I'm Vegetarian but I Eat Bacon

I’m no more a carnivore than a straight woman who occasionally makes out with other girls is a lesbian.

Summer Beers with Brains

Who said heat calls for swill?

Neo-classic Holiday Dinner

Create your own tradition with our thoroughly modern menu.

Modern Potluck

Feed a crowd with recipes from some of CHOW’s favorite chefs.

Winter 2006 Gift Guide

Give like you’ve never given before.

A West Sonoma Road Trip

Tasting rooms and dining rooms in our favorite slice of Northern California wine country.

Wedding Cake Tips

Get the most for your money.

Mole in the Mountains

A gastronomic adventure in Xalapa, Mexico.

Summer 2007 Gift Guide

Everyone loves a giver.

Cinnamon-Walnut Bundt Cake

A rich, dense cake that makes a great hostess gift.

vafarmwife, your sophistication in writing, “This wine would be for them and not to go with the Thanksgiving meal,” is admirable. A hostess gift is — and should be — for the hostess's consumption; you are...

to yourself, as a 1st time hostess. As many things you can do ahead, and at one time (roasting) go for it. But juggling a grill, a roast, a pilaf a salad....Oh My! Since you are starting small and with close forgiving friends...do...

On another thread, someone commented that they would not buy a hostess gift of the magnitude that many people were describing for a dinner party; it was the sort of gift suitable for a weekend at the beach house or similar event....

There always seems to be a lot of talk on CH about hostess gifts and bringing wine/food to parties (should I serve it, should I not serve it, what if it is gross etc etc). I recently had a party and someone did bring food that I...

-Viateur. Other requests have been maple syrup, pancake mix, cesar salad dressing, chocolate bars (oh Henry) and various chips but particularly all-dressed, ketchup, BBQ. Non food items requested are usually cosmetics, skin care,...