.

1. Champagne Ernest Rapeneau ($11): Quite possibly the least costly French Champagne available, this bubbly available at Trader Joe’s hails from the Champagne region of France and is great value for the money. Vibrant, crisp and effervescent, with notes of apricot and honey but with a slightly bitter acidic finish, it’s perfect for cocktails.

2. Charles de Marques Champagne, ($19): Also a TJ’s bargain, this Champagne is light, dry and *very* smooth without the sugary overload common in some sparkling whites. It’s a true go-to Champagne that won’t break the budget.

3. Kirkland Champagne Brut ($20): Kirkland is the Costco brand of budget Champagnes. This bubbly has refreshing green apple notes and is a bit sweeter than most brut Champagnes, making it perfect for clinking and drinking.

4. Veuve Clicquot ($50): Because there’s a wine snob in every crowd — maybe it’s even you — here’s a primo bottle worth springing for when there’s a palate in the house that you want to impress. Veuve Clicquot is a quality French brut Champagne recognized globally and widely stocked by wine merchants everywhere.

5. Thomson & Scott Skinny Champagne ($62): Here’s one’s for the clean eaters in the crowd! Even folks who rarely drink will appreciate a glass of bubbly at holiday time. Skinny has all the taste of a lovely brut Champagne, with only seven grams of sugar per glass.

6. Blason de Bourgogne Crémant ($10): Though not officially labeled a *Champagne,* this wine produced in the Burgundy region of France is made using the Champagne method. It has all the nice minerality and tight, pretty bubbles you crave, without the champers price tag.

7. Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs ($6): Another Champagne-like sparkling white produced in France, this is Trader Joe’s signature bubbly. Dry, crisp and citrusy, it makes a perfect Champagne substitute, whether you’re drinking it straight up or spiking cocktails.

Italian Prosecco

8. Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Superiore ($10): Prosecco is an Italian dry white sparkling wine that’s bubbly like Champagne, and superiore is the highest classification. This sparkling white makes a great pre-dinner drink or a cork popper for a special occasion — but at this price, you could drink it every night.

9. Cecilia Beretta Prosecco ($8): Slightly sweeter than the superiore version of the same label, this sparkler is distinctly fruity. It would be great in a cocktail or cascading down a festive holiday Champagne tower.

Spanish Cava

10. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava ($9): Cava is a sparkling white that’s produced in Spain using the same method as Champagne, so you can find it at sometimes bargain prices. This bubbly is bright with fruit flavors that make it great for cocktails like mimosas or bellinis, but it’s also quite the treat on its own.

11. Cristalino Cava Brut ($11): This Cava has nice crisp minerality and a price tag you’ve got to love. It’s great for celebrating special occasions, but at this price, you could have it on *pizza* night.

California Champagne

12. Korbel Brut California Champagne ($12): Though not produced in the Champagne region of France, this wine won the right to be labeled a “California Champagne.” Produced using méthode champenoise, it’s a great value, with nice notes of apricot and apple that are balanced by bubbly acidity.

If you’re digging this IRL guide to Champagne, follow us on Pinterest for more.

Milo Ventimiglia Is A "Sweet And Attentive" Father-To-Be, And Duh!!!

Norman Mailer, I'm pregnant! This might be a memorable line from an equally memorable Gilmore Girls episode, but it's now also a reality for one of the show's stars because Milo Ventimiglia is expecting his first child! The actor married model and entrepreneur Jarah Mariano in the fall of 2023 at a tiny, private ceremony (a move that was very Jess Mariano of him), and on September 29, Jarah announced she's pregnant!

Milo Ventimiglia and Jarah Mariano just showed up at Brian Bowen Smith's ‘Joyride’ exhibit at Studio CT in California, and one source tells People Milo was “sweet and attentive to his wife throughout the whole event.” Duh!!

He “seemed very proud to be with her" while Jarah looked "radiant and glowing," as she always does. “Milo was kissing her and whispering into her ear," the source continues. "They were just genuinely lovely together.”

Is Jarah Mariano pregnant?

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A post shared by Jarah Mariano (@jarahm)

Jarah Mariano/Instagram

Yes, Jarah Mariano announced her pregnancy with an Instagram post featuring a surf session with Milo Ventimiglia. In the photos, Jarah is sitting on a surfboard wearing a brown bikini top, polka dot bikini bottoms, and a pink lei. "Baby on board!" she says in the caption.

