a&e features
Sasha Velour on her current tour, ‘Drag Race’ successors, life on the road and more
Season nine champ takes the road less traveled with solo show ‘Smoke & Mirrors’
Sasha Velour’s Smoke & Mirrors
Monday, Nov. 11
8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre
1215 U St., N.W.
$35-12
Package tours of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni are thriving with various lineups as the show’s popularity continues to soar. The “Werq the World Tour,” for example, which played D.C. two weeks ago, features winners of three past seasons: Yvie Oddly (season 11), Aquaria (season 10) and Violet Chachki (season seven).
But Sasha Velour, the season nine winner who identifies as genderqueer, is staking out her own path. Her one-queen show “Smoke & Mirrors” plays Washington Monday night and continues through Nov. 30. She spoke to the Blade Tuesday by phone from Kansas City, Mo. Velour’s comments have been slightly edited for length.
WASHINGTON BLADE: How’s the tour going?
SASHA VELOUR: Oh my gosh, it’s going amazing. The last show we did in Chicago was sold out, packed with local drag artists and the performances themselves have just been going so well, we’re thrilled.
BLADE: Does (partner) Johnny (Velour) travel with you?
VELOUR: Yes. I mean Johnny is kind of an important part of the show. He presses all the buttons that keep the multi-media aspect running well … and we’re traveling with our dog throughout the country and beyond so it’s good to have a little downtime together.
BLADE: Are audiences different? Do you sense any difference between a Texas audience vs. Pittsburgh, for instance?
VELOUR: Um, it’s slight differences but actually mostly I’m shocked by being in places I would never have thought of as queer friendly and looking out and seeing hundreds of people standing, screaming for drag expression. It gives me a lot of hope that there’s so many like-minded audiences throughout the world that are, like, accepting of people however we want to express our gender as long as we’re doing it over the top beautifully, spectacularly, I think that’s kind of the unifying thing is that it feels like we built a little alternate world over the course of one “Smoke & Mirrors” performance. and everyone comes in and by the end if just feels like people are overflowing with feelings. It has that community vibe.
BLADE: But have you felt you had to win them over a bit more in some markets or anything like that?
VELOUR: No, not at all.
BLADE: Do you like the execution/performance or the design/planning of a show better?
VELOUR: I enjoy them both. I’ve always been a planing queen. I used to plan these epic performances that were taking place in dive bars while I was on my commute every morning on the subway to and from work. And then have no rehearsal and bring it to life in the moment, and now we get a little bit more of a full creative process now, we get rehearsal time, I’ve been able to workshop this show for almost a year. So it’s a different style now, the planning process if over and I get to fine tune the performance which is a real privilege. With drag performers, so often we’re doing a pop-up performance and then on to the next thing. SO it’s been really great to be able to be so careful with my own art work and I feel like I’m better technically at a lot of things than I was when I started doing drag. It’s nice to see that change.
BLADE: What’s the biggest logistical hurdle of touring this show?
VELOUR: Honestly caring for the costumes and wigs. It’s 13 different performances and somehow, even though I barely step off stage, there’s a different look for every number, I designed a different world for every number. The scenery changes with a projector so that’s easy, all you need is a computer, but for the costumes and the wigs, half of the things are white velvet which is one of the hardest to take care of, but it projects onto beautifully which is such an important part of the show so thankfully I have a fabulous person traveling with me Monica helping me (with) things, helping me spray seven different wigs, and is backstage helping me in the real act of “Smoke & Mirrors” which happens in the wings of the theater as we rip clothes off me, put them back on, dab sweat off the back of my ears, that’s the real magic trick, keeps us on our toes.
BLADE: Do you have duplicates? How do you keep stuff from getting sweaty and gross when you’re traveling?
VELOUR: I have one body suit, I wear against my skin for about half the show, I just have a duplicate of that finally so I can switch them in and out. I actually like washing my costumes myself. I have a particular way that I do it where I let them soak in different little bowls around my hotel room so I’ll do that every time we have a day off, my biggest classic costume trick is you gotta spray everything with vodka immediately after walking off stage. It sounds like a great party trick, it’s helpful to have a little spray bottle of vodka near you when you’re performing in drag too because one for the costumes, two for the mouth and that sanitizes, keeps things smelling fresh and clean. It’s an amazing wardrobe trick.
