Lloyd Flatt was a man who lived life large and had a passion for large bottles of wine. One of those bottles — a six-liter Methuselah of Romanee Conti 1976 sold for $42,350 at Sotheby’s New York more than double its presale estimate.

Flatt, an eye-patch sporting American who began collecting wine long before there were wine critics and magazines such as the Wine Spectator, died in January 2008 after amassing a collection that became almost as famous as he was.

The total sale of his some 1,500 bottles netted more than $1.18 million, handily beating the $573,000-$824,000 pre-sale estimate range at the auction Saturday. Sotheby’s said the winner of the Methuselah was “an Asian buyer.”

“I know that Lloyd, wherever he may be, is smiling at the fun we had in celebrating his wine,” his widow, Laure Flatt said in a statement adding, “We are all happy that Lloyd will be thought of when the corks are pulled on today’s purchases.”

Flatt’s collection (his second, the first was lost in a divorce) was part of a larger wine auction at Sotheby’s which netted $3.4 million.

According to a recent survey released by Whole Foods Market, 68% of adults say the economy has affected their cooking and eating habits. More than 50% of consumers say they are eating dinner at home more often to save money. But cutting costs on dining out doesn’t mean giving up on the joys of great company and delicious foods. The changing economy has many Americans bringing their love of food back into the comfort of their own kitchens. And with a wealth of supermarket coupons and in-store specials available, entertaining at home is easier than ever and more affordable. So even if a fancy meal out with friends isn’t in your budget, you can still enjoy spending quality time together over a delicious meal.

Here are a few budget-friendly tips to make the most out of dining in:

Prepare Foods that Stretch. It’s important to make every dollar count. Soups, pastas and casseroles are not only easy to make, but they’re an economical way to feed a large group. Not sure what to make? Many food websites offer a “budget friendly” category for inspiration.

Make it a Game Night. Invite guests to bring over a few of their favorite games. Pair up into teams and rediscover the joy of a little friendly competition. Whether you’re the reigning card champion or experiencing the latest gaming phenomenon for the first time, you’re sure to enjoy an evening filled with fun and laughter.

Host a Potluck. Forget buying expensive groceries and spending hours in the kitchen. Encourage guests to bring a dish of their own for a tasty potluck. From homemade pasta salads to delicious breads and indulgent desserts, you’ll have a variety of taste-tempting foods that will be the talk of the party. Plus, everyone loves to help out the hostess.

http://rismedia.com/2010-02-27/around-the-home-the-comforts-of-dining-in/