When it comes to holiday party gifting it can be difficult to find the perfect pairing for the host or hostess. Whether it’s a work party, friends gathering, or social engagement, showing up empty handed around the holiday season sometimes isn’t an option. Here is a fun gift idea list full of great finds to bring to your holiday gathering. Since pairings are important to me, and I always like to offer something for everyone, I have included several items that can go together… however feel free to mix and match anything on the list!

Ps. As a Sommelier and a wine lover with a lot of tools, glasses, and gadgets, plus a NYC sized apartment; these gifts are ideal and all under $75! 

Sterling Vineyards Brut Rosé + Avina Wine Stoppers: A gift perfect for someone who always says “don’t bring anything”. Who doesn’t love a good bottle of bubbly and some stoppers just in case there is any leftover wine, they want to continue enjoying tomorrow. Avina wine stoppers are the answer to your sparkling wine worries, because they keep your bubbles locked down tight until re-opening. I have tested these, as well as my friends and we have all had sparkling wine that lasted over a week, with perfect persistent bubbles! The Sterling Vineyards Rosé is ideal for the holidays because it’s pairing friendly, goes well with both savory and sweet foods, it’s a domestic wine from California, and tastes like Champagne! It’s beautiful and festive, and honestly one of my favorite sparkling wines under $25!

Farm Girl Flowers + Bonterra Organic Vineyards 2015 Grenache:  Bonterra is well known and loved, especially on this blog. I think I have a favorite Bonterra wine for every season, and for fall and winter I choose the reds! The beautiful 2015 Grenache was a winner, when sipping with friends this fall. The dark cherry and fig notes followed by spice and earth undertones are really nice this time of year. The flowers are ideal to bring to a party or gathering because Farmgirl Flowers always does an amazing arrangement of stunning flowers that are hand picked and unique. This wine is medium plus bodied with a nice backbone, present acidity, and a lingering finish. Grab some Kettle Korn or some Pecan Pie to make this the ultimate host/hostess pairing gift!

MyMo Mochi Ice Cream+ Slane Irish Whiskey: Fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie A La Mode are always welcomed at a party. Pair these delicious cold bites with some Irish Whiskey, and you have yourself a perfect winter pairing! Slane is smooth and spice-driven, with bold caramel notes and nice dried fruit, and wood undertones. This whiskey is great in cocktails, but can also be enjoyed neat.  MyMo Mochi is a delicious ice cream snack covered in rice dough, that’s perfectly pop-able and easy to have out at a party. They’ll be a hit with everyone whether they’re at the table, on the dance floor, or at the holiday party photo booth!

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco + Cake: Celebrating 100 years, this beautiful Prosecco Superiore is one not to miss and is the perfect gift for the host or hostess that loves a beautiful Italian bubbly! You can order the cake ahead of time, to have it delivered to their house and then just show up with a bottle of the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore, and you’ll be the most popular guest of the evening. The best part is, it’s a thoughtful gift they can share with everyone, and it also sends a special touch to any occasion.

Talia Frozen Fresh from Naples Pizza + Caruso Minini Nero d’ Avola: Pizzas made in Naples, Italy that are flash frozen and shipped directly to your door! This amazing who wanted to deliver Naples fresh to you here in the USA. These pizzas taste great and are the perfect treat to have out at a party because guests will absolutely love the array of flavors they come in. From Truffle to Margharita, to Meat Lovers and more, you’ll have a flavor for everyone. Pair one or two of these with the Caruso Minini Nero De Avola, which is a perfect wine, for a pizza pairing. This wine is from Sicily, so the earthy and spice-driven aromas combined with the dark fruit and spice easily go well with any of these, and would make an ideal evening for a foodie gathering!

 

Always remember, the holidays are about being grateful for what you have, hopeful for what’s to come, and loving those around you and in need. Eat what you like, and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly and have a very happy and healthy holiday season!!