Most excellent hostess gifts (when wine is not quite enough?)

You're invited for dinner and grab a bottle of wine out of the closet (or, ahem, your cave) before you head off. Sometimes that's just not quite enough of a thank you... or maybe wine isn't even the right contribution. We love to bring a lovely bottle of olive oil and/or special vinegar, or a pair of some of our favorite gourmet foods. Something that your hosts can enjoy long after the party is over. We adore our new shipment of B.R. Cohn olive oils and vinegars, which we picked up right at the source just a few weeks ago. We've been experimenting with the different olive oils (from subtle and silky to green and olivey) and love love love the vinegars. The white balsamic is delicate and delicious in a salad. Drizzle the blackberry balsamic (or 15-year balsamic) over strawberries for a simple and wonderful dessert.

We've carried Earth & Vine products for some years now, and never, ever get tired of the Red Bell Pepper and Ancho Chili Jam. My favorite appetizer: good crackers, a little cream cheese (or mascarpone) and a dab of the ancho chili jam. Jah.

Or, bring some Herbes de Provence (for use in everything, from eggs to roasts), or fabulous French sea salt. Who wouldn't love that? Walk in with some of the above in one of our nice gift bags, and you'll be a hero.