As Julia Child famously said,” People who love to eat are always the best people.” I completely agree with this sentiment. If you’re lucky enough to have a foodie in your fam or friend circle, we have some great gifting ideas for you!

The holidays are coming, which means cozy gatherings, cherished traditions and, yes, a bit of chaos. But don’t let the season overwhelm you! With some thoughtful preparation, you can create a welcoming space that lets you focus on what really matters: making memories with loved ones. 

Patina not only has lovely items for your loved ones but we also have gifts for the house. There is still time to add that extra chair(s), art, lamps – anything you need to make your home feel special this holiday season.

Never has there been a Tibi delivery I have loved more than this one. I started to count how many personals I ordered and well, I didn’t have enough fingers. It was an obnoxious amount and I could have ordered more. Despite the long ticket, I actually showed self control. Join us for the trunk show this Friday, Dec. 6.

The magic of the holiday season comes alive in Europe’s iconic Christmas markets. From medieval settings to modern winter wonderlands, these festive markets are brimming with seasonal treats, handmade crafts, and unique cultural experiences. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets across Europe for 2024.

In Alexandria, Kelley Reynolds’ home has become a haven of warmth and joy during the holidays, thanks to a six-year collaboration with Kristin Try Interiors. Room by room, the partnership has created a space where design and function blend seamlessly, offering the perfect backdrop for celebrating family traditions and hosting loved ones.

There is one particular group in our city who I can always count on to support our events: the real estate community. They devote a massive portion of their marketing dollars to things that help other people and make Alexandria livable. We’re grateful Lauren Bishop is sponsoring Plaid Friday and thought it would be fun for her to share some of her top holiday shopping picks.

Wine and flowers are great go-to gifts. If you want to go that route, then be sure the flowers are in a vase, and you tell them clearly the wine is for later. If you want to go a slightly different route, then here are a few good ideas. Keep in mind that a thoughtful gift doesn’t need to break the bank. The overall theme is to pamper your host and make sure they don’t feel like they have to act immediately.

I’m grateful to my parents for leaving their rural roots behind in pursuit of a better life in Northern Virginia. In their communities, during that time, imagining a career as an artist would have been nearly impossible. Growing up surrounded by art and artists allowed me to dream of what could be. Proximity to museums and galleries can be a powerful spark for a young mind, and it certainly was for me.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the most wonderfully expensive! That new plaid dress for Taste of Scotland, tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Alexandria Little Theatre, and – the big one – holiday gift giving. It can add up quickly and easily, getting swept away by the holiday decorations, marketing enticements, and the ease of tapping that credit card at checkout.

Alexandria has great architecture and history. It always had the “good bones” to be a destination. But what makes it great are the people. After owning retail shops here for 21 years, I know there’s not a more loyal clientele or a more collaborative community of small business owners. And bonus, there’s a core group of phenomenal female entrepreneurs who make big things happen.

If you love movies like I do, you’ll notice that some actresses shine in midlife. Age is just a number, but talent and resilience are timeless. In a world often fixated on youth, the spotlight rarely fades on those who defy conventions and continue to dazzle us with their brilliance. From commanding stages to gracing screens both big and small, these iconic actresses prove that true success knows no bounds of age. 

Located in the heart of Del Ray at 2016 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mulberry Lane Play Café is redefining family spaces by blending imaginative play for kids with opportunities for parents to relax, connect, or work—all under one roof. Described as “Balanced Family Fun, Your New BFF,” this innovative café is quickly becoming a favorite for local families.

I asked her about the business she was opening in Old Town. Her confidence and calm was something that instantly put me at ease. As she shared her journey, she felt like one of my girlfriends – and we had just met. This was going to be her third location, she was already a seasoned entrepreneur. Even a slight delay here or there wasn’t going to stop her momentum.

Since Alexandria is what I consider the best collection of independent retailers around, this Small Business Saturday, a group of over a dozen stores have collaborated to do a day of gifts with purchase. Stop in, shop and get a little gift from us. Just a thank you for shopping small this holiday season and helping us keep the doors to our shops open another year!

If traveling and being with family fills you with joy and is what you need this year, then here are a few tips to make it easy. You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re traveling with a partner, they should share the load. I’m talking to you, Moms. It is not your job to manage everything and make everyone happy. A partnership means they fully participate.

Every now and then, life brings you a “full circle moment” – a chance to reconnect with the people who helped shape your journey. Recently, I experienced one of those moments when I welcomed Ruth Roche, one of my biggest influences from my early years in cosmetology, to Salon deZEN. Ruth, a seven-time NAHA winner (basically the Oscars of hair), made a massive impact on me back in cosmetology school.

Since merging stores it seems like we have a ton of bags in stock. We kept all the purse lines from The Shoe Hive and moved them into 315 Cameron. As a result, it’s hard to miss our bag selection when you walk in the door. Since we’re hosting our Think Rolyn Trunk Show this week, I thought it might be nice to share all the great bags we carry.

This holiday season, Rachel of Helen Olivia and Kristin of Kristin Try Interiors teamed up to create a couple of festive tablescape ideas for you at Kristin’s home. Together, they’re sharing their tips and tricks to help you craft a stunning holiday table that’s as warm and inviting as the season itself.

Thanksgiving arrives next week, officially kicking off the holiday season. We all hold dear our traditions and ways of sharing our gratitude. It may be a turkey trot in the morning, Friendsgiving, dinner out at a local restaurant, hosting family from out-of-town or traveling to visit loved ones. We asked our contributors to share their Thanksgiving traditions and a few also shared their favorite dish.