Boston Ballet
The 50th season launched with a bang—including a bang-up London tour that deserved every "favourable" review it received. The company then gave Boston a free "Night of Stars" gala on the Common. At the Opera House, it looked equally at home in the classical Cinderella, George Balanchine’s neoclassical Jewels, and Jirí Kylián’s quirky Bella Figura. Capping off the season this past June with a traveling tour to Washington and New York, the Boston Ballet is solidly placed as one of the top five companies in the U.S. bostonballet.org.
ARTcetera
The "it" gala for art-loving philanthropists, this biennial soiree features a timed silent auction of contemporary art, with price points starting at a mere $150 and a few coveted beauties breaking the five-digit barrier. All in all, the bash raises roughly $700,000 for the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Naturally, the objets d’art aren’t the only sculpted visions to behold at this black-tie fete, where aspiring arts-world sensations schmooze and booze their way amid the dandy and gadabout crowd. aac.org/artcetera.
Life Alive
We’d argue that the trend in vegetarian cuisine toward creating foodstuffs that " taste and look just like meat" is a misguided principle. What self-respecting herbivore wants to eat oil-laden faux beef? Life Alive eschews such questionable ingredients, instead showcasing organic produce and grains in concoctions like the " Swami," a sweet-and-salty bowl of tamari almonds, raisins, and a heap of veggies, all doused in sweet curry-miso sauce. Made-to-order juices and smoothies round out the wholesome menu. 765 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; and other locations, lifealive.com.
Bloomingdale's
Outfitting your postmarital life is no small feat, so finding everything you need in one place and getting sage advice certainly helps. Bloomie's consultants deftly provide estimates and mix-and-match services to help you build a highly personalized wish list. Table setups let you see just how that Waterford looks with the Villeroy & Boch flatware, and if you decide you want the Baccarat instead, swaps are a cinch. 225 Boylston St., Newton, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Classic Tuxedo
While brides spend hours hemming and hawing over lace and tulle, most guys just want a smart-looking tux that requires as little fuss as possible. Classic Tuxedo offers a comprehensive online catalog of suiting by Calvin Klein, Jean Yves, and Ralph Lauren, so grooms can narrow down the choices before trekking to the store. And once they do come in, fittings and alterations are a snap. 223 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Unique Events
It's your wedding and all you got was this lousy, rubbery chicken. Make your special day special by hiring Boston Unique Events. Owner Susan Callender puts together wedding menus with a chef s eye, and her seasonal dishes lemon-marinated grilled scallops, warm pumpkin-ginger bisque, seafood crêpes with thyme cream made with fresh ingredients and plated with a subtle flair, ensure the food looks as good as you do. 498 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA bostonuniqueevents.com.
Katrina Hess
Makeup savant Katrina Hess gives brides a glow so natural they seem lit from within. We'd guess it was magic, but Hess will also provide tips to help you re-create the look at home. And she doesn't tout just one particular line: She blends high-quality products such as Chanel, Laura Mercier, and Shu Uemura to find what works best with your coloring and skin type. 105 Newbury St., Boston, MA katrinahess.com.
Bloomingdale's
Outfitting your postmarital life is no small feat, so finding everything you need in one place and getting sage advice certainly helps. Bloomie's consultants deftly provide estimates and mix-and-match services to help you build a highly personalized wish list. Table setups let you see just how that Waterford looks with the Villeroy & Boch flatware, and if you decide you want the Baccarat instead, swaps are a cinch. 225 Boylston St., Newton, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Linda's Critter Corral
Linda Katz and crew have been pampering four-legged friends on the North Shore for more than 20 years. And when we say pampering, we mean it: In addition to standard grooming services, Linda's offers aromatherapy treatments and a Bathing Beauty power wash that gives your pet a massage while it cleans. Fido has never looked (or felt) so good. 73 Bessom St., Lynn, MA 1902, lindascrittercorral.com.
Mellie Hair Design
We love a salon with cushy sofas and lemon water, but those details mean nothing if the stylists aren't hair-care experts. Most Mellie employees have 10-plus years of experience — but more important, we left feeling fab after a stylist turned our awkward layers into a look we couldn't wait to debut. 376 Granite Ave., Milton, MA 2186, melliehairsalon.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Who says northerners can't do 'cue? Here everything's cooked low and slow over oak and hickory hardwoods, resulting in unbelievably tender smokehouse meats — from the North Carolina pulled pork and the Texas beef brisket to the absolutely addictive Kansas City burnt ends. The hearty sides are also top-notch — just be sure to save room for a slice of the blue-ribbon-worthy pecan pie. 1375 Washington St., West Newton, MA 2465, blueribbonbbq.com.
Ana Hernandez Bridal Salon
Ana Hernandez understands women who dream about The Dress. Princess-worthy ball gowns, simple sheaths, lace pantsuits…her line of custom options has something to bewitch almost any bride. And she lets you be as much of a bridezilla as you please, adding sleeves if you want to keep your triceps under wraps, say, or swapping out fabrics if you decide, a few fittings in, that you really do look more fetching in ivory than white. 165 Newbury St., Boston, MA anahernandezbridal.com.
Middlesex Lounge
The vibe, the feel—that's what you're looking for when you're with friends and dressed for a Night Out. It's also what the Middlesex does best. The intimate space is minimalist sublimity, with low-slung lights casting shadows in exactly the right way. Music is spun by DJs who bump everything from French pop to roots reggae. The signature touch: the lounge's benches on wheels, which allow you and yours to create a personal alcove. 315 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA middlesexlounge.com.
Rugg Road Paper Company
Those looking to tear things up at their next soiree would do well to hit this paper-goods purveyor first. The Beacon Hill shop is packed with party-throwing and -going essentials: irresistible invites, stylish gift wrap, gracious thank-yous. For non-shindig-related business, there's stationery in an assortment of styles and a cache of embossing powder and stamps. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, ruggroadpaper.com.
Stellabella Toys
Toys that don't require multiple batteries or power cords took a hit after the advent of the Xbox. But Stellabella has brought them back in the form of high-quality educational games and perennial favorites by Playmobil and Lego. Check out the back room for play groups where the staff leads community sing-alongs in the spirit of old-school, er, preschool, fun. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, stellabellatoys.com.