This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Causeway Card Show | 10 a.m. | Big Night Live | $7 | Buy, sell + trade all sorts of hobby cards.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens | 3 p.m. | TD Garden | $150+ | This Centennial Game marks the 100th anniversary of the Bruins’ first game on Dec. 1, 1924 against the Montreal Maroons.
Monday, Dec. 2
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat | 7:30 p.m. | TD Garden | $80+ | The Celtics always keep it cool on the court — even against the Heat.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Christina Tosi: “Bake Club” | 6-7 p.m. | The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge | $12+ | The Milk Bar owner and TV personality discusses her new book featuring 100+ easy, sweet, and savory recipes.
“Six: The Musical” | Through Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | Emerson Colonial Theatre | $103+ | Don’t miss the Boston run of this Tony Award-winning Broadway production — known for its unforgettable songs — that follows the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
“The Nutcracker” | Through Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | Citizens Bank Opera House | $70+ | Boston Ballet presents its enchanting rendition of the classic holiday tale.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Cultural Survival Bazaar | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Prudential Center Belvidere Arcade | Free | Enjoy live performances while shopping for handmade crafts + goods from Indigenous artists.
Light Up Seaport | 5-9 p.m. | Seaport Common, Boston | Free | Celebrate the season with festive music and the 8th annual lighting of the tree.
Monday, Dec. 16
Boston Tea Party 251st Anniversary Commemoration | 6:15-7:30 p.m. | Old South Meeting House | $20-$40 | Experience a world-class reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People at the Old South Meeting House. Use code BOSBTP24 to save 20% on tickets.*
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30+ volunteer opportunities in Boston? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Shop
Sunday, Dec. 1 is Secondhand Sunday. Created by secondhand marketplace seller Poshmark, the day encourages shoppers to purchase pre-owned items for gifting like records, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. In case you need vintage store inspo, we have the perfect guide for you.
Number
$8.75. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at Logan Airport — No. 26 among beer prices across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board. (Financebuzz.com)
Wellness
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch at Coolidge Yoga would feel. Find your flow at these Boston yoga studios.
Eat
Psst… This not-so-secret secret society has the inside scoop on all things dining in The Fenway neighborhood — and you’re invited to join. Subscribe to their free newsletter to be one of the first to know about top experiences, delicious deals, off-menu items, and more.*
Plan Ahead
Get into the holiday spirit with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” running Tuesday, Dec. 10-Monday, Dec. 23 at the Boch Center. Featuring classics like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” this lively show for all ages brings Dr. Seuss’ beloved story to life. Snag tix.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Home
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 68,000+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how BOStoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
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Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
Cyber Monday came early: Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Treat your husband, kid, or favorite golfing buddy to the quality and craftsmanship Harlestons is known for, from the lightweight performance polos to the stylish layering pieces, wearable throughout every season. (Plus, free shipping and free exchanges on every order.)
Bonus: Spend $150+ to get a free mystery polo, or spend $300+ to get a free mystery pullover.
The Half Cookie gets a whole lot of love from Boston. | Photo via @thehalfcookie
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year (or really, shop local year-round), try these small businesses recommended by BOStoday followers:
The Half Cookie | The fresh-baked cookies are where it’s at — and you can order gift boxes that are ready to ship. According to @jaclosi17, “You are missing out if you haven’t had the cookies yet.”
Tiny Turns Paperie | Shop cards, gifts, and small goodies at this boutique stationary shop at Bow Market in Somerville. Check out Bow Market’s Small Business Saturday Maker Market on Nov. 30.
Bos. Shop South End | The gift selections at this local shop are perfectly curated, every time.
Junebug Charlestown + Place & Gather | According to @alwaysabostonian, this set of sister shops in Charlestown “are adorable and managed by a passionate and creative owner and a lovely team!”
Cannonball Cafe | The menu offers dine-in and grab + go options, and the cafe hosts events like clay mug-making classes.
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
The Buy
The Buy
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
New seasonal pop-up alert. The Winter Market — a winter wonderland inspired by a European Christmas market — will arrive at Publico on Friday, Dec. 6 and stick around through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Tucked away in the restaurant’s interior garden atrium, the experience will feature festive lights, a 16-ft tree, and a seasonal menu. Make reservations to snag a seat the pop-up; standing room is available after 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
