Until Marie’s private mixologist decides to reveal his own secret drink recipes (he makes a mean martini), you’ll want to stock up on Cocktails by Jenn. These flirty 750 ml bottles are super feminine and come with a flirty charm. They make the cutest hostess gifts and pack a mighty buzz. If you decide to serve them at an upcoming soiree, garnish with edible flowers for maximum impact.

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We’re serious about our confections and because we’re constantly scouring the globe for the latest and greatest, counting calories has become somewhat of a chore. That said, lemon meringues and chiffons top our “guilt-less desserts” list. These fluffy lemon chiffon marshmallows by Boule are light as air. The modern patisserie, based in LA, packs as much flavor into these beguiling babies as humanly possible.

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Cherchies champagne, lemon and cranberry mustards are plenty hot, but subdued with sweetness. The silky, fine-grained concoctions are just begging to be slathered all over your hot turkey leftovers. Foodies suggest mixing it with mayo and red grapes, chopped green onion, sliced almonds and chopped cooked chicken. This mix is a great accompaniment to fresh-from-the-garden greens.

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Stunning flatware is a must-have for all your holiday parties, and as usual, Christofle is the final word on banquet style. The Galea set is actually an overhaul of the decorative theme of interlacing contrived back in 1776 by Nicolas Cornu. The flatware’s curvaceous, supple form has the fluidity and grace of a math equation, and it’ll instantly transform any pedestrian dish into a gourmand’s dream. Available from Vivre.

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Around the holidays singles usually start feeling the urge to go out and meet new people. Perhaps it’s the chill in the air that increases one’s cravings for cuddling. Well, San Franciscans are in luck. Parties That Cook! is an excuse for food-loving singletons to get together in a fun, no-pressure environ. Class recipes include small plates (ones that don’t emasculate, thank goodness) like shiitake egg rolls with sake dipping sauce. The best part? No culinary experience is required.

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These chocolate olives are just begging to be paired with a dry martini. Plucked from the famous chocolate olive groves in southern France, these confections (sans the pit) boast a hazelnut nougat center. They’re delicious by the handful or with an after-dinner espresso.

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San Francisco certainly has its share of wine bars and we’ve got another to add to your rolodex (does anyone really have a rolodex anymore?). Chris Tavelli’s and Celine Guillou’s Yield Wine Bar on Third Street beguiles us with its bevy of biodynamic organic “green” wines that span several continents. Pair a guilt-free vintage with the kitchen’s rosemary toasted almonds, artisan cheeses or fresh-baked flatbread.

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If you love your key limes, consider key lime pears an equally sweet, albeit unique, hybrid. Pear crisps are infused with key lime juice and smothered in the most aromatic and flavorful Venezuelan chocolate. These bites are sure to take center stage at all of your holiday parties.

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We love truffles of all sorts (this time we’re not just talking about chocolate). We’re excited to announce that Sausalito’s Poggio, a classic Italian trattoria, celebrates Festa del Tartufo with Five Nights of Truffles from November 15th through the 19th. For the occasion, dishes will be prepared with Piemontese and Tuscan truffles that have been hand-selected by chef Peter McNee. Can’t hardly wait!

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Birthdays just got sweeter. GoCakeGo is an online birthday cake delivery service that makes celebrating birthdays as easy as, um, cake. They ship unbelievably scrumptious, premium quality “happy birthday” cakes practically anywhere, and for any reason (as long as it’s birthday-related but who’s checking?). The decadence is delivered in a bright green box which keeps it super fresh. Among the flavors? Racy raspberry, colossal carrot, white on white, lemon heaven, double fudge. Candles and confetti are included.

Technorati Tags: cake, Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, gourmet, Sweets