How to Properly Open and Serve a Bottle of Champagne

Of course there are celebratory moments to let the Champagne fly. But every now and then, the need may arise for gently removing the cork from a bottle of Champagne ... you know, maybe while attending an intimate dinner or while traveling in the back of a limo or Rolls-Royce. In that event:

1. Take the foil wrapper off of the mouth of the bottle.
2. Point the bottle away from yourself and others and keep your thumb over the cork.
3. Put a towel or napkin over the top of the bottle.
4. Dry off the bottle and clean the punt (the indention in the bottom of the bottle.)
5. Hold the bottle tightly.
6. Pull out the metal tab, twist it 6 half turns counterclockwise, then remove it.
7. Hold onto the cork and turn the bottle. Do not turn the cork because you'd have to let go of it every so often, and you want to keep control of the cork.
8. Slow down turning as the cork eases up.
9. Tip the cork a smidge sideways to let in a little air and let it 'sigh'. Remove the cork without a pop.
10. Quickly pour the champagne down the sides of a tilted glass in order to prevent a head of foam and turn the bottle a little as you finish pouring to prevent dripping.

Now how 'bout that? You look like a pro.