Taking a Bite Out of the Holidays: Gourmand Gifts

Are you gifting to your favorite gourmand this holiday season? EDGE offers you a taste of nine delectable offerings to satisfy any palate. Just save us a seat at the table.

Tea for Two
For more than 25 years, Palais des Th�s has been sourcing some of the world's most exclusive tea leaves for their premium collections. Founder Fran�ois-Xavier Delmas has developed long-lasting relationships with suppliers in order to source coveted white, oolong and rooibos teas, among others. Le Soir (Tea for the Evening) is a favorite collection and includes rooibos blends, including Verbena, Chamomile, Rooibos des Vahin�s (vanilla), Rooibos du Hammam (fruity), Early Grey and Rooibos des Amants (apples and spices) - all caffeine-free.

Palais des Th�s, $38

Sweet & Creamy

What goes better with tea than cream and sugar? Julia Dean has been crafting handmade clay items for more than 15 years. She created the Robin's Egg collection while studying at the Penland School of Crafts. The wheel-thrown designs are a sophisticated addition to any d�cor.

Julia Dean, Prices vary, from $19

Bottoms Up

Big Bottom Market derives its smirk-inducing name from its Guerneville location, which was founded in Sonoma County on an alluvial flat known as "Big Bottom." But make no mistake, this charming artisanal store features an array of locally made products that are top of the line. Gift boxes include such items as their namesake Big Bottom Blend from Flying Goat Coffee, INNA jams and shrubs and CC Made caramels and popcorns, among others.

Big Bottom Market, $25-$75

Sweet or Savory

Retroware is making a comeback, and there's nothing that says "casserole" more than enamelware pans. The British brand Falcon has been making them since the 1920s. This classic white design with blue rim features a five-piece set is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 530�F. Bake and prep sets are also available.

Falcon Bakeware, From $78

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

For your favorite host, consider gifting these hand-printed organic cotton napkins. Produced by Little Rabbit, an Oregon-based business specializing in illustration and printmaking, these charming napkins are available in four patterns: Mason Jars (black), Herb Bunch (green), Rooster & Hen (red) and our favorite-Woodland Bird (blue). Made in the U.S. Set of four.

Little Rabbit Napkins, $22

Blind Tasting

Founder Douglas Stone was inspired to create the Whiskey Explorer's Club during a search for a bottle of Loch Dhu. Focusing on whisky sourced from smaller, artisanal distilleries and limited production/private bottling whiskies, recipients are mailed quarterly flights, which contain four whiskey samples in 50ml bottles. Each bottle is labeled with a generic code, which is then entered online in a game called "My Whisky IQ" that accumulates tasting notes and whiskey ratings. On completing the game, members are informed which whisky was tasted and are given a 10 percent discount for online purchase.

Whiskey Explorer's Club, Memberships start at $75

Make That a Double

What better gift pairing with a blind whiskey tasting than Dave Broom's epic coffee table book "The World Atlas of Whiskey?" This second edition features 28 detailed maps, 250 new tasting notes and profiles of more than 50 new distilleries. The leading columnist for Whiskey Advocate has been writing about spirits for 25 years and has introduced the concept of "flavor camp" to help whiskey fans identify favorite palette preferences.

World Atlas of Whiskey, $39.99

Drink Your Bling

Want to add some sparkle to your holidays? XXIV Karat introduces two sparkling wines infused with 24-karat gold leaf that is perfect for adventurous wine lovers or those who want to make a lasting impression. The Grand Cuv�e offers a medium dry palate with notes of crisp green apple and blanched almonds. The Ros� offers a vibrant pink hue thanks to the 24-hour maceration of black-skinned grapes. Both varieties are fermented and bottled in Lodi and feature a blend of coastal California appellations.

XXIV Karat, $37-$42

An Infusion for All Types

Craft cocktail creations are overtaking bars worldwide, but you can give the gift of bespoke spirits without having to deal with state liquor laws. Rokz offers infusion bottles including cranberry, citrus blueberry, espresso, fiery pepper and ginger cardamom. The recipient need only add vodka, gin, or rum (or even white wine) for a unique, naturally infused spirit ready to be drunk straight or combined with favorite mixers.

Rokz Infusion Bottles $5.99-$10.99.