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Get your party hat on — the holidays are here, and it’s time to entertain. Whether you’re the host or a guest, we’ve got more than a dozen food-related items guaranteed to add a festive flavor to any gathering.
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Instead of stocking your pantry with big-name brands, why not line your shelves with Valley-made foods? The premium package from Hudson Valley Provision Crates comes with 16 locally produced items — everything from Columbia County sausage to Ulster County apples. $155
Hudson Valley Provision Crates, Rhinebeck. www.provisioncrates.com
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We can’t think of a better hostess gift than a box of chocolates. Renowned chocolatier Oliver Kita’s Great Estates collection contains eight scrumptious flavors of ganache truffles. Each pays tribute to one of the Valley’s historic mansions with clever names like Vandermint, Clermont Cappuccino, and Boscobel Apple Jack Bourbon. $42
Oliver Kita Chocolates, Rhinebeck. 845-876-2665; www.oliverkita.com
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Every meal needs a salad to anchor it. Spice yours up with Gigi Hudson Valley’s handmade dressings: sweet and toasty sherry shallot vinaigrette, or the creamy (and garlicky) Caesar. And don’t forget the salsa verde dipping sauce, created with house-made mayo, for use with other appetizers. $6 per bottle
Gigi Hudson Valley, Rhinebeck. 845-876-1007; www.gigihudsonvalley.com
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Never again worry about the finger foods you’re serving — these strips of handmade mozzarella wrapped in pepperoni, prosciutto, or soppressata make perfect hors d’oeuvres when guests first arrive. $14.99
Formaggio, Hurleyville. 845-436-4200; www.formaggiocheese.com
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After your smashing success of a dinner, it’s time to help guests wind down with tea and cookies. Besides the Harney and Sons special holiday blend, this set comes with a charming Christmas mug and saucer. $35
Harney and Sons Fine Teas, Millerton. 888-427-6398; www.harney.com
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The perfect gift for a fun-loving host, Keegan Ales’s Super Kitty is akin to the brewery’s signature Hurricane Kitty — but, as the brewery says, “on steroids.” The traditional IPA is brewed with local honey, aged in oak chips, and only available for the holidays. Call for price
Keegan Ales, Kingston. 845-331-2739; www.keeganales.com
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Hot-Cha WAA-Cha sauces are, you guessed it, hot. The three signature flavors — garlic lime, strawberry habanero, and maple mango — add that extra kick to your dish, be it chicken, seafood, meat, or even stew. $6 per bottle, $15 for set of three
Hot-Cha WAA-Cha Sauce and Spice Co., New City. 845-634-3003; www.jordanssauces.com
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Every party needs wine — whether the host provides it or guests bring it as a gift — and Valley vintages always fit the bill. The libations from Palaia Vineyards pair nicely with any meal, and have super creative names (our favorite is L.O.L.) that are bound to get the conversation going. $14-$18 per bottle
Palaia Vineyards, Highland Mills. 845-928-5384; www.palaiavineyards.com
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Why settle for just regular old peanut butter? The Peanut Principle puts its own spin on the classic spread, combining unique and delicious flavors. Standouts — like Dashing Through the Dough (cookie dough), Ginger Spice and Everything Nice (gingerbread), and Life of Pie (pumpkin spice) — have our mouths salivating. $5.99-$17.99
The Peanut Principle, Albany. 518-915-2100; www.peanutprinciple.com
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Every serious chef needs seriously good olive oil. Pressed with olives grown in Tuscany — and bottled exclusively in the U.S. for Olde Hudson — La Castellina Extra Virgin Novello starts off with fruity notes and is slightly (and delightfully) spicy at its finish. $45
Olde Hudson, Hudson. 518-828-6923; www.oldehudson.com
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Nothing makes a prettier statement on your table than a striking serving bowl. Part of Hoogs and Crawford’s “orange peel” series, this hand-blown piece is 12 inches in diameter and can hold quite a bit of food — or use it as an eye-catching centerpiece. $300
Hoogs and Crawford, Canaan. 413-212-9404; www.hoogsandcrawford.com
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Serve drinks in these handmade porcelain tumblers, and guests won’t be able to stop talking about them. Each four-inch-tall tumbler holds eight ounces of liquid; seven colors are available. $125 for set of 4
L&M Studio, Catskill. 518-947-0684; www.l-and-m-studio.com
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Great wine should be served in great glasses. These handmade glass goblets from Hoogs and Crawford stand eight inches tall and come in myriad festive colors. $125 for set of 2
Hoogs and Crawford, Canaan. 413-212-9404; www.hoogsandcrawford.com
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Turn your table into a winter wonderland with these adorable, three-and-a-half inch salt and pepper shakers, which are hand-blown by artist Carolyn Morton. $73
The Sweetheart Gallery, Woodstock. 845-679-2622; www.sweetheartgallery.com
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Get menu tips from two local food experts. Nava Atlas offers more than 150 vegan recipes in Plant Power. For its 30th anniversary, Kevin Zraly rereleases his Windows on the World Complete Wine Course; the volume covers everything from wine names and terms to grape varieties to tasting.
Plant Power, HarperOne. $29.99
Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, Sterling Epicure. $27.95
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Take your party on the road: Producer Neil Berg and snazzy eatery Pier 701 team up to offer guests hor d’oeuvres, a four-course meal, and entertainment by Broadway performers. Dec. 6 is Rita Harvey’s holiday show; on Dec. 13, Berg pays tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John; a special holiday matinée is set for Dec. 14. $95
Pier 701, Piermont. 845-848-2550; www.pier701ny.com
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In Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie’s Half Moon Theatre partners with Hyde Park’s Culinary Institute: The troupe performs in the campus’s 800-seat auditorium, and the culinary school prepares special three-course menus to go along with each production. This month, catch a stage version of the beloved holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life. $34-$45 show tickets, $39 dinner
845-235-9885; www.halfmoontheatre.org. 845-471-6608; www.ciarestaurantgroup.com
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