You're probably facing a full slate of seasonal fêtes, and the editors of Southern Accents want to help brighten these functions with minimal fuss. With party-going ease in mind, we scoured the Web for gifts and goods and then compiled our favorites below. We've included simple classics and extravagant splurges, from scented candles to exotic cheeses. No matter if you're hosting or attending, these uncommon items will leave a lasting impression.
CLASSICS
(WITH A HOLIDAY TWIST)
Candles: Set the mood with cinnamon, clove, and pine scents from The Holiday Collection at Slatkin & Co., www.slatkin.com.
Flowers: Brighten the holiday table with the Christmas Bouquet, Red Amaryllis, or Christmas Cactus selections from Martha's Flowers, www.marthasflowers.com.
Potpourri: Warm every room with Claire Burke's comforting Applejack & Peel potpourri, www.claireburke.com. Buy Christmas Blend holiday potpourri in bulk -- or custom-mix your own -- at Atlantic Spice Co., www.atlanticspice.com.
BOOKS, JOURNALS, AND STATIONERY
Books: Out-of-print and first editions make stellar gifts. Jump to Abebooks.com for such titles as The Joy of Cooking,Host and Guest: A Book about Dinners, and Cooking for Madam: Recipes and Reminiscences from the Home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, www.abebooks.com.
Journals and guest books: Hosting a winter wine tasting? Remember favorite appellations with a wine journal from Kate's Paperie, and keep a record of your guests with the Graphic Image Guest Book bound in Classic Morocco Garnet leather, www.katespaperie.com.
Stationery and place cards: RSVP in style with embossed or monogrammed stationery from Horchow. Grace any tablesetting with antique key place card holders, also from Horchow, www.horchow.com.
EDIBLES, WINES, AND CULINARY GIFTS
Dips and spreads: Offer a delectable presentation at your holiday party with Sea Twang smoked fish dip and smoked salmon pâté from Mrs. Peters Smokehouse, www.mrspeters.com.
Wines: Uncork a Southern vintage, such as Black Rock Chardonnay from Wintergreen Vineyard & Winery in Virginia, www.wintergreenwinery.com, or Yadkin Valley Family Reserve Claret from Shelton Vineyards in North Carolina, www.sheltonvineyards.com.
Beverage service: Personalize your party with Simulinen's monogrammed beverage napkins, www.simulinen.com. Add a graphic splash to the bar with the two-toned Stringa Decanter from Salviati, www.shopsalviati.com. Shop Wine Enthusiast to complete a glassware set with Riedel specialty stemware and handcrafted port sippers, www.wineenthusiast.com.
Cheeses: Enjoy an international cornucopia with gift baskets from The Artisanal Cheese Center, www.artisanalcheese.com. If you prefer a regional flavor, order an assortment of Tennessee cheddar from Sweetwater Valley Farm, www.sweetwatervalley.com.
Flavored mustards: The Napa Mustard Co. puts a wine-country twist on their offerings. Try their Zinfandel Garlic or Merlot & Spice mustard, www.napamustard.com.
Cooking oils: Alpine Harvest and Far Away Foods stock and ship unusual finds, including porcini mushrooms, flavored and organic olive oils, grape-seed oils, and virgin pumpkinseed oils, www.alpineharvest.com, www.farawayfoods.com.
INDULGENT ACCENTS
Mother-of-pearl accessories: The elegant gourmet will appreciate B.D. Jeffries' caviar dish and spreader, www.bdjeffries.com. Spirits will soar with Horchow's stunning wine cooler and bar tools, www.horchow.com.
Fabergé accessories: Lend an imperial flair to your entertaining with vodka glasses and egg wine charms from Neiman Marcus, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Horn accessories: B.D. Jeffries features an impeccable array, including trays, pitchers, corkscrews, and candlesticks, www.bdjeffries.com.
Modern accessories: Visit retromodern.com for artistic serving pieces like the Bauhaus Cocktail Shaker/Carafe, Bimboleveloce Cake Stand, and
Castiglioni Stainless Cruet Set, www.retromodern.com.
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