In some countries, a bottle of wine is a required gift for a dinner party, but depending on the sort of party and the country, it could insult the host. If you attend a formal dinner in France, for example, wine would be an awkward gift. The host might feel obligated to serve the bottle with dinner, even if he has already chosen a wine well suited to the meal. Fine whiskey or brandy can be an appropriate gift for colleagues, but never give alcohol to observant Muslims; they do not drink.