GIFT IDEAS Get out of a jam

Here are some non-jam hostess gifts to take to your holiday parties:
Wine, beer or liquor (homemade is nice), but only if you know your hosts imbibe. Most hosts, in fact, will appreciate having extra on hand right then. Let them know, however, if the bottle is special and should be reserved for their consumption later.
Flowers or plant. Unless they're allergic, hosts will enjoy adding a poinsettia, orchid or floral arrangement to the party decorations. But remember to prep it so it requires nothing more than a host's quick appreciation and placement.
Holiday items. Ideal is an unusual Christmas tree ornament, especially if it's part of the host's larger collection of, say, frog or elephant ornaments. Also consider a simple pillar candle and wreath, a special Yule log or chestnuts for the fire, or a CD with tasteful Christmas music.
Entertaining helps, such as wine glass charms, beautiful paper or cloth cocktail napkins, or decorative swizzle sticks, spreaders or appetizer picks.
Cookies, fancy pretzels, jams, teas and other goodies, homemade or not.
Candy. Although some people will inwardly groan at more sugar around the house this time of year, who doesn't like candy? At the least, they can put it out for the night's guests to enjoy.