After his time on Gilmore Girls, Milo played patriarch Jack Pearson on NBC's This Is Us, and told US Weekly in 2017 that "I think I’m built to want a strong family unit. “It will happen when it happens. I’m not out seeking it. It’s just kind of, I’m present in the space in my life that when it presents itself and it’s right, I’m sure it will work out.”

And it looks like it worked out at the exact right time.

Does Milo Ventimiglia have a wife?

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A post shared by Jarah Mariano (@jarahm)

Yes, Milo Ventimiglia & wife Jarah Mariano got married in the fall of 2023, and Jarah recently posted some new photos from the special day. "Last year I married my best friend," she says. "There aren’t enough words that exist to describe all the special qualities that make him who he is. AlI can say is that I am grateful for the life that we have together and the happiness that we have created🤍 Aloha wau iā 'oe my husband Milo."

"Things are good," Milo told Extra in February 2024. "We've had relationships that have come and have gone and then you get to a point where you kind of meet your match and meet someone that inspires you in a way different than anybody else...I'm grateful for her and I’m happy to have arrived in this moment, so married life is nice."

If you're loving the celeb baby news as much as we are, check out the latest news on Hilary Duff's Baby #4!

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'Harry Potter' Book Fans Rejoice! The New TV Show Will Go "More In-Depth" Than The Movies.

We're always ready to go back to Hogwarts, whether we're making a Harry Potter cocktail for our September 1st celebration or hosting a movie night in our coziest PJs. And thanks to HBO, we'll be able to visit for the first time all over again. On April 12, 2023 Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that an original Harry Potter series was coming to their Max streaming service.

The series will be released over the course of ten years (!!) and WBD promises that it'll feature a book authenticity and attention to detail that even the most knowledgable Potterhead will appreciate. Grab your Harry Potter house scarf and your pumpkin juice, and keep reading for everything you need to know about the new Harry Potter TV show!

Will there be a Harry Potter TV show?

Warner Bros.

Yes, we're getting a new Harry Potter TV show! The official video announcement features the Hogwarts candles we see in the first film coming together to create that classic golden, lit-from-within logo. It's totally magical and nostalgic, but has a new contemporary edge I can't wait to see in its full form.

Will the Harry Potter TV show follow the books?

Amazon

Yes, book fans will be happy to know the new series will definitely follow the plot of the books. And Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, finally gave us a tease during MIPCOM‘s C-Suite Conversations. "It’s an unbelievable dream, honestly, and as somebody who is a huge fan of books, the opportunity to get to explore them in maybe a little bit more in-depth than you can in just a two-hour film," she said (via THR). "That’s the whole reason we’re on this journey.”

Has HBO begun casting for the new Harry Potter series?

Warner Bros.

Dungey also revealed they've started looking for a new golden trio. “There’s not a lot to talk about at this moment," she says. "We’ve got our fantastic writing staff in place and they are doing what they need to do. And casting calls have opened up in the U.K. and Ireland, so the process is moving along. It’s going quite well.”

What else do I need to know?

Warner Bros./IMDb

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” Casey Bloys, HBO & Max Content's Chairman and CEO, said in the press release. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.”

The series comes from Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts serving as executive producers. Over the last few years, Rowling has made headlines for her conservative views and commentary on transgender identities, but at the time, Bloys didn't comment when asked whether her involvement could affect their ability to move forward.

On June 26, 2024 it was announced that Francesca Gardiner would write and serve as showrunner and Mark Mylod would executive produce and direct several episodes. Both worked on Succession.

"I'm truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team," J.K. Rowling tweeted. "Both have a genuine passion for #HarryPotter, and having read Francesca's pilot script and heard Mark's vision, I'm certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations."

When is the HBO Harry Potter TV show release date?

Max/HBO/Warner Bros.

The new Harry Potter series is expected to hit Max in 2026, according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav (via Deadline). That means we could start seeing cast lists and getting more specific plot details in 2025!

Who plays Harry Potter in the new series?

Warner Bros.

In an interview with Comicbook.com, Daniel Radcliffe makes it clear that even though he's very excited about the new show, he probably won't be included in the new cast of Harry Potter.

“I’m sure whoever is making [the series] will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere,” he says. “So I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world and I’m very excited to have that torch passed. But I don’t think it needs me to physically pass it.”

