Inevitably, you will be asked to attend an array of holiday parties this season, and you might be wondering what to bring along. A bottle of wine? Lame, unless it’s a really nice one, and even lamer when you show it off. A bottle of vodka? Wow, you’re creeping up on the Lame-O-Meter. What, then? I believe the best gifts are those that require a little thought and creativity.
Alcohol is never unappreciated, unless the hostess is pregnant. In that case, remember both hosts. If you bring something in a bottle, it’s nice to bring something in a vase as well…
Beer aficionados are probably the hardest to please. If you haven’t done so recently, seek out a wine-and-beer specialty store, and be amazed at the massive selection of beers. Here are some favorites: Bell’s Best Brown Ale (available through February), Schlafly’s Winter ESB, Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale—and a few with a sense of humor, including Mikkeller’s Beer Geek Breakfast and Rogue’s Yellow Snow IPA.
For those friends who prefer spirits and cocktails, source all of the ingredients for their favorite cocktail. Buy the best bottle of each of the components, selections they may not have otherwise made for themselves. (If the
giftee is a vodka drinker, consider a bottle of the original flavored vodka—gin!) Or simply bring along two bottles of liquor, one gift-wrapped nicely (for the host’s cabinet) and one adorned with just a bow and a promise…to enjoy at a later date, as a private bottle reserved for just you and your friends.
Wine lovers also can be difficult to buy for, especially if they already have an impressive collection of wine bottles and books. Tip No. 1: Don’t get wine. If you feel obligated to bring wine, bring a case of good Cava, rather than a bottle of Dom Pérignon. You’ll be the life of the party, to say the least. In the nonwine arena, consider a carrying case, maybe a two-bottle jobber made of leather, or a super simple and inexpensive decanter (check Crate & Barrel). All provide a large ratio of wows to dollars.
