Wine makes a great holiday gift; it's usually the hostess gift of choice, the default item grabbed at the last minute on the way to a holiday party. This year, put a little more thought into it -- for about 5 minutes of extra time, you can package your last-minute gift in a way that'll make it seem like you did all your shopping back in August.

In Food Network Magazine's December issue, there's a great story on how to make holiday spirits brighter by decking your gift bottles out in really easy ways. With the bottle above, it's as simple as grabbing a sparkly paint pen.

For the bottle in the image on top, use a paint pen (about $3 at craft stores) to write a message on the bottle—your friends will remember you when they drink it later. Or:

Upgrade a budget bottle with gold foil stickers: Use warm water and dish soap or oil to remove the label and glue, then let dry and stick on the letters.

Give two gifts in one by wrapping the wine in a tea towel. Simply line up the cork with one edge of the towel, fold the excess fabric over the bottom of the bottle and roll. Secure with ribbon or twine.

This Cheers Bottle Tote, made with the material used for wet suits, insulates wine for up to four hours. $16; builtny.com

Fill this rustic birch wood Wine Cylinder with a nice earthy red. $16; thecontainerstore.com

A festive Silver Star Wine Carrier should float someone's boat: It's made from an old sail. $35; daytripsociety.com

Dress up wine for a holiday dinner with a stylish Felt Wine Sleeve. $14; mixturehome.com

Ideas and images are from Food Network Magazine. Bonus holiday gift idea: a 1-year subscription to Food Network Magazine.