There's no word on whether any of the original cast will actually be returning, but after we cried while watching the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, we can only hope that Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton will at least make cameo appearances. I'd love to see Daniel Radcliffe in the Ministry of Magic, or see Tom Felton walking around Diagon Alley. (However, I'm really hoping they're cast as some of the professors. Just imagine Emma as Professor McGonagall!)

Is Harry Potter on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

Warner Bros.

The Harry Potter series is currently available to stream on Max and Peacock. However, you can also rent the movies on Amazon Prime!

Are you excited for the new Harry Potter TV show? Let us know in the comments and check out our Harry Potter page for the latest updates on the film stars + this new Harry Potter TV show.

This post has been updated.

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65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators

In between planning what to even do for Halloween this year, perfecting your signature witches' brew and transforming your Netflix queue into a Halloween movie must-watch list, Halloween is a fun and potentially time-consuming holiday. We get it. Sometimes life just gets in the way and those elaborately awesome costume plans fall by the wayside. But have no fear! These last-minute Halloween costumes are perfect for all you procrastinators out there.

Eleven from "Stranger Things"

Brit + Co

All you need for this easy costume is a pink dress and denim jacket. And you definitely don't have to shave your head ;). (via Brit + Co)

Rockstar

Brit + Co

Whether you're going for a Sabrina Carpenter x Olivia Rodrigo mashup, or you're living your early 2000s rockstar dreams, dark eyeshadow and a choker will take you a long way. (via Brit + Co)

Rory Gilmore

Brit + Co

All you really need for this epic costume is a plaid skirt, button down, and ballet flats, but if you want to add a coffee mug, we wouldn't stop you. (via Brit + Co)

Princess Leia Costume

Brit + Co

All you need is an all-white outfit and the best. Buns. EVER. (via Brit + Co)

Fanta Girls Costume

Brit + Co

Totally fashionable on-the-fly. Get your pod in on the white go-go boots trend. (via Brit + Co)

Kim Possible

Image via B+C

With cowboy copper at the forefront of this year's hair trends, theres no doubt they'll be plenty of redheads running around this Halloween. So, take the opportunity to be your fave animated 2000s spy/ high school cheerleader! (via Brit + Co)

The Bear

FX/Hulu

All you need is a blue apron and a white button down to cook up this TV inspired Halloween look for The Bear! You'll be screaming "behind!" and "yes, chef!" all night long.

Pink Jumpsuit Barbie

Warner Bros. Pictures

Want to channel Barbie this year, but out of time to piece together the signature looks? All you need for the easiest last-minute Halloween costume ever is a pink jumpsuit and a pair of colorful glasses to complete this easy peasy, yet trendy look.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO DIY? SHOP THESE ONESIES!

Piñata

Amazon

$40
Buy Now

DIY Pirate Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Brit + Co

This simple pirate ensemble is arr-guably easy to recreate and fun for Halloween-themed Zoom calls. Throw it on and shake that pirate booty! (via Brit + Co)

Drea From "Do Revenge"

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www.pinterest.com

Drea rocks all kind of 90s-inspired ice tones and silhouettes that bring old school and modern style together. Pair ice blue pieces or go with a faux fur pink sweater for a super easy Do Revenge costume.

Roaring ’20s Costume

Brit + Co

The ’20s are back, and so is our favorite hair hack: the faux bob! A headband and some fringed and fabulous wardrobe items are all you need for this party-ready, stylish look. (via Brit + Co)

Kimmy Schmidt

Brit + Co

Cardigan? Check. Neons? Check. Spunky attitude? Check. This is one easy last-minute Halloween costume! (via Brit + Co)

Step Brothers Costume

Brit + Co

When you REALLY get into character, costumes actually kinda come second. Bust out your best Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly impressions with your bestie bro or sis. (via Brit + Co)

Olivia Rodrigo

Brit + Co

All you need for this costume is a soft tank, a plaid skirt, and stickers. Halloween just got angsty. (via Brit + Co)

Dancing Girls Emoji Costume

Apple/Brit + Co

 It’s never a bad time to rep your bestie status, right? Of course, you and your fellow blonde BFF could just be those foxy dancing girls. (via Brit + Co)

Princess Emoji Time Costume

Apple/Brit + Co

Who wouldn't mind wearing a crown all night? The hardest part of the costume is keeping a straight face. (via Brit + Co)

