Salumi, sweet treats and spirits

If you're like me, an invitation to a holiday soirée sometimes leads to a mild form of panic: What will I bring for the hostess? A bottle of merlot? No, definitely unimaginative. A poinsettia? Too cliché. Flowers? It's a dinner party, not a memorial service. Since arriving empty-handed isn't an option – and neither is fruitcake – I searched the city for some unique and affordable host and hostess gifts that rise to the occasion.

Something savory
It's not that Hickory Farms isn't good; it's just that Salumi is much better. Italian for "cured meats," Salumi is a tasty Seattle restaurant that also creates plenty of perfect hostess gifts. Sur La Table sells a two-piece Salumi salami gift set ($39.94), complete with Finocchiona salami. This traditional Tuscan pork salami is flavored with pepper, cracked fennel and a bit of curry.

Wines and spirits
While a bottle of wine is always an acceptable old standby, you'll win points for giving the hostess something a tad more unique. We like Washington state's own Carpenter Creek ice wine, $21. Available at Ballard's swanky wine shop, Portalis, this sweet wine has plenty of peach and apricot notes. Or, for the more adventurous host, consider seasonal brandy made from Douglas fir buds (yes, you can drink your Christmas tree). Oregon's Clear Creek Distillery makes a memorable Eau de Vie of Douglas Fir ($50, available at most Washington state liquor stores), an aromatic herbal brandy with piney and slightly sweet notes – perfect for sipping by the fireside.

L'ARTISAN

Candles, soaps and lotions
The key to giving good host/hostess gifts, according to hospitality experts, is purchasing something slightly novel – a luxury your gift recipient wouldn't likely buy for themselves. When it comes to deliciously scented soaps, candles and lotions, Fremont's Essenza has you covered. Check out its ample supply of L'artisan candles, 1.2 ounces for $16 each, in flavors as varied as wild blackberry and fig tree. A dainty package of black and white Maria Evora soap is another great option, particularly the $12 set of eight soaps in alternating scents of carob/sea salt and beach rose. Cote Bastide body cream is also a delicious gift idea, available for $20 in amber, fig and rose.

CUPCAKE ROYALE

Sweet treats
Want to go the chocolate route? Then be sure it's local. For an ideal hostess gift, look no further that Seattle's own Fran's Chocolates. A box of assorted truffles, tied with Fran's signature checkered bow, costs about $18 and is the perfect indulgent treat. Or, if your party is more of a family affair, consider bringing a gift that satisfies everyone's sweet tooth. A dozen cupcakes made from scratch and hand-frosted with real butter cream from Seattle's Cupcake Royale are available in festive holiday flavors such as gingerbread, candy cane and red velvet (only $25), and if you're lucky, you might even get to sneak a taste. For a more substantial gift, consider the Holiday Cupcake Tree. For about $76, you'll take home a three-tier disposable pedestal lined with 36 assorted cupcakes.

Seasonal concoctions
What hostess wouldn't swoon for jar of strawberry lavender jam with Tahitian vanilla? This is just one of the many new flavors of seasonal jams and preserves from Seattle food guru Kathy Casey. Stop in to her Ballard location, Kathy Casey Food Studio, and pick up a jar for the hostess on your list. Other varieties include tomato jam with orange zest and ginger; nectarine rose compote with hibiscus infusion; and kiwi pepper jelly. All are $7.99 for a 9-ounce jar.

A sign of spring
Instead of stopping at the grocery store for a quick pre-arranged bouquet of flowers minutes before you arrive at a party, think forced bulbs instead. Whether crocus, hyacinth or my favorite – paperwhites – a generous pot of fragrant spring flowers in winter is a warm welcome for any hostess. Better than flowers, too, they'll last for at least a month and warm up a wintry windowsill long after the party is over. Check Ravenna Gardens for an ample supply of paperwhites and other spring bulbs (about $13.95 for five bulbs in a 5-inch pot).

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