The holiday season brings dinner parties, casual get-togethers and visits with friends and family, along with a few decisions about what to serve and what to bring. This roundup gathers food, drinks and gifts for those occasions, from treats to share around the table to useful additions to a host’s kitchen. Each selection offers a way to contribute to the gathering or thank the person welcoming you into their home.
For a post-dinner option that bridges the gap between coffee culture and nightcaps, Belvedere Dirty Brew brings a dark, silky depth to holiday menus. Crafted by fusing organic rye vodka with roasted organic robusta coffee beans, this 30% ABV spirit delivers vibrant espresso and dark chocolate notes rounded out by warm toffee sweetness. Served neat, over ice, or poured over a bowl of vanilla bean gelato for an instant affogato, it adds a rich, coffee-driven touch to an evening with guests. It is available at BC Liquor Stores ($53.99) and select liquor stores in Alberta ($51.99).
Rewild Wines offers vegan-friendly Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon for holiday dinners or bringing along as a host gift. The light-bodied Pinot Grigio has pear, citrus and Granny Smith apple aromas, with a touch of sweetness on the finish, making it a choice for salads, roasted vegetables and lighter pasta dishes. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with hints of black olive and dried herbs, suited to grilled eggplant, lentil dishes or vegan pizza. Both give hosts wine options to serve alongside a plant-based menu.
SOUR PATCH KIDS and MAYNARDS CHEWS make sweet additions to holiday stockings, gift baskets and treat bags. Set them out in a candy bowl for a casual get-together, or add them to the snack spread for a holiday movie night. Their larger format makes them easy to divide and share.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum offers a base for holiday cocktails or a bottle to tuck into a gift basket with mixers. For a casual gathering, serve it with cola and an orange peel, or combine it with apple juice, fresh lime and lemon-lime soda for a fruity drink with fizz. A cranberry version with blackberry liqueur, lime and soda water brings tart berry flavours to the drinks menu, suited to an evening of holiday films and snacks with friends.
Gloves Off Rosé brings a Canadian wine option to holiday dinners and host gifts. Created by two-time Olympian and Canadian Boxing Hall of Famer Troy Amos-Ross with Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the rosé offers freshness, acidity and fruit character suited to roast turkey, pork, squash and creamy cheeses. Serve it chilled alongside a charcuterie board as guests arrive, then keep it on the table through dinner.
Earth’s Own Oat Protein and Protein Barista give hosts plant-based options for holiday brunches, overnight guests and coffee served with dessert. Both provide 8 g of plant-based protein per serving. Oat Protein can be set out with cereal or blended into breakfast smoothies, and Protein Barista is crafted for frothing into homemade lattes and cappuccinos, with 80 calories per serving. Keep a carton on hand for guests who prefer a dairy-free drink.
Kapua Sauvignon Blanc brings citrus, guava, passionfruit and crushed herb notes to the holiday table, with refreshing acidity that suits seafood appetizers and herb-roasted turkey. Serve it chilled with shrimp cocktail to start the evening, then carry it through to the main course with turkey and stuffing. For guests bringing a bottle, Kapua offers a white wine option that the host can open with dinner or save for another gathering.
Grant’s Triple Wood and Gibson’s Finest offer whisky options for holiday hosting and gifting. Grant’s brings vanilla, warm spice and brown sugar sweetness to cocktails such as The Iron Mule, made with pomegranate juice, bitters and ginger beer. For a Canadian whisky gift or an after-dinner pour, Gibson’s Finest Rare 12 Year Old earned Gold at the 2026 World Whisky Masters, with the Venerable 18 Year Old receiving Silver.
Beyond spirits, having the right kitchen tools helps keep prep seamless and the dining table inviting. Whether assembling charcuterie boards, hosting interactive meals or upgrading everyday cookware, these versatile items make entertaining effortless:
- Zyliss Artisan 3-Piece Cheese Knife Set ($30)
A practical choice for assembling charcuterie boards and serving cheese platters. - AdHoc AromaPour Oil & Vinegar Dispenser Set ($90)
An award-winning design that provides a clean, controlled pour for dipping oils and dressings. - Swissmar by Zyliss Piani 4-Person Raclette Grill ($150)
A compact tabletop grill that brings interactive Swiss-style dining to small dinner parties. - Scanpan Pro SB+ Induction Fry Pan (Starting at $240)
A commercial-grade non-stick pan built to handle heavy holiday meal prep.
