Boston - December 24, 2009

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

Give (and receive a little).

DONATE
Big Brother Big Sister
What: Help at-risk children by forking over long-forgotten fashions and neglected household items.
Why: ’Tis the season.
When: Your wardrobe runneth over.
Where: Drop-off locations at bbbsfoundation.org.

EAT
Christmas Eve Dinner at La Morra
What: Four Italian courses, including gnocchi Bolognese, braised short ribs, and fennel saffron with tomato puree.
Why: It’s served family style. So don’t be shy.
When: Tonight.
Where: 48 Boylston St., Brookline (617-739-0007).

Dinner at UpStairs on the Square
What: The Xmas Eve menu brims with oyster gratin, venison bourguignonne, and bûche de Noël with chocolate ganache.
Why: It’s all about the green, red, and white.
When: Tonight.
Where: 91 Winthrop St., Cambridge (617-864-1933).

SEE
The Costumes of Edith Head
What: Docu about the legendary Hollywood costume designer (To Catch a Thief, All About Eve) and the inspiration behind her work.
Why: Frock to it.
When: Today-Jan. 3. Schedule at artsboston.org.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. (617-369-3907).

TRY
Aristo Cafe
What: New downtown spot serves fancy sammies like pranayama (grilled vegetables, lemon pepper tofu, sprouts, hummus) and Di Parma (prosciutto di Parma, melon, Parmigiano, arugula, balsamic syrup).
Why: Take two slices of bread. Stuff with layers of joy.
When: Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 92 State St., Downtown (617-391-0478).

Photo: LizMarie / Flickr

  Weekend Guide