DEAR ABBY: I'm in a bind when it comes to hostess gifts. I know nothing about wine and am not much interested in learning because most of my friends and I don't drink. I am also allergic to flowers and perfumes, so I would never give anyone flowers, soaps or candles, because if I did I would have to leave the party early.
This leaves me confused as to what is appropriate. Could I give a nice jar of high-quality spice or are there better options? -- IN THE DARK ABOUT HOSTESS GIFTS
DEAR IN THE DARK: A box of assorted chocolates might be nice, if your hosts are sweet-eaters, or matching small- and medium-sized picture frames, or a box of note cards and matching envelopes. However, unless you are certain the spice you select is one your hosts might use, I don't recommend it as a house gift.