BLADE: Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on the “Drag Race” post-show experience by touring solo? So many of the queens tour together, they go back for “All Stars.” Do you ever feel out of the loop?
VELOUR: It’s complicated. I really enjoy, I do miss getting to travel with other drag artists. It’s something that other people who’ve been through this crazy experience of RuPaul’s Drag Race do have in common that makes it nice to travel together, share experiences and horror stories and fantasies and all of the above, but it’s been a pleasure getting to be the lead producer on this project and even though it really means I have to be a lot more serious than I used to be about drag, it’s ultimately a really, really good thing. I’m just able to customize the stage show for my specific way of performing and learning how to do that and how to pull all those strings behind the scenes, that often, that information is sometimes kept from the drag performers themselves or we have to learn it the hard way, but hopefully those are skills that I can continue to use and share with other people.
BLADE: Does Nightgowns (Velour’s monthly New York show) go on hiatus when you’re on tour?
VELOUR: Yes. We used to fly back and put it together in a single day and recently Nightgowns has gotten so ambitious and complicated in itself that we’re tying to do more select shows throughout the year rather than a monthly pop-up. It’s getting a little unsustainable but I’m excited to return to it.
BLADE: Did your recent staph infection, surgery and the recovery process give you any existential crisis? What did you think about during your recovery period?
VELOUR: That’s an existential crisis I have every day. (laughs) I’m mostly kidding. Yeah, it was it put a lot of things into perspective. A reminder of things that I have taken for granted in my life and health and a support system, for the most pressing things cannot be something that you take for granted. Focused on art and career and fame and Instagram followers — none of that really matters in the long run. Health and thriving and family does and I feel like I’m trying to find a balance. In an ideal world, those worlds support each other, that’s what I’m trying to get.
BLADE: Did you watch seasons 10 and 11 of “Drag Race”?
VELOUR: I love “Drag Race” so I always follow it. Sometimes all the work room talking is a little much for me. I remember too well so I can piece apart how it’s constructed and it drives me crazy, so I often just get to the best part which is the challenge on the runways, that’s my favorite half hour.
BLADE: Are Aquaria and Yvie worthy successors to you?
VELOUR: Absolutely. I think they’re both so interesting. It’s exciting to see. “Drag Race” is just so big, the audience is so huge, it’s great to see other how many people can benefit from this phenomenon. It’s never just the winner. I know this myself — it’s really all about what you do with the opportunity. So many people, esp. the people who go far on the show, get asked … the opportunity that is so rare, such a privilege in the world of drag. I’m always curious to see what people do with it. That’s ultimately what I look for, not how they do on the show but what they do after.
BLADE: Do you ever see RuPaul? I know he’s busy with a million different projects, but has he ever reached out since you were on and offered any affirmation?
VELOUR: Oh my gosh, it’s so funny, I actually had a very beautiful run in with RuPaul on the street about a year ago in Los Angles and I just ran into traffic to see RuPaul and we just had such a nice conversation, just away from the cameras and away from all the phenomenon, I just really thanked him for this huge opportunity and I tried to tell him about how I tried to really follow in his footsteps and continue to kind of spread the good word of drag in all these communities so it was a really nice moment.
BLADE: Did he say anything nice or act like he was glad to see you?
VELOUR: Yes, absolutely. It was funny. I had on really really tall shoes, like giant platform sneakers so I was pretty much the same height as him for the first time than we had ever previously been. I’m significantly shorter than him, so he was like very impressed with my height.
BLADE: There was a lot of drama on your season with Valentina, Farrah Moan, Aja, Nina and others. That reunion was especially bitchy. Did you ever feel you were being sucked into any of that?
VELOUR: We had a funny combination of people of different ages on our season so there was kind of like the 23 group, that had their own style of dealing with the stress of the competition, and the early 30s group that had our own way of doing it. So I think it was more natural personalities and experience kind of put us in those different categories. I love those girls and I love being around other drag performers and even when they start acting dramatic and have problems with each other it’s all part of the work.
