Solstice

december

It’s time for joy and time for cheer! If you looking for ideas to cherish the dear ones in your life, may we suggest….

Advent — one of our favorite traditions is following the Advent calendar with artist Anna Brones - 24 days of making, doing and being. While it’s fun to give gifts and indulge around the table, this calendar (available in print or digitally) provides a respite from consumerism and stress.

Festive libations - treat your friends to a curated cocktail kit from Fast Penny Spirits Bottle House in Ballard, stock up on aged egg nog at the Velvet Elk in Mount Baker, or meet up for wine tastings at the Bottlehouse in Madrona to find the perfect pairing for special dinners. Don’t forget your sober pals with herbaceous alcohol-free elixirs at Sugarpill Apothecary on Capitol Hill.

Have a downtown adventure! Begin your journey at the Seattle Art Museum to catch the new Imogen Cunningham retrospective, be sure to swing by the SAM shop for unique gifts for creative spirits. Take a walk to Pacific Place to visit the marvelous Orcas Paley, packed full of tasteful beauty and wonders. It’s just a quick walk over the skybridge to visit hometown favorite Nordstrom (need a Kraken cap? bottle of Le Labo?). Next, head to the Pike Place Market with a visit to the charming Fini and Watson Kennedy for the best accessories for oneself or home, and DeLaurenti for the cheese counter and epic gift bags. End your afternoon with happy hour at Ben Paris in the State Hotel. Take note and swoon over the custom Kate Blairstone wallpaper on every floor, dreamy!

Stock the larder with a visit to the Winter Market at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm December 10th and 11th, order the best fruit and local goods direct from Collins Family Orchards, or the sure to please bean and spice collections from Rancho Gordo.

Laughs — does it get better than Jim Gaffigan for a week????

Carols — Pack the thermos, don the parka and head down to the water to catch the Argosy Christmas ships, all over the city, all month long. Fa la la la la.

Art — Equinox Studios’ Very Open House is back on December 11th … so much more than an art show. Art Attack fun is happening throughout Georgetown that day (and month) with a plethora of amazing things to see including Susan Wheeler Home, Kirk Albert, the Side Rail Collective, Housewright, studio e gallery and fantastic food as well.

Bonsai Solstice at the Pacific Bonsai Museum December 18th - the one chance all year to enjoy the collection by twinkle light at night.

May your days be merry and bright, happy holidays!