PRODUCTS TO HELP WITH YOUR LAST-MINUTE COSTUMES

Striped Shirt

Amazon

$25
Buy Now

The Emoji Ghost Costume

Apple/Brit + Co

 Ahh, the pirate ghost emoji — one of our all-time favorites. The tongue is just too absurd. (via Brit + Co)

Nancy Wheeler from "Stranger Things"

Brit + Co

Nancy has a ton of super cute outfits from throughout the four seasons of the show, but this 'fit inspired by the first few episodes is undeniably simple. (via Brit + Co)

Rosie the Riveter Costume

Brit + Co

All you need is that chambray shirt, a red bandana, and our easy 10-minute hair tutorialto rock Rosie right. (via Brit + Co)

Juno

Brit + Co

This is just one of many of our maternity costume ideas for dressing up your bump this Halloween. It can even work if you aren't expecting. (via Brit + Co)

Robber Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Brit + Co

Grab a few of your fall wardrobe staples, throw on a masquerade mask, and voila! Instant badass robber status is achieved thanks to this last-minute Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co)

Halloween Mask DIY Costume

Brit + Co

Do you have an awesome new outfit that you'd rather wear instead of a costume? Keep it memorable and minimal with any of these Halloween mask DIYs. (via Brit + Co)

The Mystery Dress Costume

Brit + Co

 This dress debate definitely caused a stir. Grab your bestie and keep the confusion alive all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Eleanor from "Do Revenge"

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391813236346342707/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

Eleanor wears lots of 70s bold colors and prints, which makes for an easy last-minute Halloween costume if you already have that vibe in your closet.

Cactus Costume

Brit + Co

 Believe it or not, this costume only calls for four materials. It’s a great choice for the procrastinator that wants to look just as fun as everyone else. (via Brit + Co)

Carmen Sandiego Costume

Brit + Co

 Don’t put your summer maxis away just yet — you’re going to need one to channel your favorite mystery gal from the ’90s. (via Brit + Co)

Takeout Night Costume

Brit + Co

 A T-shirt that doubles as a costume? This is every lazy girl’s dream! (via Brit + Co)

Holly Golightly (Night) Costume

Brit + Co

Chances are, you already have a couple of LBDs hanging in your closet. Add a few accessories and you’re all set. (via Brit + Co)

YOU'LL LOVE THESE FEATURED PRODUCTS!

Tiffany's Dress

Amazon

$30
Buy Now

Flapper Costume

Brit + Co

 Put your slinky date night dress to some good use and whip up this quick DIY. A party at Gatsby’s awaits! (via Brit + Co)

Barb Holland from "Stranger Things"

Brit + Co

Grab a button down and jeans for this last-minute Halloween costume and you're ready to take on the demogorgon. (via Brit + Co)

A Halloween Hangover Costume

Brit + Co

 Beat your actual hangover with this T-shirt/costume. Sunglasses and a large bottle of Gatorade are also musts. (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Swift

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/234046511877956050/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

A faux fur coat is always a good idea to have in your closet (it's our winter wedding staple) and pair with a blue dress to get this iconic Taylor Swift look from her Midnights era.

Taylor Swift and Her Squad Pod

Brit + Co

Speaking of Taylor, try your hand at this friend group costume! Add Blake Lively and Taylor's mom Andrea to bring it into 2024. (via Brit + Co)

Wednesday Addams Costume

Brit + Co

 Everyone should dress as Wednesday Addams for Halloween at least once. And the little black dress that you already own is begging you to go for it this year. (via Brit + Co)

Wet Hot American Summer Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Brit + Co

 You were psyched to see the reboot on Netflix, and now it’s time to pay tribute with a costume. The only problem is deciding which character to dress up as. (via Brit + Co)

French Girl Costume

Brit + Co

 You probably have most of these pieces in your closet, so why not put them to work? (via Brit + Co)

Chuckie Costume

Brit + Co

The Rugrats gang were always #squadgoals, and come Halloween, Chuckie has the chillest outfit. The best part of this idea is that everyone can do this one. (via Brit + Co)

Ninja Costume

Brit + Co

 Everyone owns at least one black, form-fitting outfit with lace-up details and ribbon. Worst case, a trip to the department store ought to fill any gaps in your wardrobe. (via Brit + Co)

Miss Frizzle Costume

Brit + Co

Do you have a busted red wig? A dress? Some time to draw science lab items? Good, you have a last-minute Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co)

The Princess Diaries

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/275704808430746762/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

With Mia, Lily, and the rest of the crew, this costume will win Halloween! Go as Mia in her uniform or go all out with a ballgown.

