Once again, I’ve decided to post my annual list of Festive Finds early again this year, as I think we will be doing most of our holiday shopping online, and shipping may take a bit longer. As always, these are just some personal favorites – no one has asked me to promote any products or compensated me in any way, though I may earn a small commission from Amazon sales. Photos used are from the vendors. And for more gift ideas, check out my Amazon store.

Of course, the best gift is giving to others, so consider donations to organizations doing great work in these crazy times. Feeding America supports a network of food banks across the country. Click here to find your local food bank, or donate directly here.  The Lee Initiative, founded by Chef Edward Lee, has a restaurant worker relief fund. Chef Chris Sheppard’s Southern Smoke Foundation has turned its efforts to relief for food and beverage workers. World Central Kitchen created by Chef Jose Andres provides meals for those in need and jobs for restaurant workers, in addition to their regular mission of feeding people during natural disasters and emergencies.

Le Creuset is a classic and this new oval signature casserole is handy for all sorts of roasts and sides. Another follow up to a past recommendation – I love my oval Great Jones Dutchess pot, and now I’m crazy about the smaller Dutch Baby 3-quart pot that nestles inside its larger sister. And the colors are fabulous! A big batch of cornbread or a hearty Southern casserole cooks beautifully in Lodge’s cast iron pan. Bake a slab pie, focaccia or any number of delicious things on Made In’s porcelain baking slab, which is also lovely for serving. 

If you or someone you love took up the bread baking habit during the pandemic, this cute cotton bread bag is a great little gift, especially filled with homemade loaf. And for serving all that delicious bread, this fiddle bow bread knife is always a conversation piece. Delve into making butter from scratch or snazz up a store bough block with a wooden butter mold. And call everyone to the table with this beautifully handcrafted dinner bell.

Eggnog, boiled custard, ponche navideno, coquito – whatever beverage you serve for the holidays, serve it from this charming Santa punch bowl (which could also be used as a planter). A snazzy needlepoint bottle opener makes a great stocking stuffer. If it’s time to move up from the red solo cup, try a set of these snazzy stainless steel version. Coasters can be cool, especially this set that feature Willie, Dolly, Loretta and Johnny. 

I may be dipping into “person who has everything” territory here, but this attractive pewter hot sauce holder can really jazz up your next crawfish boil or dress up that bottle that simple must be on the table at all times. For the grill master on your list, the GrillKilt is a stylish, multi-function apron with lots of pockets for all your tools and toys. Grill or smoke perfect meat with this wireless meat thermometer that will make anyone an expert. A whole new take on the shower beer, a bundle of beer and bourbon bar soaps will keep the party clean! 

If you are actually planning to have company this year (yay!), make it special with these beautiful place cards, plus menu and buffet cards, which you can even order digitally calligraphed or for you to fill in. For the turophile (cheese lover) on your list, Cheese Grotto creates the perfect storage environment for the finest fromage. The charcuterie board trend is here to stay, so take your love to the next level with the Queen of Sparkles sequined charcuterie board sweatshirt. And for the hot chocolate connoisseur, the Velvetiser produces a perfect cup from shaved chocolate and the liquid of your choice. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!