What: Complimentary sampling Of 16 different wines for the Thanksgiving table. Wines featured are 15 percent off day of tasting only.

When: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Cheesekeeper, 6500 W. Main St., Belleville

Information: 398-7184.

Carry it cold

Celeen Gallery and Gifts in downtown Belleville has a nice selection of Chill It gel bags that keep bottles and cans cold in sleek style. Freeze the insulted tote shown here ($10), then slip in a bottle of wine or Champagne to go. A Chill It tote for a six-pack is $16. You'll also find them in a variety of colors. Store them in the freezer so they're ready to use when you're ready to party. Leave the Chill It bag and the bottle of wine as a hostess gift, too.

Keep it chilly

With the holiday season well under way, we're always looking for a way to keep dishes that contains dairy products cold. Allison's Common Scents in downtown Belleville carries Chiller Cubes ($4.95) made by Gourmet Village. These eight freezable ice cubes won't dilute your drink and can be used over and over. Use them in the base of dip chillers to help keep dips cool on the table. The ice cubes are food safe and are filled with pure distilled water.

Hostess gift idea

Next time you want to say thank-you for a special invitation from a friend or neighbor, don't just deliver a pie or casserole. Buy one of the many insulated zippered carry-all sets for hot or cold dishes. Bake your food gift in the glass dish that comes with these sets, then deliver it and leave the carryall, too, as a gift. Most are $20-$30. A four-piece Bake 'N Take set from Anchor Hocking includes the carrying case, 9-by-13 glass pan, plastic lid and a hot/cold pack is $19.99. Look for it at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores or online. Also check Walmart and Target for similar items from other brands, such as Pyrex.