BLADE: What are your plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
VELOUR: Thanksgiving, our plans are not totally set. It’s right in the middle of the tour, so we might end up having a dinner with the entire crew which is our sort of family on the road. Once it reaches December, Johnny and I are gonna like crawl into a cave and disappear. To recover from this incredible journey.
a&e features
Looking back at the 10 biggest A&E stories of 2025
‘Wicked,’ Lady Gaga’s new era, ‘Sexy’ Bailey and more
Although 2025 was a year marked by countless attacks on trans rights and political setbacks, the year also saw brilliant queer artists continuing to create art. From Cannes and Sundance Award winners now vying for Oscar consideration to pop icons entering new stages of their careers, queer people persevered to tell their stories through different media.
With the state of the world so uncertain, perhaps there’s no more vital time to celebrate our wins, as seen through some of this year’s top pop culture moments. While there’s no collection of 10 stories that fully encompass “the most important” news, here are some events that got the gays going:
10. ‘Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ wins big at Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival has become a crucial start for films hoping to make their way to the Oscars, and first-time director Diego Céspedes won the top Un Certain Regard prize for his intimate western “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo.” The film is set in the ‘80s and is intended as an allegory for the AIDS epidemic. Seeing a film that unpacks vital queer history win one of the most coveted awards at Cannes has been a huge point of pride in the independent filmmaking community.
Since the film bowed at Cannes, it has been selected as Chile’s Oscar entry in the Best International Feature race. Speaking with The Blade during the film’s AFI Fest run in October, Céspedes said: At first, I was kind of scared to have this campaign position in the times that we’re living [in] here. But at the same time, I think the Oscars mean a huge platform — a huge platform for art and politics.”
9. ‘The Last of Us’ returns for an even gayer season 2
While the first season of The Last of Us gave us one of TV’s most heartbreaking queer love stories in the episode “Long, Long Time,” Season 2 doubled down on its commitment to queer storytelling with the blossoming relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced). The show expanded on the pair’s relationship in the original video game, making it perhaps the central dynamic to the entire season. That unfortunately came with more homophobic backlash on the internet, but those who checked out all the episodes saw a tender relationship form amid the show’s post-apocalyptic, often violent backdrop. For their performance, Ramsey was once again nominated for an Emmy, but Merced deserved just as much awards attention.
8. ‘Emilia Pérez’ sparks controversy
Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending trans musical “Emilia Pérez” proved to be an awards season juggernaut this time last year, winning the Golden Globe for Best Musical/Comedy. But when the lead star Karla Sofia Gascón’s racist, sexist, and homophobic old tweets resurfaced, the film’s Oscar campaign became a tough sell, especially after Netflix had tried so hard to sell Emilia Pérez as the “progressive” film to vote for. Mind you, the film had already received significant backlash from LGBTQ+ audiences and the Mexican community for its stereotypical and reductive portrayals, but the Gascón controversy made what was originally just social media backlash impossible to ignore. The only person who seemed to come out of the whole debacle unscathed was Zoe Saldaña, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress over Ariana Grande.
7. ‘Sorry, Baby’ establishes Eva Victor as major talent
Back in January at the Sundance Film Festival, Eva Victor (known by many for her brand of sketch comedy) premiered their directorial debut “Sorry, Baby” to rave reviews, even winning the Waldo Salt Screening Award. Victor shadowed Jane Schoenbrun on the set of “I Saw the TV Glow,” and seeing Victor come into their own and establish such a strong voice immediately made them one of independent cinema’s most exciting new voices. A memorable scene in the film sees the main character, Agnes (played by Victor), struggling to check a box for male or female, just one example of how naturally queerness is woven into the fabric of the story.
Most recently, Victor was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the film, and she’s represented in a category alongside Jennifer Lawrence (“Die My Love”), Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Julia Roberts (“After the Hunt”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”) and Tessa Thompson (“Hedda”). The film also received four Independent Spirit Award nominations overall.
6. Paul Reubens comes out in posthumous doc
While Paul Reubens never publicly came out as gay before passing away in 2023, the two-part documentary “Pee-wee as Himself” premiered back in May on HBO Max, giving the legendary comedian a chance to posthumously open up to the world. Directed by Matt Wolf, the documentary explores how Reubens found his alter ego Pee-Wee Herman and why he kept his private life private.
The documentary won an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category and remains one of the most critically acclaimed titles of the year with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Also worth noting, the National Geographic documentary Sally told the posthumous coming out story of Sally Ride through the help of her long-time partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy.
