Disclosure:  I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or over.

When you show up for a party, do you feel like you need to have a special something for that hostess? I do! Maybe it was mamma always saying, “Don’t show up empty handed.” ? Maybe it is a southern thing? (Ok northern friends, tell me – are hostess gifts regional?). Well, this year, I have it handled! How fun is this chocolate wine? This wine recently won Double Gold at the 2012 California State Fair Wine Competition!

I am just going to put it in a cute little wine tote and take it inside!

I’ll secretly be hoping that they open it right away and pass it around to everyone!

Of course I had to sample a little just for you! ChocolatRouge is a fusion of rich chocolate flavors and fine red wine. I was definitely wishing I had a few strawberries and a great movie as I sipped ChocolatRouge.

What are you doing for hostess gifts this year? I am always so grateful to those who open their homes and invite us in – especially at this time of year. Things are so busy and to know that they carved out time just to make others feel welcome and treasured is a very special gift.

When I am preparing to have people over, I know that my heart is pulled in a million different directions. I am anxious that people like my home, I hope that I am not short with my family, and  I have dreams of a magical evening where everyone laughs and feels loved.

I know, those expectations are a little high sometimes – and I imagine that I am not alone in those hopes for get-togethers. If you are hosting a get together this season – Thank you! Just remember that it is about the people that step inside your home. Everything else will come together. Promise.

Happy holidays!

Kate