Forget the tired bottle of wine or flowers.  Chances are, your host or hostess has already purchased flowers and wine for the meal.  Bring a gift that they will appreciate and, or something that will contribute to the festivities.  Below are some of my favorites ideas:

·      All the makings for a real Irish coffee.  In a small basket, start with a jar of Nescafe or powdered espresso powder, add a bottle of Irish whiskey—[I like Tyconnell or Kilbeggan, Green Spot, Red Breast, Teeling, Slane and Roe &Co.]—add a bag of brown sugar cubes—I love La Perruche and a ½  pint of heavy cream.  After dinner, whip the cream until thick but not holding peaks.  Make the instant coffee in each mug, add 1-2 cubes of sugar, two shots of Irish whiskey and a spoonful of the thickened cream to each mug.  Enjoy!

·      Really good olive oil and salt for finishing the dish. My favorite brands are California Olive Ranch, La Tourangelle, Laudemio, Castelas to name a few.  They are all extra-virgin olive oils and range in price. 

·      North Carolina or Virginia Peanuts.  These are not your averages peanuts.  They are very special and welcome by most everyone.  The peanuts are water-blanched and then dry-roasted and result in a blistered crunchy texture that is addicting. 

·      Bring your host or hostess something that they will use—and think of you—everyday!  Nice hand soap.  I like Aesop, Moulton Brown or L’occitane.  They are about the same price as a bottle of wine but will last so much longer.  This is one of my favorite gifts to receive.

·      Chocolate—Make an effort to bring something that is a little off the beaten path. Switch up the traditional chocolate truffle with an upscale chocolate bar or bars. I love the Bars Unhinged from La Maison du Chocolat.  They are “inside-out” bars that remind me of chocolate bark which is one of my favorite ways to eat chocolate.  Even better, the packaging for the bars is beautiful, colorful and cheerful, exactly what I would love to receive for a hostess gift.  Peppermint Bark is also a good choice this time of year and Williams-Sonoma has a great selection.

·      Charcuterie and Cheese Board.  Buy a cutting board and cheese knife—it doesn’t have to be expensive!  Add a selection of cheese, cured meats, bread and crackers.  Assemble it when you arrive and leave the board and cheese knife with the host.

·      Fun Cocktail Napkins and an after dinner liqueur. Bring one that you think they don’t have.  My new favorite is Belle de Brillet.  This pear cognac from France is fantastic served frozen.  If you can’t find it, a VS Cognac such as Courvousier, Martell, or D’usse is a great choice.

·      A special bottle of their favorite spirit.  I love it when people bring me a bottle of my favorite Bourbon or a bourbon that they want me to try. If you don’t know their favorite spirit, opt for a bottle of Cognac.  It’s always nice to have a good bottle of Cognac on hand.

·      A colorful jar of black, white and red peppercorns and a good pepper grinder with a stainless steel grinder.  You can add a salt grinder to the gift or give that instead.  I like Peugeot and Cole Mason.

·      Make a baked good and take it with on a cake stand or an interesting cake plate to leave with the hostess.

·      Make candied nuts, store in a mason jar and bring with a small ceramic serving bowl.

·      Buy your favorite artisanal jam and place it in a basket with pretty kitchen towel, a nice jam/butter knife and a loaf of brioche or some croissants for breakfast.  

·      Bake cornbread in a cast iron skillet and leave the skillet for your host.

·      Make a homemade mix of Instant Hot Chocolate or Instant Russian Tea and give it in a jar with a set of fun mugs.

Most gifts can be wrapped in a kitchen towel for a fun and functional presentation.