Host A Stress Free Holiday

Hosting the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a marathon of menus, décor decisions and last-minute “wait, did we chill the wine?” moments. With the right inspiration, it can actually be fun! We’re diving into our Holiday Gift Guide packed with unique hosting gifts, festive wine pairings, delicious local recipes, a relaxed dinner game plan, and plenty more to make your gathering sparkle. Get ready to pour a glass, turn on the twinkle lights, and host a holiday celebration that feels joyful, easy and totally stress-free!

Find all of the following gift and hosting ideas in the 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide.

Gifts For The Host With The Most

Don’t arrive empty handed! Instead, arrive with one of these great gift ideas that will put you right at the top of the invitation list for the next party!

• JP Smitty Sauce ~ Holiday Gift Box of Sauces and Seasonings
• Kava Cafe & Bakers ~ Holiday Cookie Box
• Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar ~ Pre-Mixed Bottled Cocktails
• Top Dog Brewing Company ~ Holiday Gift Pack With 6 Beers, T-shirt and 16oz Beer Stein
• Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens ~ Elio Mini Holiday Garden
• Soffi Studios ~ Whisky Stubby
• Soulegy ~ Aromatherapy Pen and Journal
• Cafe Amor & Art ~ Christmas Gift Basket
• Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery ~ Warm ‘n Cozy Mulled Wine
• Just Freeze It Sweets ~ Explosion Variety 4 Pack
• Iris & Marnie ~ Boho Statement Hoops
• Carolinia Cider Co. ~ 2 bottle Cider Gift Box
• Evelyn’s Candy House ~ Lakrids by Bulow Winter Selection Box
• Wolfhead Distillery ~ Gift Basket
• The Richmond Popcorn Co. ~ Popcorn Gift Basket
• Gibson Gallery ~ Gift Box
• Flakes and Flames ~ Candy Cane Lane Scented Candle
• 519Culture ~ Gift Package
• Park House Museum and Tinsmiths ~ Handmade Pierced Tin Lanterns

Find all of these gifts and more in the Holiday Gift Guide.

When You’re The Host With The Most

These ideas will help you take some of the stress away from hosting with quick, easy and delicious food, drinks and ambience-setting options to bring you next gathering to the next level!

• Little Foot Foods ~ 4 for $39 Meal Options
• Sweet Moments Cookie Co. ~ Famous Holiday Treat Box
• Zuleeats ~ Ghanian Chips and Zuleeats House Blend Seasoning
• Chance Coffee ~ Holidaze Blend Coffee Beans
• Oxley Estate Winery ~ Holiday Wine Bundle
• Tracey’s Creative Candles ~ Candle Gift Basket (one for each room!)
• The Little Petal Truck ~ Monthly Basic Flower Subscription
• Rare Butcher Shop ~ Top Quality Meats

Find all of these gifts and more in the Holiday Gift Guide.

For Hosting Christmas Day

Whether you’re hosting just your nearest and dearest or a full on party with a capitol P these ideas will make Christmas morning one to remember.

• Ruscom Maple Farms ~ Maple Product Sampler Box
• The Farm House Market ~ Homemade Fruit Pie
• Whiskingbabe ~ Persian Pastry Jam Tart Box
• What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory ~ Holiday Popcorn Gift Box
• Estate of Health ~ Warmth and Spice Gift Bundle
• Stray Sheep Co. ~ Adult Knitted Slippers
• Iron Kettle Commissary ~ Chocolate Dipped Biscotti
• Southwest Shores ~ Windsor Essex Jogging Set
• Canadian Captures Photography ~ Holiday Photo Session
• Caesars Windsor ~ Caesars Robe
• Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards ~ Talon Wines

Find all of these gifts and more in the Holiday Gift Guide.

Shop Local, Feast Local: 5 Recipes for a Homegrown Holiday Table

Celebrate the season with 5 recipes sure to make hosting a family gathering or attending your next potluck easier than ever. This year’s collection highlights crowd-pleasing dishes inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, helping you create a holiday spread that feels both festive and meaningful. By choosing to cook with products from local growers and makers — including those in the W.E. Heart Local program — you’re supporting our community while serving flavours everyone will love. It’s a perfect way to share good food and great company this holiday season.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: Local Holiday Cocktails to Toast the Season

Elevate your next holiday gathering with our Local Holiday Cocktails — the perfect way to put your mixology skills on display while celebrating local. Crafted with locally sourced spirits, liqueurs, and seasonal ingredients, these festive drinks will impress your guests and add a warm, cozy vibe to your celebration. Whether you’re shaking up a classic or mixing something entirely new, you’ll be giving your cocktails a unique, homegrown twist. Mix, sip, and toast to good times — with holiday cheer that tastes like home.

Perfect Wine Pairings

Make your holiday feast truly unforgettable by pairing each dish with our curated Perfect Wine Pairings — EPIC Wines selected to elevate every course and delight every guest. Whether you’re serving a cozy winter stew or a festive holiday roast, the right wine can transform a good meal into a memorable celebration. Our guide makes it easy to match flavours and moods: from bold reds to crisp whites, each suggested wine is chosen to complement your dishes and enhance the whole dining experience. Pour the perfect glass, raise a toast and let your holiday table shine with sophistication, warmth, and a splash of local love.

Christmas Dinner Guide

Savor the holidays without the hustle! Windsor Essex is filled with incredible dine-in and takeout options that make celebrating delicious and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to gather around a festive table at a local restaurant or enjoy chef-crafted meals in the comfort of your home, our Christmas Dinner Guide has you covered. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories this holiday season!

For even more ideas, check out our curated Host & Hostess Gifts including:

• Cindy’s Home and Garden ~ Holiday Gourmet Collection Gift Box
• Metal Roar Hot Sauce Co. ~ The Complete Roar Gift Box
• Pelee Island Winery ~ Holiday Core Series Gift Set of 3 Bottles
• River Rock Potter ~ Olive Oil Jug
• White Woods Home ~ SaltSpring Kitchen Co. Winter Collection + Rieme Sparkling Spiced Apple Beverage
• Sloane’s Woodworking ~ Live Edge Walnut Charcuterie Board

Find all of these gifts and more in the Holiday Gift Guide.

Find all of the following gift and hosting ideas in the 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide.