Memorable Holiday Host/ Hostess Gifts

Remember that the most important people this holiday party season are all those hosts and hostesses. They go to so much trouble to give you good food, great wine and entertaining conversation. Show your appreciation by gifting them with a spectacular and thoughtful present when you show up at their doorstep.

Most guests usually bring chocolates or wine. These are fine but try not to settle on the typical. For candy, try Ferraro Rocher. This is an elegant yet inexpensive way of saying "Thank you for inviting me." Every supermarket now has it on display in various sizes from boxes of four to three tiered pyramids. Any of the Perugina chocolates make lavish but affordable gifts. These addicting sweets come in Gianduja, a rich hazelnut and chocolate blend, Baci or kisses with whole hazelnuts and the gianduja crème and chocolate covered cherries. Perugina also puts out liquor flavors as well. The pricing is not too bad and won't break your budget. Not to worry if your drug or grocery store doesn't stock these. You can also go with the tried and true Russell Stover and /or Whitman Sampler. These two are actually divisions of the same company. Russell Stover owns both, so no matter what you pick up, they have the same quality. Whitman's has added an organic sampler box that still has the classic caramels, nougats and nuts. Then there are the regular old fashioned boxes complete with perennial favorites such as cherry cordials, Vermont fudge and vanilla butter creams. Prices vary between $9.00 and $12.00 a box. Target in house brand, Choxie also has lovely hostess boxes. These range from $39.99 to $69.99 but the taste is well worth it. If you love making candy then why not bring some homemade fudge or peanut brittle? Not only are they treats but also signs that say you care enough to make the gift yourself

Wines are the second most brought present to a host or hostess. Pick a type that she or he will enjoy after the party during a quiet meal alone. (remember your gift doesn't have to be opened and shared that night). If your party givers are big on merlots or chardonnays veer off the beaten path and get them a bottle from a new winery . If you want the more classier route them gift them with a good Northern Italian wine from the bountiful Piedmont section. This area, has some of the best selections the Italian Republic has to offer. Barolo is a hearty wine, perfect to accompany a robust meal . For finer tastes there is Barbera d'Asti that is the Rolls Royce of Northern Italian wines. Another good wine is Chianti from Tuscany which is great with pastas and even pizzas. Sparkling wines and champagnes are also good gifts to be popped open during the festivities or later. Again Piedmont comes through with one of the best sparkling wines out there - Asti Spumante from the famed Asti wine producing region. Champagnes, which only can come from the Champagne region in France, are also a great gift . Most guest s give Korbel and Veuve Clicquot although this last is kind of pricy. Another good choice is hard cider. This is a lovely accompaniment to a French party (think of it with smoked Gruyere cheese and crusty baguettes).

You don't necessarily have to bring edible gifts to your host or hostess. Every homeowner loves receiving fancy soaps as a "thank you for inviting me" gift. L'Occitane has a sleeve of ten guest soaps with a variety of scents. There's also their lemon verbena scented gift pack to give as well. If you're on a budget there is Target which has soaps for a fraction of the cost. Another good gift item for any host or hostess are table accessories. You can easily find nice napkin rings and placemats at any department or home accessory store today. A good gift combo are funky beaded napkin rings and mats in earthy colors like brown or rust. If your hosts are a little more upscale, then think about silver or gold rings with rich brocaded place mats. Usually there are matching napkins with these and you can splurge and include them.

This season thank your host or hostess with a thoughtful gift. After all, he or she has worked extra hard to bring you a perfect evening. Say "thank you" with either a good box of chocolates, a bottle of your liquor store's finest or some lovely table accessories. Like any good party giver they will appreciate the gesture.