How to Host

Classic but Original

Spice up your spirit gift by pre-making a batch of cocktails for your host. Find recipes on Pinhook’s website. Pinhook, Elio’s, elioswinewarehouse. com.

Morning After

Your host is guaranteed to be tired. Why not take a bit off their plate? Any baked good, Levee Baking Company, leveebakingco.com.

Pantry Stock

These chic pantry staple piquillo peppers are delish over eggs or a toasted baguette for a snack the evening after. Tinned Piquillo Peppers, St. James Cheese Company, stjamescheese.com.

Something for the Host

A Great Read

Stock up your host for that lull between holiday parties and Carnival season. New Orleans, A Literary History, Baldwin & Co., baldwinandcobooks.com.

Wildthing

These wildflower cannons are a charming little something as well as an activity. Wildflower Cannons. Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

This December, I’m grateful to my friends who are taking the time to host me in addition to whatever their actual holiday plans may be. Gift giving is one of my love languages, and I therefore plan to show my appreciation through gifting. The only issue is, I’m not alone. Few people want more things lying around, so I think consumables and activities are the lanes of choice. One can never go wrong with a favorite spirit. My dear friend, Alice, once gifted us a pre-mixed batch of Manhattans in a colorful Pinhook whiskey bottle. Needless to say, the thought was both clever and quickly consumed. When garden produce allows, I love sharing freshly made salsa and hot sauce. If music is your jam, a Spotify playlist is the new mix tape. Should you identify more with shopping than foraging or creating, our local retailers are busting with festive options this season. Get out there and support them. And have fun while doing it. Cheers! – By Jenny Vorhoff

An Invitation to Unplug

Spending time alone or with family members (& no phone) are the ultimate ‘holiday goals’. Wooden Puzzles; Alex Beard Studio, alexbeardstudio.com.

Eye Candy

Chocolates in a beautiful tin. Never a bad idea. Louis Sherry Truffle Tins, Sophisticated Thread, sophisticatedthread.com.