Colin Cowie knows how to throw a party.

Television personality, interior designer and international event planner, Cowie has helped plan parties for celebrity heavyweights such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise and Hugh Hefner and has written numerous best-selling books on entertaining.

So who better to ask: What should we bring to a holiday party this season?

Click ahead and see what this arbiter of all things chic recommends.

• Ten Tips for Holiday Party Success

Posted 18 Nov 2010

How chic to arrive with not only a bottle of your favorite wine in hand, but also a beautiful carrying case too.

Pictured: Brown Weaved Leather Wine Caddy Carrying Case with Bar Tool, $54.95

Whether you’re part of the digital age or still print your pictures for keepsake, a beautiful photo album is never out of style and lets you share your memories at a moment's notice.

Pictured: Newport Scrapbook, $39

"Every time a box of Santa Barbara Chocolates arrives it’s only a matter of minutes before the box is empty and you’re wanting more," Cowie says. "They're a great hostess gift as well as gift to send yourself when the urge strikes."

Pictured: California Collection, 40 pieces, $24

"OMG, they’re not too sweet...they’re actually perfect," Cowie says.  "One problem, a box is never enough. White chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate, I love giving and receiving these decadent treats."

Pictured: Dark Chocolate Pecan Toffee, $10 for a 1/4 pound

"So much has been said about the scented candle and room fragrances that it’s almost as if I’m repeating myself again and again. I love this store, the selection is amazing, their products spectacular and their gift wrapping a work of art," Cowie says.

Pictured: Aedes de Venustas - The Blanc $79

"With so many flavors to select from, it’s hard to decide on which is my favorite," Cowie says. "I truly love them all. And when a box arrives via mail or hand delivered, I know the next few evenings will be extra special for me and any guests stopping by."

Pictured: Exotic Truffle Collection, 32 Pieces, $75

"Chewy, crunchy and not to sweet, Paulette has brought the art of the French Macaron to America in style," he says. "No one can resist one, two or even three. Serve with coffee and tea or on their own, you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear."

Priced at $19 for 12 and $36 for 24.

For the culinary talent hidden in all of us, Salts of the World takes the ordinary experience of salting for flavor and make it an experience, according to Cowie. What color, what texture and what flavor works for soups, salads, meats and fish makes dining a personal experience.

Pictured: Salts of the World, $34

It may seem old fashioned to buying a gift of tea, but not when you come with Tea Forté. The packaging and the shape of the teabag takes an old tradition, makes it modern and brings it alive when you are giving these delicious teas to those you love.

Pictured: Tea Forté Large Tin, $24