With the holiday season now in full swing, it is imperative to go over the finer points of guest gifting.
Rule No. 1 (and this is the only rule you'll ever need): Never show up at someone's home for a meal or party without a gift for the host, hostess or any combination thereof—ever. Someone has gone to the burden of having you over, so trouble yourself by giving them a token.
Better guests will call ahead to see if the hostess needs them to bring something special for the party. Most people will say no. This is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. You still have to bring a gift.
The best gifts are usually edible. Some people like to get creative with liquor, wine or fruit. However, Las Vegas is blessed with some of the world's best candy stores, so take advantage of them.
A box of fine chocolates will make even the most adept hostess oooh with delight. And it is easy to buy attractive, wrapped boxes anywhere.
Local candy-maker Ethel M has about nine shops around Las Vegas, including its factory in Henderson. If you venture out there in the evening, the already impressive Cactus Garden has been transformed into a sparkling holiday oasis.
If you want to crank it up a notch, try taking a twirl over to Teuscher inside Desert Passage at Aladdin. This amazing Swiss chocolatier flies its luscious treats in from the homeland twice a week. (God bless direct flights from Las Vegas to all over Europe!) It's best known for its champagne truffles, but everything it sells is amazing. Plus, its elaborate packaging is a treat in and of itself.
The Chocolate Swan inside Mandalay Place also creates some mouthwatering sweets; the tuxedoed white- and dark-chocolate-covered strawberries are particularly darling.
Don't forget about the fashion-forward-named Vosges Haute Chocolate inside the Forum Shops Phase III. It creates a delightful chocolate-caramel marshmallow. But if you really want to be serious about haute chocolate, check out its 32-piece truffle box, a complete collection of this shop's full line.
If you totally forgot, or you received that last-minute invitation (it happens), and didn't stock up on chocolates, just about every corner drug store carries some kind of boxed candies that work just fine.
After all, it is always the thought that counts. Happy holidays!
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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