5. Lady Gaga releases ‘Mayhem’
Lady Gaga entered a new phase of her musical career with the release of Mayhem, her seventh album to date. From the frenzy-inducing pop hit Abracadabra to the memorable Bruno Mars duet featured on “Die With a Smile,” seeing Gaga return to her roots and make an album for the most die-hard of fans was especially rewarding after the underwhelming film releases of “House of Gucci” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Gaga has been touring with The Mayhem Ball since July, her first arena tour since 2018. She even extended her tour into 2026 with more North American dates, so the party isn’t stopping anytime soon. And Gaga is even set to make an appearance next May in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
4. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande perform at the Oscars
While “Wicked: For Good” didn’t quite reach the heights of the first film, we will forever have Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s breathtaking live performance that opened the 97th Academy Awards. The pair sang a rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” “Home,” and “Defying Gravity,” paying proper homage to the original 1939 “Wizard of Oz.” Even non-Wicked fans can’t deny how magical and brilliantly staged this performance was. With both Erivo and Grande up for acting Oscars last year, they’re hoping to repeat success and make history with consecutive nominations. Either way, let’s hope there’s another live performance in the making, especially with two new original songs (The Girl in the Bubble and No Place Like Home) in the mix.
3. Indya Moore speaks out against Ryan Murphy
Indya Moore has consistently used social media as a platform for activism, and in September, posted a 30-minute Instagram live speaking out against “Pose” co-creator Ryan Murphy. Moore claimed that Murphy wasn’t being a true activist for trans people. “Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more. You need to address the racism, the violence, and the targeting of people on your productions, Ryan Murphy. You do need to make sure trans people are paid equally. Yes, Janet did the right thing,” Moore said. Murphy was also back in the headlines this year for the critically panned “All’s Fair” and the controversial “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” starring Laurie Metcalf and Charlie Hunnam.
2. Cole Escola wins Tony for Best Leading Actor
Few pop culture moments this year brought us together more than Cole Escola winning a Tony award for “Oh, Mary!” the Broadway show they created, wrote and starred in (we love a triple threat!) Escola made history by becoming the first nonbinary person to win a Tony in the leading actor category, and seeing them excitedly rush to the stage wearing a Bernadette Peters-inspired gown instantly became a viral social media moment.
The cherry on top of Escola’s major moment is the recent news that they are writing a Miss Piggy movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone producing — news that also broke the internet for the better. We cannot wait!
1. Jonathan Bailey makes gay history as ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
The same year as his on-screen roles in blockbusters “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Wicked: For Good,” Jonathan Bailey made history as the first openly gay man to be named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” The fact that it took 40 years for an openly gay man to earn the title is a signifier of how far we still have to go with queer representation, and seeing Bailey celebrated is just one small step in the right direction.
“There’s so many people that want to do brilliant stuff who feel like they can’t,” he told PEOPLE, “and I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment. So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.” In 2024, Bailey founded the charity titled The Shameless Fund, which raises money for LGBTQ+ organizations.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
a&e features
Local, last-minute holiday gift ideas
Celebrate the season while supporting area businesses
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is bustling. Union Station is decked out with its annual Christmas tree. Washingtonians have wrapped their houses and apartment balconies with festive lights and holiday decorations. The holiday season is here. And with stockings to fill and empty space under the tree, Washington’s local shops and artists have plenty to offer.
Show your LGBTQ and D.C. pride with the Washington Blade’s annual holiday gift guide.
