Hostess gifting, upgraded

GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Larder

With holiday party season in full swing, let’s admit what we all know: candles make a boring gift. Instead, arm yourself with these unique foodstuffs for the hosts in your life.

→ Aplos: These non-alcoholic plant-based spirits are designed to offer a zero-proof alternative to cocktails. If you have zero interest in this burgeoning category, the Chili Margarita cocktail concocted with mandarin, Persian lime, and orange habanero could make you a believer.

→ Queen Majesty Hot Sauce: A small-batch, artisan hot sauce brand created by a mother-daughter duo in Brooklyn, Queen Majesty Hot Sauce is a key participant in the golden age of artisanal hot sauces. The brand stands out for its unique flavor combinations. (My top pick: scotch bonnet with ginger.) I keep these stocked in NYC and stash them in my suitcase for my friends in Paris (don’t tell customs) and always bring them to a ski house. Inevitably, I’ll get a text a week later about how incredible they are. They wouldn’t get shelf space at Murray’s Cheese or in specialty stores in Japan if they weren’t perfect.

→ Grillo's Pickles: My new Hamptons party hostess gift. It’s delightfully weird, and sets me up as the person who introduced the hostess to their new favorite snack. Unlike many mass-produced pickles, Grillo's are made using a simple recipe of cucumbers, dill, garlic, and spices. The pickles are kept cold all the way to the store to keep their crunch, a key differentiator. Find them at Whole Foods and via Instacart.

→ Hetta Glögg: In lieu of wine, bring something more interesting like Glogg. Hetta is a traditional Nordic mulled wine best served hot with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sliced citrus. I also recommend arriving with all those ingredients and putting it on the stove to create a perfect holiday vibe. Way cooler than a candle. –Ashley Granata