’Tis the season to make those lists and check them twice. What to get for that hard-to-shop-for person? Wining and dining with loved ones can create memories to last a lifetime. Here are some ideas sure to infuse some holiday cheer. MIA STEFANKO
Charmed
Ron Oliver, chef de cuisine at the renowned Marine Room and co-author of the award-winning cookbook Flying Pans — Two Chefs One World, together with his wife Isabel, has crafted a line of beautiful drink charms. The Olivers’ creations were inspired by his favorite libations from extensive travels around the world. The set also includes a photo-illustrated recipe book. $38.50. (www.chefronoliver.com)
Top Chef
The famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School has provided access to its most treasured recipes and techniques for the foodies (and foodies-in-training) on your list. Authored by the chefs of Le Cordon Bleu, this exclusive gift set includes two cookbooks and the Le Cordon Bleu Paris official chef’s tea towel, beautifully packaged in a fabric-wrapped Le Cordon Bleu box. $85. (www.amazon.com)
The Ultimate Tasting
For an ultra-exclusive gift that also gives back, consider the Flexjet 25 “Napa Valley Edition” jet card. Through December 31, purchasers will enjoy private jet travel by Jet Solutions, an intimate dinner for two personally prepared by world-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a private cooking class and sake tasting with him at Morimoto Napa (his newest restaurant), accommodations at Meadowood Napa Valley, a personal driver and luxury vehicle throughout the weekend, and a pair of all-inclusive four-day passes to Napa’s premier wine and charity event, Auction Napa Valley (June 2-5, 2011). The Flexjet 25 Jet Card program helps Auction Napa Valley raise money for the healthcare, youth service, and affordable housing nonprofits it supports. $124,900. (888/240-2108, www.flexjet25.com/napavalley)
A Grand Sip
Dos Lunas Grand Reserve tequila is aged for ten years in Spanish sherry oak casks and is made from the finest 100 percent blue agave. The purest production process allows for Grand Reserve to be completely all-natural — free from all chemicals, enzymes, or additives. Grand Reserve is housed in hand-blown Baccarat, the only tequila decanter that has ever been designed and produced by the brand. Only 1,000 exclusive bottles were created, each hand-numbered and embraced in an ebonized hardwood box paired with a sterling silver lock, key, and necklace. $2,599. Available online at Mel & Rose. (www.melandrose.com)
Larger Than Life
The 15-liter bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial prominently stands at approximately three feet tall and contains more than 120 glasses of Champagne. $2,140. (www.moet.com)
