I remember reading an article – probably 10 years ago; I wish I could place exactly where but I think it was the New Yorker – commenting on the sad state of American wine and dinner party culture. The author observed, with much dismay, that tossing a bottle of low priced wine at your host had become the ticket to entry to respectable social gatherings. This article stayed in my head for years as i continued to hand over bottle after bottle of average wine for social gathering (no one even pays attention, what’s the point of good wine in this situation?) In the depths of my heart longed for the days when my ex-husband and I would go to Le Cirque, Daniel, etc and APPRECIATE a (very expensive) bottle of wine… however long gone those days seemed.  

So I continued the custom.  But then a year and a half ago I got sober.  And it started to feel like a funny thing to do.  For a while, I would still bring white wine for a hostess – particularly that first summer, buying the bottles and stashing them in the basement fridge to grab as I was leaving the house. But then it slowly changed…  I started to put an alcohol free drink or two in my bag for myself and a small token for the hostess…  a cutting board, a bouquet of flowers, herbs from my garden…  As I did this I realized:  1. the memories of giving these things – and anticipation of choosing and wrapping them – was so much greater than digging up a bottle of wine and handing it over, and 2. The items themselves were so much more appreciated.

So as an ode to the start of summer I have included 7 items below that I’ll be considering for hostess gifts this year (they also happen to be from sites that have many, many great options). The more important message, however, is that you don’t HAVE to do what everyone else is doing.  Walk into a party proudly with your AF beverage in hand and a small gift that shows your appreciation.   

I would love to know what kinds of things you like to give as gifts (in any situtation) in place of alcohol. 

Note: More about those AF drinks that fit in the purse coming up soon!  

Happy summer.  With love, Nicole Hough, founder and editor, AFTER Magazine