Wrap it Up

Cindy Lou Who may have gotten the real meaning of the holiday season, but convincing ourselves to do away with gifts and sing Fah Who Foraze instead is another story—someone get Taylor Momsen on the phone. In the spirit of gifting season, this installment of our Best of D.C. newsletter will focus on those little tokens of love and appreciation. You’ll find some tips on where to shop, some items WCP’s own editors may be giving, and even some gift ideas that don’t require wrapping paper.

City Paper Gift Picks

• According to WCP’s Emily Martin, Eastern Market’s Relume is the best store for tchotchkes and unique gifts. Martin writes: “The eccentric storefront off the market’s main drag also carries its signature vintage candles, funky earrings, hair clips, vintage clothing, wrapped books for blind grabs, various arts and crafts, and other items that’ll make great gifts for anybody, or truly, yourself. If you’re looking to create something of your own, the shop opened up a section called the Makery, with stop-in hours for crafting and upcycling, as well as planned events for projects like embroidery and pressed flower frames.
• For the art appreciators in your life, consider a piece from Silver Spring’s Rick LaRue, Nevin Martell’s pick for Best Use of Driftwood. His studio takes over most of his backyard, and evokes a coastal sculpture gallery. According to Martell, “Presented individually or in thematic groupings, the pieces are rich with personality and alive with graceful twists, grim gnarls, eyelike knots, and embedded rocks.”
• If you want to give an experience, nothing screams “amore” like an evening—or afternoon!—of amaro tasting. Sarah Marloff spotlights Ivy City’s Don Ciccio & Figli for their delightful offering of housemade herbal liqueurs. “Although the original Don Ciccio began his family distillery more than 100 years ago in Italy, his grandson Francesco Amodeo brought the business to D.C. in the fall of 2012,” Marloff explains. Go for a tasting, stay for a cocktail at the distillery’s Bar Sirenis, and bring a bottle home for yourself and your loved ones.

News & Events

• Hanukkah starts Dec. 7 and the DMV is rife with Best of D.C. winners, runners-ups, and finalists offering special menus for the holiday. Get your latkes, babkas, and dreidel (pops)!
• Expectations are high for Best Streatery finalist Lulu’s Winegarden. But their holiday garden certainly satisfies. Throughout December, they’re serving up cozy drinks and festive bites under the string lights. 
• Tragedy struck for plant lovers in the District when Little Leaf closed this fall. But their sister shop Salt & Sundry is holding a holiday pop up in the space. The 1401 S St. NW. shop is open through December.
• The DC Public Library’s Georgetown branch holds a used books sale Dec. 9 and 10, hosted by the Georgetown Library Friends. Peruse books for gifting or for yourself! If they’re used, your tableside stack of unread books can’t judge.
• Tucked beneath its sister spot and Best Afghan Restaurant Lapis, La Pop has opened reservations for its Miracle on Chicken Street, Afghan-Christmas Popup. The lounge will be slinging street style chicken to compliment its Afghan-inspired holiday drinks. 
• Little District Books is popping up with a selection of kids books among other goodies for Pride Day at Imagination Stage in Bethesda on Saturday, Dec. 9. Imagination Stage will be screening A Year With Frog and Toad and LDB has a discount code for tickets!

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW D.C.’S BEST?

Congratulations to WCP readers Ann H., Amy H., and Carrie C. for getting last week’s question correct!

Mitch Ryals has the full story on what prompted Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal to ban the former first lady of D.C., Cora Masters Barry, from every branch of his business.

---

Now, for this week’s trivia question:

The national Christmas tree had a near death experience last week, but was quickly resurrected. Another D.C. tannenbaum made pitiful headlines last year, drawing some snickers when it too took a tumble. But, much like the national tree, its spirit prevailed.

What neighborhood did this tree call home?

a. Mount Pleasant
b. Columbia Heights
c. NoMa
d. Arlington
e. Georgetown

Respond to this email with your guess and you too could win some WCP swag!

Congratulations to City Paper reader Sarah F. for getting the trivia question correct.

Give It Up

With holiday shopping in full swing, we’d be remiss not to mention our 2023 giving guide, produced in partnership with Spur Local. As the end of the year approaches, we want to recognize the local organizations making a real difference in our greater D.C. community.

The dozens of local nonprofits in this year’s giving guide focus on everything from the local environment to LGBTQIA resources, youth education to housing justice.

But these are just a handful of the local organizations working each day to make D.C. a more equitable, healthier, and better place for all residents. As you think about what gift will show your loved ones you care, consider making a donation in their name to show the District that you care. It takes time and community to strengthen the place we work and live, and these organizations are making it happen—especially with your support.

That’s all for this installment. Be sure to check out all of our Best of D.C. winners, runners-up, and finalists here. Plus, the new year is coming quicker than you think—keep an eye out for details on 2024 Best of D.C. voting in the next edition!