It’s holiday crunch time and if you’ve not been graced with the honor of throwing a big party or dinner, then how’d you swing that? We digress. If you are not throwing the shindig then you will need a gift to thank the host or hostess. We’ve got you covered with this list of last minute food and drink gifts to bring to a party – for just the host/hostess or to share with everyone!

To Drink:

Homemade

Hot Chocolate Mix from Smitten Kitchen

Photo Credit: Smitten Kitchen

This is some of the best hot chocolate mix we have ever had and perfect to whip together last minute and wrap in a pretty jar for whoever is hosting the dinner or party you are attending. Give it as a gift or bring it for the group. It’s super easy to make and if you’re sharing, why not add a little sumthin’ sumthin’ extra…like BOOZE. We suggest either Baileys Irish Cream or peppermint schnapps.

Glögg – Swedish Spiced Wine

Photo Credit: Oh So Beautiful Paper

Glögg is a wonderfully festive Swedish mulled wine that is served warm. It’s deep, cozy, spicy flavors are like a holiday hug that’ll have everyone feeling nice and jolly. This is perfect for the host/hostess who is likely stressed out from throwing the dinner party. We’ll let you take the credit for this one.

Chinese Five Spice Rum

Photo Credit: Cooking Channel

Chinese five spice is a beautifully potent spice blend that usually contains ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground fennel seeds, ground star anise, and ground Szechuan peppercorns. When you let just the right amount of five spice get friendly under the mistletoe with some dark rum magic happens. The result will be well received by any host or hostess. It’s great mixed with some apple cider, or try it out in this cocktail.

From Boston

Beer from Turtle Swamp Brewing

Photo Credit: Turtle Swamp Brewing

This brewery has taken root in Jamaica Plain and is impressing the locals with their brews. They have a cool story that is shared on their website: “Turtle Swamp was the colonial name for the lowlands between Forest Hills and Jackson Square, a ‘swamp’ that was a perfect, natural filter for the waters that flowed through it. This crystal clear water was ideal for making beer, and many breweries flourished here. Today, Turtle Swamp Brewing opens its doors in the heart of Jamaica Plain, bringing beer back to the first true home of American brewing.” Definitely a great host/hostess gift – giant cans of awesome, local beer. We’re in!

Downeast Cider Winter Blend 

Photo Credit: Downeast Cider

Downeast Winter Blend cider is like Christmas in a can. Subtle flavors of holiday spices are mixed with fermented, unfiltered, smooth-drinking, apple cider. Sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If you really want to get fancy, serve it in a glass with a cinnamon-sugar rim. Oh yeah, we went there.

Bonus: Bloody Mary Mix from Stephi’s on Tremont

Photo Credit: Stephi’s on Tremont

The perfect host or hostess gift to be used the morning after Christmas and into the New Years festivities. Stephi’s homemade Bloody Mary mix is delish! It’s some of the best we’ve had. Go the extra mile and provide the recipient with the vodka as well. I mean they did throw you a dinner party after all.

To Eat:

Cheese, Spreads, and Snacks from Curds & Co.

Photo Credit: Curds & Co.

We are newly obsessed with this cheese shop that just opened in Brookline Village. They bring a fun spin to shopping for cheese, which can prove confusing. They have even developed an app to help you keep track of your favorite cheeses. They have a wide variety of specialty cheese that anyone would be thrilled to receive, and all the accoutrements to go along with it. Is a party really a party without a cheese board? We think not!

Pastries from Clear Flour Bread

Photo Credit: Clear Flour Bread

By far one of our favorite places for a baked sweet treat, Clear Flour’s options only get better as the holiday season continues. They are working hard to keep their shelves stocked with fresh and festive pastries from around the world. We are a big fan of the gingerbread macarons when they have them and they are so pretty too!

Cheese and Charcuterie from Formaggio Kitchen

Photo Credit: Formaggio Kitchen

More cheese please, thank you! While Formaggio Kitchen is known for their vast cheese selection, they are also a great shop to put together an olive and charcuterie plate for a party. Save the host/hostess the hassle of putting appetizers together and give them a hand. Super easy for you, and greatly appreciated by them, we promise.

Gingerbread Men Tin from The South End Buttery

Photo Credit: Alyssa Schoenfeld

Who doesn’t smile when they see these cute little gingerbread men (and women) lined up so cozy in their shiny tin? No one! These scream H-O-L-I-D-A-Y-S and are an easy gift to give that will bring so much joy. Oh, and they are also delicious!

Happy, Merry, Jolly, Holidays!

For even more holiday gift ideas check out our full 2017 Holiday Gift Guide and, as always, a Bites of Boston gift card is a great way to gift a fun-filled food experience!

Save 15% Now on All Gift Cards purchased by December 23rd with Promo Code: JOLLYDAY