With the holidays fast approaching, the time to do your holiday shopping is now. For that hard-to-buy-for loved one or colleague, the gift of Quintessentially is the gift that keeps on giving. Go ahead and surprise them with an extraordinary gift unlike any other and treat yourself at the same time.

For the month of December, if you purchase a Quintessentially Dedicated membership, we will gift you with a complimentary case of mixed Quintessentially Wine or a one-of-a-kind holiday gift basket. All orders placed before December 18 will have a guaranteed delivery date no later than December 24.

Please contact membership@quintessentially.com for more information.

The Alloy Theater Company will present a stunning recreation of one of the most amazing classical menus ever created, featuring the most decadent tastes from late 19th century Paris, and immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film Babette’s Feast, at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned Per Se restaurant. Taking place on Friday, January 9 at Per Se (10 Columbus Circle), Keller’s interpretation of the exquisite feast will feature such dishes as Blinis Demidoff (buckwheat cakes with caviar) paired with vintage Veuve Cliquot, and Cailles en Sarcophage (tender quail stuffed with foie gras and encased in a puff pastry shell over a pool of black truffles) paired with Vintage Clos de Vougeot.

The evening will kick off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6pm, followed by a screening of the iconic Danish/French film, and the exquisitely sensuous feast. Tickets cost USD 3,500 each or USD 6,000 for a table for two, and Quintessentially members receive a 20% discount on individual tickets, or a 10% discount on a pair of tickets. Proceeds will benefit the Alloy Theater Company, a new non-profit theater company currently in its first season.

Spaces are limited. E-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com to attend this once-in-a-lifetime feast.

Bonobos is revolutionizing the way men shop for pants, offering a full line of stylish trousers with an innovative cut, designed to accommodate a more athletic build while also providing a tailored and streamlined profile. The new, premium apparel company offers “awesome fitting trousers” in everything from corduroy and soft cotton twills to ultra premium wool and pure cashmere, sold directly from Bonobos to the consumer via their website.

Say goodbye to standing in long lines and waiting for sales, and enjoy a fantastic customer experience with direct distribution saving you loads of time and money, and a super stylish, perfectly-fitting pair of pants. An excellent return policy allows for free returns any time and for any reason, but you’ll want to keep your Bonobos forever.

Quintessentially members receive a generous 20% discount on all Bonobos merchandise on Bonobos.com, as well as complimentary shipping. E-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com to learn more.

Quintessentially members are invited to join in a day of luxury with CORE: club and Dunhill on Thursday, December 18. This unique day of luxury will take place at CORE: club (66 East 55th St.) from 11am-9pm, bringing you exclusive access to a holiday shopping, film, and culinary experience. Select reservations will offer the opportunity to enjoy and purchase vintage Dunhill collectibles, photos, limited-edition merchandise, and one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays. Guests will also enjoy complimentary shoe-shines and mini salon services provided by Paul Labrecque Spa and Salon at CORE:.

Please e-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com to make your reservation.

Quintessentially members are invited to join accessories designer Malini Murjani and founder of Lingerie Miami, Renata M. Black, to preview Murjani’s latest collection on Thursday, December 11. Join an elite group aboard the Sioux Empress boat at Monty’s South Beach Marina (300 Alton Rd.), and enjoy champagne courtesy of Moet & Chandon from 6-8pm, whilst previewing Murjani’s chic handbags, belts, and upscale accessories. E-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com to RSVP.

Graced by white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters, Guerlain Spa at The Regent Bal Harbour (10295 Collins Ave.) boasts 15 luxe treatment suites with breathtaking views of the Haulover Inlet and Atlantic Ocean. Occupying 10,000 square feet of pristine, state-of-the-art luxury, Guerlain Spa delivers five-star beauty and well-being treatments including personalized facials, hydrotherapy, massage, intensive hand and foot therapies, and transforming day experience packages.

Quintessentially members receive a complimentary 30-minute upgrade on any service at this first-rate spa (i.e. if you book a 60-minute service, you will be upgraded to a 90-minute service, or if you book a 90-minute service you will be upgraded to a 120-minute service).

Please e-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com to make a booking.

The Avalon Hotel (9400 West Olympic Blvd.) is a Kor Hotel Group property, offering a refined, unique Beverly Hills hotel experience. Distinguished by its novel physical space, this sophisticated hideaway is set around a dramatic pool terrace with private cabanas and the highly-acclaimed blue on blue restaurant - all just steps away from the finest boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Avalon Beverly Hills also offers ultra-stylish accommodations, featuring custom-designed furnishings and artwork, platform beds with designer Italian linens, and luxurious amenities such as Molton Brown toiletries.

Quintessentially members receive preferential rates. Please e-mail askqusa@quintessentially.com for reservations.

Designed by the creators of the world-famous Athletes’ Performance Institutes – the elite training centers that support top athletes from around the world – comes the most comprehensive and holistic training experience for top performers. Now the same systems and specialists that train the top performers in the NFL, NBA, World Cup, and MLB are available to Quintessentially members, with the grand opening of the first-ever Core Performance Center (2020 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica). Start with a complete movement and nutrition assessment, and enjoy a customized training program reflecting your own unique needs, and realize your body’s maximum potential.

