There’s a special kind of joy in gathering friends and family during the holidays—tables filled with snacks, glasses clinking, and kitchens that feel alive with movement and warmth. This season, I’m leaning into products that not only make entertaining easier but also elevate everyday moments, whether you’re hosting a full holiday spread, celebrating Chanukah, or simply enjoying quieter nights at home. From savory snacks and creative desserts to vibrant juices and time-saving cooking essentials, these brands bring flavor, intention, and a sense of ease to the holiday season and beyond.

Let’s start with Craize Toasted Snack Crackers, because every great gathering needs something crunchy and crave-worthy. These crackers are beautifully toasted, light yet sturdy, and endlessly versatile. They shine alongside holiday cheese boards, pair effortlessly with dips and spreads, and are ideal for spritz-friendly cocktail hours when you want something elegant but unfussy. Their balanced flavor allows them to complement bold cheeses, smoked fish, or herb-forward spreads without stealing the spotlight—exactly what you want when curating a thoughtful snack table.

For those celebrating Chanukah, or simply looking to add something joyful and interactive to their holiday traditions, the Manischewitz Chanukah House Cookie Decorating Kit brings creativity straight to the table. Much like a gingerbread house during Christmas, this kit turns dessert into an experience. Decorating together becomes part of the celebration—one that sparks conversation, laughter, and memories. It’s festive, nostalgic, and a wonderful way to honor the season while enjoying something sweet and hands-on.

No holiday setup feels complete without drinks that feel both celebratory and refreshing, and Wondermelon delivers exactly that. Their lineup—including watermelon juice, watermelon cucumber, lemon ginger, and wonder beet—adds vibrant color and clean flavor to the bar. These juices work beautifully in spritzes and cocktails, but the lemon ginger truly steals the show. It’s fantastic in a Gold Rush-style cocktail, where its brightness balances honey and bourbon, or in a warm, toddy-like drink that feels cozy and restorative on cold winter nights. They’re equally wonderful on their own or topped with sparkling water, making them inclusive options for guests who prefer non-alcoholic sips.

Balancing indulgence with wellness is something many of us think about during the holidays, which is why I’m especially excited about Dorot Gardens. Their frozen, pre-portioned herbs and aromatics—like garlic, ginger, basil, cilantro, and more—are a game-changer in the kitchen. They make cooking faster, cleaner, and healthier, without sacrificing flavor. No peeling, chopping, or waste—just pure ingredients ready when you are. During a busy holiday season, having these on hand means weeknight meals are easier and more nourishing, and come January, they’re perfect for anyone easing into healthier cooking habits without giving up bold, fresh taste.


Add a little heat to your holiday entertaining with Gayo Azul Chili Pepper Slices—creamy, buttery cheese made with fresh whole milk and infused with a gentle chili warmth inspired by authentic Hispanic flavors. These slices melt beautifully, making them perfect for a sweet-and-spicy grilled cheese, layered with a touch of honey or fig jam and served alongside a cozy bowl of winter soup. For pairing, reach for a dry sparkling wine to cut through the richness, a fruit-forward white like Riesling or Chenin Blanc, or even a chilled Beaujolais for an unexpected but delicious match. It’s a fun, comforting twist on the cheese board—perfect for relaxed holiday nights, après-shopping dinners, or casual gatherings by the fire.


For those who appreciate craftsmanship and provenance, A Dutch Masterpiece offers PDO-certified Gouda and Edam cheeses aged using time-honored methods. These cheeses bring depth, texture, and complexity—perfect as the anchor of a more elevated holiday board. They pair beautifully with a Champagne or traditional-method sparkling, a structured white like aged Chardonnay, or a medium-bodied red such as Merlot or Rioja for a truly indulgent pairing.


Instantly recognizable by its iconic red wax, Royal Hollandia is a timeless entertaining classic. Their Gouda and Edam wheels are smooth, balanced, and endlessly versatile, making them ideal for grazing boards and larger holiday gatherings. Pair with an easy-drinking Prosecco, a bright un-oaked white, or a soft, fruit-forward red like Beaujolais—and for a festive twist, try alongside a lightly sweet wine for a crowd-pleasing contrast.

All of these brands also make thoughtful stocking stuffers and host gifts—items people will actually use and enjoy as the New Year begins. They’re practical yet special, festive without being overdone, and ideal for setting the tone for a delicious, intentional start to the year.

I can’t wait to start cooking, mixing, and entertaining with all of these throughout the holiday season—and well into January. Stay tuned on Instagram as I share how I’m using each of these products in real time, from cozy nights in to celebratory gatherings and healthier kitchen routines to kick off the new year.