To embrace the holiday buzz: The Blanco Nwèl cocktail from Alchy Cocktails. This Caribbean eggnog is one of Alchy Cocktail’s seasonal holiday cocktails. The flavor profile is similar to coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink with a coconut base. As a queer and Caribbean-owned business, Alchy Cocktails has been based out of Washington since 2021. Blanco Nwèl is available in both cocktail ($24) and mocktail ($12) online and at a variety of holiday markets, including the Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market, and more. ($24)
A spicy bite: Gordy’s Cajun Okra from Salt and Sundry. These spicy, tangy pickles pull on Southern Cajun-style flavors, packing a punch with paprika, cayenne, and more. Gordy’s is an LGBTQ-owned and Washington-based brand, making this gift an opportunity to support a local LGBTQ business straight from the jar. This pantry staple is available on Salt & Sundry’s website and at its locations in Union Market, Logan Circle, and its Georgetown holiday pop-up store. ($14)
To celebrate Washington pride: The DC Landmark Tote Bag from The Neighborgoods. Native Washingtonians, visitors, friends and family alike will find something to love about this Washington-themed tote bag. Food trucks, the 9:30 Club, the Metro logo and pandas from the National Zoo are just some of the city’s landmarks depicted across the tote in a red, white, and blue color palette. The tote is a part of the DC Landmarks collection, which donates 10 percent of its sales to the American Civil Liberties Union. The Neighborgoods itself is a local, woman-owned business built out of a passion for screen-printing in 2013. The 100 percent cotton canvas tote is for sale online or at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($22)
To give friends and family their flowers: The Flowers Bandana from All Very Goods. This 100 percent cotton bandana was designed in Washington and hand printed in India. Its uniqueness comes in being covered with the faces of Black women, representing a “love letter to all women but especially Black women,” according to All Very Goods. The Black woman-owned and operated business, based out of Northwest Washington, has a mission to celebrate diversity and representation through its products. The bandana intends to give Black women their “flowers.” The Flowers bandana is available for purchase online. ($24)
To unlock culinary creativity: The Curious Chef Gift Collection from Each Peach Market. This customizable collection of kitchen oddities — ranging from tinned fish to chili oil — is a quirky gift for the most inventive chefs. The collection is available in a Standard Santa, Extra Goodies and Super Holiday Size for up to $165. The Washington-based market, founded in 2013, permits customers to make the collection special by specifying what unique ingredients are packaged, including products made by local or LGBTQ brands. Each Peach Market offers assembly and pick up in-person at its Mount Pleasant shop and also offers local delivery and nationwide shipping via its website. ($85)
To give a touch of sweetness: The DC Landmark Chocolate Covered Oreo Holiday Cookies from Capital Candy Jar. Wrapped in a festive red bow, this box of nine cookies embraces love for Washington and the holiday season in one. Among the dark and milk chocolate covered cookies are images of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and festive hollies. The treat, packaged in a Hill East facility just a few blocks from the Capitol, is available for purchase online and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($23.95)
To celebrate queer gaming: Thirsty Sword Lesbians from Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. This roleplaying game embraces lesbian culture by unlocking a world of swords, romance, and battle. Ideal for group settings, the book presents a system of world building and character identities that are best brought to life by creative minds. Labyrinth, which has been a local Washington business for more than 15 years, celebrates non-digital fun through games and puzzles that connect the community. This gift is offered online and at Labyrinth’s Capitol Hill location. ($29.99)
To make a bold statement: The “Resist” T-shirt from Propper Topper. This locally screen-printed black tee features the Washington flag designed within a raised fist, symbolizing both Washington pride, and political resistance. The shirt is made exclusively by Propper Topper, a local Washington business that evolved from a hat shop to a gift store since opening in 1990. The tri-blend unisex shirt is available both for pickup at Propper Topper’s Cathedral Heights location and shipping via the online site. ($32)
To keep it c(g)lassy: The Glass Ball earrings from Blue Moon Aquarius. Gifting can rarely go wrong when it comes to a new pair of earrings. The unique statement earrings — made of polymer clay, glass, and 18k gold plating over surgical steel — are hand cut, sanded and assembled in Washington, meaning each set is unique. Blue Moon Aquarius, a local brand, is known for its small batch jewelry and home decor designed with clay materials. Available in oxblood, hunter green, lavender, and bluestone color palettes, these earrings are available for purchase on Blue Moon Aquarius’ website and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($48)
To elevate a holiday tea or charcuterie party: The Honey Flight: Tea Lover’s Selection from BannerBee. This local honey company presents the ideal gift to make cozying up with a cup of tea slightly more special. The Honey Flight contains three types of raw wildflower honey infused with fair trade Ugandan vanilla bean, chai spices, and locally sourced lemon thyme herb. The gift is also an opportunity to uplift a family company based in the Mid-Atlantic that offers all-natural, sustainable products. The flight is available online, at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or at the Arlington Courthouse and Dupont Farmers’ Markets. ($36)
For Baltimore shoppers: If you’re in Charm City, don’t miss Balston Mercantile, opened by a gay couple in June. Their gorgeous shop in the Hampden neighborhood offers an array of unique, upscale finds, from barware and artwork to cookbooks and home decor and more. (849 W. 36th St.)
