My girlfriend Sonia has recently developed an interest in wine. She's taking classes, going tasting, and immersing herself in all things vino. I rounded up a collection of gifts that are perfect for Sonia, and those like her, the newbie winos.

They may not be able to smell the difference between a Mourvédre and a Montepulciano, but after reading the Wine Snob's Dictionary they'll be able to talk terroir as well as any wine connoisseur.

On a budget? Get crafty and make them a wine journal.

Check out a collection of wine-related gifts below and head to HolidaySugar for more gift ideas.

Update: Dr Pepper is extending its promotional offer through 6 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 24.

Earlier this year, Dr Pepper announced that it would be giving a free soda to "everyone in America" Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy, 17 years in the works, arrived anytime in 2008. This Sunday, Nov. 23, the agonizing wait will finally be over, and the people will have their Chinese Democracy — as well as a free Dr Pepper.

Dr Pepper has been behind the efforts of lead singer Axl Rose from the beginning. “We never thought this day would come," said Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, "but now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."

To find out how you can get free Dr Pepper, read more

Kick-start your weekend with this scrumptious, Southern-inspired dish. In it, shrimp and scallions are served on a bed of cheesy grits.

The resulting meal is comforting, yet healthy. Instead of cooking the shrimp on the stove or in a deep fryer, it's broiled in the oven.

Serve with cornbread and collard greens for a completely delicious dinner. Want to look at the recipe? read more

If you have no time to cook dinner, you won't have much time to worry about the table. However, set aside 15 minutes to transform your everyday dining table into a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Cover the table with a cream-colored cloth and brown runner. Take a walk around your house and get creative with the place mats. Stack plates on the table and fill a basket with utensils; when the dinner is ready, guests can grab a plate and servingware. Choose a versatile glass that can hold the cocktail, and both red and white wine.

Line the glasses in a row next to the wine and drinks and let guests serve themselves. Instead of running around the house lighting a million candles, save time by assembling them all in one place. No time to run to the florist? Step outside and gather pretty, colorful Fall leaves. Fold white cardstock in half for a simple place card.

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Yesterday I spoke to Jill Snyder, the latest cheftestant to pack her knives and leave Top Chef. Jill's a chef in Baltimore, MD, where she enjoys making desserts and crab cakes. She wishes she would have defended her dish better, but claims that with the cameras staring at her, she choked up. To see what Jill has to say about ostrich eggs and the judges, read more

• Would you eat this bacon wrapped turducken for Thanksgiving? — Bacon Today
• How to host a dinner party on the cheap. — Chow
• Can fresh nutmeg be used the same as ground nutmeg? — The Kitchn
• Burger King's fake wallet promotion. — A Hamburger Today
• Looking for an alternative to pumpkin pie? Consider apple streusel cinnamon swirl cupcakes. — Hostess With the Mostess
• Everything you need to know about absinthe and five ways to use it. — Epicurious

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