The Best Hostess Gifts

Right about now you're probably doing like me... packing up gifts, cleaning the house, slowly preparing for a new year, and maybe even attempting to burn off some of those excess calories that were a direct result of binging on cookies and miscellanous beverages. But just because the holidays are wrapping up, doesn't mean that giving has to.

Here are the top five gifting suggestions that didn't make the cut into the "12 Days of Wine Gifts" this year, but deserve an honorable mention as the best options for gifting the host/hostess of your upcoming New Years souirees:

• Formaggio Cheese Set - this oval bamboo cutting board with slide out drawers is perfect for both a casual night in or a small dinner party. Includes 1 hard cheese knife, 1 cheese shaver, 1 fork-tipped cheese knife, and 1 cheese spreader. Couple it with a nice Brie and bottle of Merlot and your host (and their guests) will be most appreciative!



• Harmony Wine Case - great for the entertainer that likes to share his appreciation of wine outside the confines of his own home. With 2 wine glasses, 1 corkscrew, 1 nickel plated bottle stopper and 2 cotton napkins, you can easily transport the party anywhere. Perfect for a concert, romantic day in the park, or even a house party.



• Picnic Sticks - going to an outdoor party or planning a romantic New Years on the beach? Give the gift of wining outdoors with these stainless steel sticks that help to balance your wine bottles and stemware in any outdoor setting. Just push one (or several) into the grass or sand for spill-free wining and dining.



• Picnic Backpack - perfect for gifting the hostess with the "mostest" (and by mostest, we mean children), this picnic backpack comes complete with all the necessities for a fun family day out, including plates, goblets, flatware and napkins for 4. It's also a great option for the times when the little Bobby and Susie aren't around. Mom and Dad can enjoy a wine tasting out at the park with the kits included bread knife, wooden cutting board, salt and pepper shakers and a sommelier's corkscrew. It even has a detachable wine cooler and sable-gray felt blanket.



• Wine Aerator - with this fun little gadget you can aerate wine in seconds for better taste. The Vinturi Wine Aerator mixes the right amount of air with your wine at the precise moments, allowing both reds or whites to breathe instantly resulting in a better bouquet, enhanced flavor, and a smoother finish. Afterall, if you're drinking wine at their party, you might as well enjoy it more yourself (there's no selfishness in that, is there?)