Quintessentially members receive special add-ons with the purchase of multiple session packages (i.e. receive five complimentary sessions with the purchase of 25 sessions, seven complimentary sessions with the purchase of 50 sessions, and so on).

For more information and to purchase a package and begin training, contact askqusa@quintessentially.com.

Celebrate the holiday season with Quintessentially and join us for a private holiday cocktail event at the Elizabeth Charles boutique (2056 Fillmore St.) from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 11. Sip cocktails, shop an exquisite selection of cutting-edge fashions from high-end designers from Australia and New Zealand, and experience Wode by Boudicca, the new unisex fragrance that goes on as a visible cobalt blue paint, and gradually disappears, exclusively from the British fashion house of Boudicca.

Please contact rsvpqsf@quintessentially.com to RSVP to this private cocktail and fashion event.

Quintessentially members are invited to attend a fabulous evening of couture, sparkling jewels, and fine wine at the Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences (690 Market St.) on Tuesday, December 16. Hosted by the First Lady of San Francisco Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the S.H. Silver Company, this evening of “Candy Jewels at the Ritz” will feature a preview of S.H. Silver’s Holiday Candy Jewels collection, displayed on models outfitted in couture creations by Lili Samii. Guests will also be treated to a rare glimpse of the 104-carat Great Chrysanthemum Diamond. Enjoy cocktails and wine from 6-9pm, and treat yourself to some jewels for the holiday season from the renowned purveyor of rare estate and fine jewelry.

E-mail rsvpqsf@quintessentially.com to RSVP.

Ring in 2009 at the 7th Annual New Year’s Ball at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel (450 Powell St.) on Wednesday, December 31. This elegant and intimate affair will feature passed hors d’oeuvres, a top shelf open bar from 9pm-2am, superior service, and DJ David Carvalho carrying the party into 2009.

Tickets cost USD 150 apiece, and Quintessentially has secured a limited number of tickets to attend this nearly sold-out event. E-mail rsvpqsf@quintessentially.com to RSVP.

This unique duplex housed in the West Chelsea Arts District's most extraordinary new building, 200 Eleventh Avenue, sets a new standard for Manhattan living. Drive your car into an elevator that whisks you up to the En Suite Sky Garage adjoining the apartment. The 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home features protected park, Hudson River, and skyline views, a 24-foot ceiling height in the living room, and extensive custom designed finishes throughout, including teak floors and central air-conditioning.

The building was designed by Annabelle Selldorf and is extremely discreet, with a 24 hour attended lobby and private workout room. Comprising a mere 15 units and with no commercial entity on the ground floor, the building is clad in sculptural stainless steel, and is certain to become Manhattan's most prolific new landmark upon delivery in Spring 2009.

For all inquiries, please e-mail info@quintessentiallyestates.com.

With the holidays just a few weeks away, Quintessentially Escape can provide the most unique wining and dining experience for those you wish to spoil. Enjoy a delicious meal enhanced by artist performances for up to 15 people, all while being blindfolded. This could an exceptionally exciting and different idea for your office holiday party as well.

In this ultimate dining experience, you will delight in a luxurious artist-created sensory feast served to blindfolded diners. As you are gently guided to a private dining room and seated, a luscious four-course meal with wine pairings awaits you. Artist performances and other sensory delights weave throughout this divine, bespoke evening.

For further information and price details, please contact Kiana Bahadorzadeh on kiana@quintessentiallyescape.com or call +1 (646) 607-5749.

E-mail ticketsusa@quintessentially.com for premium tickets to the biggest concerts, shows, and sporting events of the year.

Britney Spears
March 7 @ American Airlines Arena, Miami
March 11 @ Nassau Coliseum, New York
March 13 @ Prudential Center, New Jersey
March 16 @ TD Banknorth Garden, Boston
March 24 @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC
April 16, 17 @ Staples Center, Los Angeles
April 25 @ MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Z100’s Jingle Ball 2008 featuring Kanye West, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Paramore, Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, Lady Gaga and many more
December 12 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

The Killers
December 12 @ The Warfield, San Francisco
January 25 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

My Morning Jacket
December 31 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

Kings of Leon
January 29 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC

Liza Minnelli
December 12-14 @ Palace Theatre, NYC

Super Bowl XXLII
February 1 @ Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Now thru December 30 @ Radio City Music Hall, NYC

Cirque Du Soliel’s Wintuk
Now thru January 4 @ WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, NYC

The Eldridge is one of the most exclusive new nightlife venues in New York City, playing host to the A-list ever since it first opened in September 2008. With just 13 tables and glamorous interiors, featuring such luxurious touches as gold-fleck floors and a wall of Armand de Brignac champagne bottles, this club also boasts exquisite cocktails and exceptional personalized service. Quintessentially members receive priority table reservations. Visit Benefits/Nightlife/US/New York - The Eldridge to learn more.

Quintessentially members receive 10% off any service or package on first visits to Service Station Barber & Body, a Los Angeles full service “garage” for men. Offering the very best in personal grooming and stress relief, this unique men’s salon offers personal maintenance with a classic attitude and a masculine approach. Go to Benefits/Health and Beauty/US/Los Angeles - Service Station Barber and Body for details.