Holiday

Holiday at T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor in Brandon, Mississippi: what to bring and which store categories to consider.

The holidays run on volume and goodwill. You need a case for the house, something to hand people who arrive unannounced, and one bottle worth opening on the day itself. Sparkling covers arrivals, a soft red covers dinner, and port or an Irish cream covers the long evening after. Gift-wise, keep three spare bottles by the door — a bourbon, a red and a bubble — and you will never be caught out. Come in early in December if you want something specific; the good bottles go first and the week before Christmas is not the week to browse.