In the Kitchen: Holiday gift ideas and tips

Newsletter: In the Kitchen: Holiday gift ideas and tips

German springerle are formed with wood or ceramic molds to create patterns such as snowflakes, acorns, Santas or the "little knights" after which they're named. Recipe: Springerle cookies

Nov. 4, 2015 12:05 AM PT

Now that we've officially hit December, Thanksgiving must seem like a distant memory. For many of us, this week may feel like the calm before the storm, what with holiday parties, gift exchanges and even more dinners to be had before the month's end. That said, it's never too soon to start planning.

The Food section has come up with a handy gift guide for the cooks, imbibers and food lovers in your life, with more than 25 ideas ranging from kitchen tools and gadgets, to prepared foods, ingredients and more. We've also compiled a list of homemade gift ideas, from quick and simple recipes (perfect for kids) to more intricate projects. If you're planning a holiday party, we have helpful entertaining and buffet tips, along with host or hostess gift ideas when the roles are reversed. Finally, a whiskey Advent calendar is sure to make counting down the days this month that much more entertaining. It can be a gift for others, or to keep for yourself.

— Noelle Carter

26 ideas for the foodie on your holiday gift list

You'll find hand-crafted marzipan pigs, artisan flours, Moroccan tagines, 24-karat gold jerky — yes, gold-dusted jerky — and more in our latest holiday gift guide, with 26 items chosen by our Food staff, sure to please any and all types of foodies on your list this year.

Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Homemade holiday gift ideas from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen

Get crafty this holiday season with homemade gifts from the kitchen. We've compiled a bunch of great ideas, ranging from quick and simple gifts (perfect if you're working with kids) to more intricate projects that call for a little extra time and patience. Some gifts will last for weeks, perhaps more. Others are best eaten within a day or two. Not only are homemade gifts a great way to save money during the holiday season, they're a thoughtful and creative way to show how much you care.

Minced crystallized ginger and dried sour cherries add a little perk and bright color to biscotti, making for a festive holiday gift. Recipe: Chewy ginger and cherry biscotti

Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Holiday entertaining tips: Buffet psychology 101

Now that we've officially entered the holiday season, more than a few of us will be hosting a festive dinner party, buffet or potluck. And as pleasant as any holiday event may be, it seems like the moment someone rings the dinner bell, an otherwise civil gathering turns into a stampede as guests mob the food table. In an effort to keep the meal as manageable as possible, we wanted to share a few rules to follow to keep dinner organized — and both you, and your guests, happy. Just call it a little "buffet psychology."

Do your holiday buffet right with tips such as: Organize the food layout, with a definite beginning and ending.

Ann Johansson / Los Angeles Times

14 great host or hostess gift ideas

Wine is not always the answer when it comes to bringing a gift to the host or hostess of a dinner party. So many occasions over the holidays demand a heartfelt offering of some sort that it's smart to keep a stash of suitable items on hand, so you don't need to rush out in traffic at the last minute to find something. Not everybody is the crafty type. Here are some suggestions for gifts for the cook. S. Irene Virbila reports.

Homemade gingerbread cookies make a terrific hostess gift.

Los Angeles Times

For the whiskey amateur: the Whisky Advent Calendar

Remember those Advent calendars many of us made as kids? Those cardboard calendars with little doors or windows for each of the days leading up to Christmas? Behind each window was a little treat. S. Irene Virbila has tracked down a whiskey Advent calendar for those of us, now adults, who still like to celebrate. Not a fan of whiskey? Other options include bourbon, vodka and tequila.

For the whiskey fancier, the Whisky Advent Calendar 2015 Edition.

Master of Malt

Jonathan Gold's 101

The 101 is here! Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants, the authoritative annual guide to local dining, is online for subscribers. Find the list at latimes.com/jonathangold. Official hashtag #JGOLD101.