There’s nothing like a glass of schnapps—an unsweetened, strong spirit akin to a fruit brandy—to warm up a cold winter’s evening by the fireplace. The princely von Cramm Weizenbrand family first began crafting theirs in 1750 in Lower Saxony, and today the operation is based at Schloss Derneburg, which is now home to both an art foundation (the estate first belonged to the artist Georg Baselitz) and Derneburger liquor. A limited edition features Baselitz’s painting Trinker (1981) on the label, depicting none other than an upside-down drinker. ($202, derneburger.de) —Elena Clavarino

When two parents meet in a chance encounter at a baby group, it seems they’ve found their perfect match—save for the fact that they’re already married to other people. But for Cora and Sam, this chemistry creates a domino effect of alternate timelines: one where they get together, and one where they don’t, blurring both reality and ethics. Erin Somers’s latest novel, The Ten Year Affair, charts an odyssey of romantic uncertainties, touching on the boundaries of commitment and longing. ($28, simonandschuster.com) —Maggie Turner

Striking the right tone—and tune—at a family holiday gathering is hard. But thanks to the Gap (yes, the store), there are plenty of playlists that are just cool and “vintage” enough for your Gen Alpha niece and inoffensive enough for your pearl-clutching grandmother. This is all thanks to one man’s obsession with the store—Mike Bise, that is, whose famed Instagram account, @gapplaylists, and its corresponding Spotify account,compiles the in-store playlists from the 1990s and 2000s, alongside old campaign videos and photos. Tried, true, and varied, Bise’s collections are guaranteed to turn the dead air between heated Epstein-files debates into a Dust Brothers’ “Mellow Yellow” sing-along—from 1999’s “Everybody in Cords” commercial, naturally. (spotify.com) —Gracie Wiener

Those who have frittered away a long afternoon drinking Chablis at Le Bernardin (O.K., there’s some eating, too) know exactly how Aldo Sohm simply excels at his métier. Now, just in time for the holiday season, the restaurant’s popular sommelier is back with a new book that promises to wow the guests at your next dinner party. Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings is entirely focused on how Bordeaux, Rieslings, and champagnes can make magic with food. Written with AIR MAIL contributor Christine Muhlke, it’s an indispensable addition to every cookbook collection—and makes an especially inspired gift. Why not procure a few copies and pop into Le Bernardin to have them signed? While you wait, the house Sancerre is beckoning. ($36, amazon.com) —Ashley Baker

Start your day off like a queen—Mary, Queen of Scots, to be precise. Legend has it that in 1561, as the doomed monarch sailed from France to seize the throne of Scotland, she was struck by seasickness. Her doctor swiftly whipped up an antiemetic of oranges and sugar. Marmalade—from the French “Marie est malade”—was born. Utter nonsense, probably, but no jam sings to the heart quite like Paddington Bear’s favorite treat. U.K.-based Tiptree are the purveyors of a Wonka-esque number of preserves, from rhubarb and mulberry to quince and medlar. But their marmalade is supreme, the perfect mixture of sweet, tart, jewel-like gobs feathered with slivers of Seville-orange peel. Royalty still can’t keep their hands off it—Tiptree carries a royal warrant from King Charles III. (from $3, tiptree.com) —George Pendle

Private chef Sophie Dalah—sister to Nathan Dalah, of the fast-casual restaurant chain ThisBowl—got her culinary start tossing leafy greens at her father’s café in Sydney. Now the 28-year-old is the brains (and taste buds) behind Sophie’s Table, a Los Angeles–based boutique catering service for both corporate and private dinner parties. For Sophie, the dining experience hinges on three questions: “How does it feel before you eat? How does it feel while you eat? And how does it feel after you eat?” Book her sometime this holiday season and find out. (sophiedalah.com) —Hannah Benson