hostess gift for foodies/wine lovers

[cchavez]

DH and I enjoy good food and wine but these people are very well versed in both and I don't know what to take. They used to live in Napa so would wine be a good choice or do I steer clear? I have easy access to Whole Foods and might have time to swing by Sur La Table in the next day or two....any ideas?? I need the gift by Friday.

[kedss]

maybe just a nice basket with flowers, and a nice bottle of wine-

[Jen841]

My favorite wine accessory is red wine collars. They have then at Sur La Tab I believe. They make it so red wine does not drip down your bottle and onto your table/counter.

Go to Sur La Tab and I know something will just jump out at you : ) I love that store. Ask for ideas, the staff is always helpful.

[amldaley]

I do think that unless you know them and wine well enough, I would go with an accessory or perhaps some other gourmet food item.

I bought DH a $30 bottle of balsamic from WF for his birthday and everytime we splurge to use it, we oooh and ahhh over it.

I think that wine collar pp mentioned sounds pretty cool!

We made a small gift basket for a super-foodie friend with a nice (but not $30) balsamic, a grinder of pink primordial salt (my current fave), a bottle of organic volcanic lemon juice, a bottle of super good EVOO and a baggie of gourmet peppercorn blend (we knew she had her own grinder).

Super good chocolates, especially dark, is almost always a hit, too. Classic and, I think, underused these days.

[BeachBum]

We have one of these wine and think it's pretty great. They have them at my costco right now for <$30.
http://vinturi.com/

[Smillow]

We have one of these wine and think it's pretty great. They have them at my costco right now for <$30.
http://vinturi.com/

I was going to suggest this - or maybe a nice wooden cheese board.

[mjs64]

I like giving expensive ingredients--expensive evoo, as PP suggested, fleur de sel, champagne vinegar, etc. Wine is so hard to pick for those who know more about it than you do. But remember, it's the thought that counts.

I've also done a pretty glass pitcher, a box of sugar, and a bag of fresh lemons (to make lemonade).

Flowers are always nice, too.

[MelissaTC]

I third the wine aerator. We seriously puffy heart ours.

[crl]

I skip wine for people who know a lot about it, because I don't. We have an olive oil store nearby and I have done oil and vinegar from there. I have also done nice chocolates. My other favorite hostess gift is guest soaps.

Catherine

[fauve01]

I third the wine aerator. We seriously puffy heart ours.

I fourth it! just got it at costco for DH last week for his birthday and he already has a list of people he wants to give one to. it was $19. if you don't have costco, here it is at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Vinturi-6700-E...5281849&sr=1-1

as a non wine drinker, i would enjoy the chocolate!