It’s great to bring a bottle of wine, but when someone is having you for a large holiday meal, it’s important to bring something a little extra with you.  I like to keep a few gifts on hand in case I get invited to an impromptu dinner or cocktail party.  I also like to find something that a hostess might not treat herself to.  Happy gifting!

1. Candles: Voluspa Scented Candles, $11-45, ChaptersIndigo.  Shown: Voluspa Boxed Votive – Crisp Champagne ($12), Voluspa Mini Tin Candle – French Bourbon Vanilla ($13).  It can be tricky to purchase something scented for someone as this can be really personal.  I like these two (shown) as they are quite neutral.  I love the candles and votives by Voluspa as their packaging is gorgeous and the tins themselves are so decorative.
2. Graphic Tea Towel: $12, ChaptersIndigo.  This is such a cute tea towel!  I love having nice linens like these for breadbaskets or silverware.
3. Brie Baker: Wildly Delicious Brie Baker – Red, $19.50, ChaptersIndigo.  I have this very brie baker (in this size and one size larger) and it is fantastic!  Perfect for dips, baking brie and many other delicious treats.
4. Spreaders: Twig Spreaders (Set of 2), $26, ChaptersIndigo.  I once received a set of dip spreaders as a hostess gift and I thought it was just great.  You can never have enough of these!
5. Appetizer Plates: Kate Spade New York Tidbit Plate (Set of 4, Casual: Salute), $30, ChaptersIndigo. These plates are so cute and casual!
6. Rustic Cutting Board: $39.50, ChaptersIndigo.  I love this board for bread, charcuterie, cheeses and more.  It’s something that a host/hostess might not treat themselves to.
7. Tea Tin: Harney & Sons Classic Tea – Paris, $10, ChaptersIndigo.  These tins are so lovely and there are so many flavors and colors to choose from.
8. Corkcicle: Corkcicle Color, $25, ChaptersIndigo.  This is a great gift (I have one!) as well as an add-on to a bottle of white wine for your host.  These were on Oprah’s gift list a few years ago and continue to be a great item.
9. Cheese Knife Set: Wildly Delicious Knife Set, $29.99, ChaptersIndigo.  This is a fantastic gift for the wine and cheese lover alike!  This is a comprehensive set and suits just about any taste.
10. Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars: $12-66, Blue Door Oil & Vinegar.  I love this oil and vinegar shop, particularly as it means shopping local for me.  What’s lovely is that so many of their oils and vinegars can be purchased in 200mL bottles so you can have a few put into a gift box!  My favorites are the Roasted French Walnut Oil, Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil and Wild Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar.