Bring something better than wine

What to bring to Thanksgiving instead of wine

Bring something the host will still have after the dishes are done. Wine gets opened with dinner or lost among the other bottles. A bourbon barrel aged maple syrup, an olive oil and vinegar set, a saffron hot honey, or a tin of maple hot cocoa gets saved for them, and it works for hosts who do not drink.

8 picks, in stock today. Each ships straight from its maker.

Pick something that is clearly for later

Hand it over and say it is for them, not for the table. Pantry things like syrup, vinegar, honey and tea make that obvious.

If they do not drink

Everything here is alcohol free to serve. The bourbon barrel aged maple syrup is aged in used bourbon barrels for flavor. Maple hot cocoa or a caramel apple pie tea covers the after-dinner drink.

Good to know

Is it rude not to bring wine to Thanksgiving?

No. A food gift the host can keep is often more welcome, since most tables already have more bottles than they need. If they asked for wine, bring the wine and this too.

What is a good non-alcoholic host gift for Thanksgiving?

Maple hot cocoa from Goodnow Farms, a caramel apple pie tea from Piper and Leaf, or a mustard sampler from Pilsudski. All are shelf-stable and easy to carry.

Will it get there before Thanksgiving?

Each maker ships on its own schedule, and the product page says what that maker can do. Shelf-stable items are the safest bet close to the day. If timing matters, order early so it arrives a few days ahead.

How does shipping work?

Each maker packs and ships its own items, so shipping is each maker's own rate, shown at checkout, usually $8 to $15 for one item. Anything else from the same maker goes in the same box. Perishables like cheese go out Monday to Wednesday in insulated packaging.

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