Treat Your Host or Cook to a Gift That Shows You Appreciate Their Efforts

Written by Jan Norris
Photography by Carri Lager and Alexis Dominguez

It’s that thankful season, when our appreciation for hosts, those who provide services or make life more pleasant for us, is noted. If giving to a cook, or host, go the extra distance to find a gift that matches their personality – and capability.

For those who cater their parties, there may be no need for kitchen items. But for those proud cooks, look for a gift that will be appreciated and used.

The wide assortment of both fun and useful gifts with a coastal vibe at Tide and Table (150 U.S. Highway 1, Tequesta; 561-320-9721) can help you cross several off your list. A variety of price points will also satisfy budgets at any level.

For those frequent entertainers, their new line of serving ware from Beatriz Ball can go in the dishwasher and still remain bright and shiny

The coasters imprinted with sea turtles, compass coordinates for Jupiter, and flamingoes add whimsy to an outdoor bar. A wall of table napkins can help fill out a basket of goods, while wine bottle top seals are a thoughtful gift tied to a bottle.

The idea of bundling several small home and kitchen gifts is nice for a home host. A basket might include soaps, kitchen towels, tools and a cookbook. Or ingredients to make a favorite meal: a pound of pasta, a can of Italian imported tomatoes, olive oil, a good cheese, and a loaf of bread.

See Bread by Johnny (1695 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; 561-768- 9423) for the bread. We recommend focaccia, or a pane arioso – the long, crunchy loaf – to go with the pasta for dipping. Take a chocolate-cherry loaf for breakfast, too, if they have it.

A twist on a tired charcuterie board is a seafood board. For the local angle, seek out Pinders Seafood

(1665 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter; 561-746-3670) and at a chef’s recommendation, try the jalapeño fish dip. Or they’ll put together a platter with multiple dips that include smoked fish, smoked salmon “fingers.” Usually found on the West Coast, they have them here, along with the stone crab claws.

Still stumped? Wine, gelato and chocolate are always the go-tos.

Know a wine lover? The Grove Cucina and Wine Bar offers a monthly wine club subscription.

For the wine, a couple of options here. Let them help you choose a bottle at The Grove Cucina and Wine Bar (8815 S.E. Bridge Road, Hobe Sound; 772-402- 5410) or for a meaningful gift, give a subscription to their monthly wine club. You can add cigars from their collection for the smoker in the house.

At Tequesta’s Wine Proxy (389 Tequesta Dr., Tequesta; 561-972-7095), Brian Chamis and Tish Sawyer can steer you to a bottle to match your recipient’s taste and cooking style. They also offer a monthly wine club with tastings, wine dinners and more.

For gelato, Matty’s Gelato (867 Donald Ross Road,

Juno Beach; 561-557-3539) is the spot to pick up the locally made favorite. Key lime is the all-around flavor, but some of their chocolates are to die for. They have gluten free cones and products, too, in pints and quarts to go.

A couple options for chocolates are in Stuart and Jupiter.

For bean-to-bar, award winner Denise Castronovo

creates luscious small batch, gourmet chocolates at her namesake shop Castronovo’s Chocolate in Stuart — worth the trip (555 S. Colorado Ave., Stuart; 772-521- 1699). They change flavors of their hand-rolled ganache truffles weekly. Go in for their liquid cup of chocolate that might put you off coffee forever. Then choose an assortment box, or individual chocolates to wrap and give as thank you favors.

At The Chocolate Spectrum you will find autumn-themed assortments that make a perfect gift for your host.

At The Chocolate Spectrum in Jupiter (6725 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; 561-277-9886) you’re supporting a unique workforce while buying tasty treats. Chocolates themedto the holidays and seasons, chocolate- dipped fruits and pretzels, pastries, cakes and more are produced and served by people with autism. We recommend an autumn-themed assortment as a sweet gift for the party host.

Don’t forget to treat the pooch in the family. Handmade doggie biscuits are a fun gift to include for the host who secretly prefers pets to people.

Gigi’s Pet Market (401 Maplewood Dr., Jupiter; 561-747-4444) proffers up natural and organic pet treats — and toys, too.

Give the gift of beauty and treat your host to a fragrant and eye-catching seasonal arrangement from Blooms and Botanicals in Jupiter.

Finally, flowers: Blooms and Botanicals (129 Center St., Jupiter; 561-414-2800) can be counted on to have great selections of fresh arrangements. For holidays, remember to order in advance.