Charles Webb Classic Modern Furniture
Architect Charles Webb has rescued such old standbys as the wing and Windsor chair from historic cliché by reimagining their lines with a contemporary grace. The bedroom, living room, and dining suites on display in his showroom prove that classical form and modernist function are not mutually exclusive. Webb draws on the lean examples of Scandinavian modern, Shaker, and Frank Lloyd Wright, but the plushest piece has local roots: Webb's down-and-feather-stuffed Cambridge sofa was created by Ben Thompson and first sold at the legendary Design Research. 6 Story St., Cambridge, MA .
Room & Board
Photograph via Room & Board American made is Minneapolis-based Room & Board’s calling card, which is why we were thrilled when the company opened a showroom on Newbury Street last year. Its five floors brim with instant classics such as Hess leather sofas made in Texas, Marcel wingback chairs made in North Carolina, and walnut Chilton dining tables from Vermont. 375 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, roomandboard.com.
Loring Hall Cinema
Hingham’s Loring Hall Cinema offers a taste of Americana to go with your movie-theater popcorn. / Photograph by Jared Kuzia No modern frills at this decades-old theater, just good old-fashioned movie-going fun. A spot in the balcony will give you the stadium height you’re used to in more-modern auditoriums, but with a bonus taste of nostalgia. 65 Main St., Hingham, MA 02043, patriotcinemas.com.
Abodeon
Sure, you could pick out a nice blender from the registry. But for a more original present, hit up Abodeon. The store's vintage and modern furniture and home accessories will outshine and outlast any kitchen appliance. Choose a set of '70s-era martini glasses for your bon vivant of an uncle, a bamboo magazine rack for your big sister, or go for broke with a Danish modern table you'll inevitably decide to keep for yourself. 1731 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, abodeon.com.
Crossing Main
We're calling time: The Complete Jane Austen is off the air—even the reruns, sniff!—so let's all quit swooning over empire waists and velvet pelisses, and remember how much appeal, and how few petticoats, modern-day garments have. A trip to the always-current Crossing Main (which also has locations in Marblehead and Wellesley) does it for us. Load up on snappily constructed jackets by Pink Tartan—which will set off that ethnic-inspired Plenty by Tracy Reese blouse—which will funk up those Genetic jeans. If frocks are required, there's Vera Wang's Lavender Label and a host of other modern gowns ideal for bewitching 21st-century Mr. Darcys. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, .
The Lane Collection, Exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts
A superb gathering of modern American paintings from the twenties, thirties, and forties.
Fenton Hollander, Who's Responsible for Both Water Music and the Jazz at the Copley Series
He brought the Modern Jazz Quartet back to Boston.
Hermitage
Classic Russian cuisine amid the best modern-art exhibits in the city. Dinner is both pricey and erratic, though. 955 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Le Beau Geste
Ex-student Robert Platner has managed to avoid the exorbitant prices that plague other Modern Gourmetites. And he has retained the quality. 147 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Bloomingdale's
Enjoy the selection—from the classical quality of Baker to the stark modernism of Jay Spectre; and the style—the four separate showrooms show off the talents of the store's designers. the Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA .
Tadpole
COURTESY PHOTO Forgo the soulless online registry in favor of this family-owned baby wonderland, where a turquoise door leads to all the quirky cotton onesies, ultra-modern cribs, and baby carriers your little angel will ever need. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA shoptadpole.com.
Cafe Celador
A charming little neighborhood find, where chef Patrick Noe parlays his Perpignan roots into an authentic, inventive melange of the sunny cuisine of southern France, fresh ingredients, and a modern sense of style. 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA .
Ardan Medspa + Salon
Even the most basic facial at this Wellesley medspa is top-notch. Descend the staircase to find a clean, modern oasis (glittering mosaic tiles and Ghost chairs in the waiting area) and restorative treatments featuring Organic Elements products. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA ardanspa.com.
Ciro & Sal's
It used to house a Howard Johnson's. Now it's gourmet Italian for Provincetown refugees (and anyone else who appreciates fine modern art and an attractive setting, and who has the patience to wait out the sometimes agonizingly slow service). 500 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Dr. Detail Car Wash
Most of us do very bad things in our cars, what with the speeding and the cussing and whatnot. Some of us also do very bad things to our cars, leaving them to suffer the indignity of coffee-stained dashes and trash-strewn floors. When the situation reaches the Good God, what is that smell? stage, it's time to pay a visit to Dr. Detail. At its three local mall-garage setups (bonus: shop while you wait) and flagship operation in Walpole (bonus: spot a Patriot), this auto aesthetician offers a decent hand-wash and vacuum for 30 bucks. But book a full detail, starting at about $160, and the guys will buff, shampoo, and vacuum away every last vestige of your sins. Consider it an exorcism, with new-car smell. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, .