'Tis the season to hit house party after house party... but what do you bring? It's great that you've gussied up, but the hosts don't care about your lipstick shade (it's Peach Pucker, thanks for noticing), they just care that you made it. Yeah. Right. They care what you brought them, and below are eight great Toronto places to pick up party pick-me-ups, some of which you can *maybe* even pass off as homemade.
Wanda's Pie In The Sky, Kensington Market
This cute little Kensington diner doesn't just serve treats up by the slice, you can buy a full pie to bring to a party in just about any flavour you can dream up. Peach Praline and Strawberry Rhubarb are stars here. Be sure to call in your order in advance.
OMG Baked Goodness Ltd, Brockton Village
OMG is the Queen of colourful cupcakes and cookies, and sometimes superb savoury treats. If you call in your cake or gingerbread order in advance, they can make your party spread dreams come true. I have it on good authority they once made a life-size gingerbread man...
Bellwoods Brewery, Ossington Strip
Any wanker can pick up wine for an affair, why not be unique and bring beer! Bellwoods has specialty beers brewed locally with pretty labels and a branded cardboard carrying cases for $5 per 550ml bottles. Running late? Their Bottle Shop is open until 11pm daily.
BYOB Cocktail Emporium, West Queen West
Again, any ass can BYOB to a party... but BYOB can make you a soirée superstar. Grab one of their many flavours of bitters to bump up the evenings' cocktails and a cocktail recipe book. Something for the night and a gift for them to remember you by long after you stumble home.
Labour Of Love, Cabbagetown
If you're looking for a lovable local trinket, ornament or card in the east end, Labour Of Love is your one-stop-shop. This place has serious stationary swagger, and if you pop in here before your bash so will you.
Côte de Boeuf, Ossington Strip
If it's cheeses, meats, cranked-up crackers and patés you're after this high-end Ossington deli can help you make a superb spread... or at least buy a few hunks of the good stuff to help out someone else's table.
Ding Dong Pastries, Chinatown
Do John and Jane have too many friends? Are you looking to help feed a small army? This Chinese pastry shop is terribly tasty and incredibly cheap. You can easily leave with 40 pieces of goodness for under $20... just be sure to transfer them to a nicer container.
Daniel et Daniel, Cabbagetown
A full-fledged catering company, these people are your best bet for grabbing a savoury dish you want to pass off as homemade. Call in a quiche or a mouth-watering salad-side, transfer to your own plate and voila! You're a domestic genius... and you still look great.
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