Estelle Cruijff always said: life is a party, but you have to hang the decorations yourself. I like to slightly adjust this saying, because the fact that life is a party is true, but you have to uncork the champagne yourself. At our home, there are always a few bottles chilled (even a rosé champagne that is said to have been served at Yab Yum, which I have of course been told, because I did have a student girlfriend who lived above the famous establishment on the Singel, but I have never made it past those broad-shouldered doormen). The fun part is that you never drink champagne alone: every second, a bottle of Moët pops somewhere in the world, I find that a reassuring thought. Because there is always something special above special, Moët & Chandon launches the Grand Vintage 2012, a fresh and harmonious champagne that, as the makers themselves say, is the perfect embodiment of the transition from spring to summer. It has aged for five years to come into full bloom and asks, what am I saying, screams for a little boat, friends, a hat, a cheese platter, and the most beautiful summer day.