Witch Costume

Brit + Co

With a simple makeup product you can look like an authentic witch — warts and all — and you can't beat the convenience of a pharmacy-bought costume. (via Brit + Co)

USE THESE PIECES TO HELP PLAN YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Witch's Hat

Amazon

$12
Buy Now

More Amazing Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas You'll Love!

Florence Pugh

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/389772542762817358/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

Grab a super cute purple lounge set that you'll want to wear even after Halloween is over. This is one iconic pop culture Halloween costume that is both comfortable and recognizable — especially if you have an aperol spritz.

Broad City Costume

Brit + Co

 Pulling looks from your fave TV shows will never go out of style, especially when they’re iconic and hilarious. (via Brit + Co)

Manicured Lawn Last-Minute Halloween Costume

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/136726538670821131/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

We're always here for a good pun, and you should be too. Quick! Grab the turf and faux flowers on your way to get your nails done.

“Girl With the Pearl Earring” Costume

The House That Lars Built/Vermeer

Infuse a bit of culture into your Halloween this year by channeling one of Vermeer's most famous paintings. This is an impressive look-alike costume, and it can be done with just a few simple items. (via The House That Lars Built)

Life & Lemons Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costume

Club Crafted

Just make sure there are enough lemons left for your gin & tonic. (via Club Crafted)

Mama and Baby Bird Costume

Lovely Indeed

Need a cute mommy + me last-minute costume idea? These birds of a feather are definitely looking adorable together. (via Lovely Indeed)

Bunny Ears Costume

Say Yes

 Don’t want to mess with all of the Halloween makeup this year? Wear these bunny ears instead. It’s a perfect costume for work and is a cinch to remove at the end of the day/night. (via Say Yes)

Googly Eyes Costume

Studio DIY

If you are looking for something big and dramatic for Halloween photo time, these googly eye balloons would make for some great home decor and a costume photo prop! (via Studio DIY)

Lacey Mouse Costume

Honestly WTF

 This edgy spin on a childhood favorite is totally work-safe and a great choice for dressing up on the go. (via Honestly WTF)

Cuckoo Clock Costume

The Merrythought

 Get a little creepy and kooky with this fabulous DIY. And don’t forget the bird up top. (via The Merrythought)

Sally Sells Seashells by the Seashore Costume

The House That Lars Built

This tongue-tying costume is guaranteed to have friends giggling all night. Good luck telling everyone your costume name 10 times fast. (via The House Lars Built)

Georgia O’Keeffe Last-Minute Halloween Costume

The House That Lars Built

 Learn how to recreate the oversized poppy, gray hair, and everything else in this gorgeous step-by-step tutorial. (via The House Lars Built)

Lars & the Real Girl Costume

Sugar & Cloth

 This hilarious costume calls for items that you probably already own. To really get into character, make sure you act super stiff all night. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Pop Tart Last-Minute Halloween Costume Idea

Paper & Stitch

 Pay tribute to your favorite breakfast pastry with this easy-to-create Pop Tart ensemble. (via Paper & Stitch)

#Basic Coffee Mug Costume

A Kailo Chic Life

 Next to the PSL Starbucks cups, the pink lid travel mug is as trendy as it comes. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Lisa Frank Puppy Costume

Studio DIY

 When you have the day to get your costume together, some paint is all you need to give a romper a colorful update. (via Studio DIY)

Holly Golightly (Day) Costume

PMQ for two

 Handing out candy with your cat, while sitting by the door in a large white shirt, is kind of the definition of #goals. Don’t forget the sleep mask! (via PMQ for two)

Raining Men Costume

Studio DIY

 Finally, your giant stack of Tiger Beat, tabloid, and Cosmo magazines will come in handy. Remember, everyone owns an umbrella and rain boots. (via Studio DIY)

Mr. and Mrs. Fox Costume

A Beautiful Mess

Wes Anderson made us fall in love with this Roald Dahl classic all over again. If you don't have time to fashion an entire foxy ensemble, a simple mask or two should do the trick for an easy last-minute Halloween costume. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Frosé Slushie Cute Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Club Crafted

 Do you have a pink dress and access to a clear trash bag? Perfection. (via Club Crafted)

For more Halloween inspo and last minute Halloween costumes, follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for weekly updates.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated from a previous post.

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