My husband is deployed right now, and I have just made friends with 3 other girls who's men are deployed with him. One of them has been planning all the get-togethers for us. Last week she hosted a very fancy dinner for the 4 of us with wine, soup, appetizers, the main course, dessert, coffee...the whole 9 yards. I didn't bring anything because she had it all covered, but now she is having us over on Tuesday for brunch. She has the whole menu planned, but I would like to bring something for her! She really likes going the distance when planning things, sending us email invitations, and everything. Does anyone have an idea for a good hostess gift or something I could bring?

Your company is what she really wants, and her passion for entertaining is what keeps her going in her husband's absence. It seems like she has the food thing happening and would not appreciate any input in that area. Bringing a bottle of fine wine or champagne is always acceptable, but if you want to go a little further, bring a bottle of after-dinner liquer that you know girls like such as Kahlua or Baileys Irish Cream. Flowers are always appreciated as long as they're self-standing and don't need to be transferred into a vase.

Congrats to your husbands. You must miss them.

A good bottle of wine is (almost) always appreciated and a nice way for you to contribute without simply handing over a check.