The Hostess gifts with the Mostest

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – especially if you like to dress up and chat with people you don’t know over merlot and Chex mix.

And really, who doesn’t?

December is prime time for holiday happenings: the company Christmas party, the neighborhood potluck and, of course, the annual family gathering.

There are worse things than showing up empty-handed (remember in “Seinfeld,” when Elaine shows off her dance moves at the company party?). But it’s always nice – and in good taste – to bring a small token of gratitude.

The obvious gift is a bottle of wine or a small bouquet. If you don’t know the host or hostess very well, the standby may seem like a good idea. But why not show a little creativity – if you’re going to bring wine, make it a tasty vintage with a sleek label and a coordinating bow. Instead of a clutch of carnations, buy a small vase and fill it with a few sweet blooms. Does your host like to cook? Skip the bouquet and bring a rosemary plant or forgo the wine for a fancy bottle of olive oil.

Here are nine easy ideas under $10 each. That way, you can thank your host in style and under budget.

Let the party season begin – just don’t do anything worthy of water-cooler talk on Monday.

Amaryllis kits, $9.99 at The Home Depot

These bold blooms are a timeless symbol of Christmas, and with these kits, your host will get to watch them grow. The kit has everything it takes to force the bulb indoors.

Rosemary plant, $4.75 at Sunnyside Greenhouse in Bangor

Perfect for the cook, this living gift will keep on giving long after the holidays are over. At Sunnyside, they’ll wrap it in red and gold raffia for a festive look, or for something on the industrial-chic side, you could pop it in a small galvanized bucket, which you can find at any hardware store.

Swell cocktail shaker, $9.99 at Target

Martinis, anyone? This retro bar staple (in stylish metallic green) will really shake up your holiday party. If you’re feeling flush, throw in the makings for your host’s favorite cocktail. Or not. The shaker is cool enough to stand on its own, and for the barfly, it beats flowers.

Rosemary olive oil, $7.75 at Ingrid’s German Gift Shop in Bangor, also available at Shaw’s.

Tasteful, quick and easy – you can pick up fancy oils and vinegars at the grocery store for a song – these condiments are fail-safe gifts. Foodies will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and kitchen-phobes may be tempted to give cooking a go.

MoMA ornaments, $10 each at Ingrid’s German Gift Shop in Bangor

A hip twist on a classic, these holiday ornaments will adorn your host’s tree in modern style. Just the thing for an artsy pal or your graphic-designer cousin.

Bud vase, $4.99 at Target

Reminiscent of a mint julep cup, this small but substantial vase will make a timeless statement. Fill it with one fun flower or a handful of small roses for a sweet, different bouquet. While you’re at Target, check out the colorful glass vases, as well.

Chocolate, $5.99 at World Over Imports in Bangor

Life may be like a box of chocolates, but in this cute tin, you know what you’re going to get. Each is filled with bonbons, toffee or other sweet confections, and it’s small enough that the hostess can eat the whole thing and not feel a shred of guilt.

Luminaria light, $3.49 at World Over Imports in Bangor

Like a votive, only cooler, this minimalist candle will light up your host’s life. Buy two – they look great grouped on a mantel or lining an outdoor path, as they were originally intended.