Get in the holiday mindset with the Arizona Biltmore’s new tasting experiences as well as cooking and food education classes geared toward the season. You’ll have 10 opportunities to experience everything from making your own holiday cocktails and chocolate truffles to creating cookies and gingerbread houses with the kids to champagne and wine tastings.

The very best spas not only relax you and pamper you within an inch of your life, they also create whole worlds within themselves. Here we present the Top 5 spas in the Valley, each as utterly unique as the next.

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has some holiday treats in store for you, like a cinnamon and honey body glow, a peppermint pedi, and a super special holiday gift promotion. Plus, read on to learn how you could win a Willow Stream Spas gift card ($25 value) in a gift package by European beauty, bath and body brand Kerstin Florian.

If you’re throwing a holiday party this season, you probably needed to have the caterer booked, well, yesterday, but here are the Top 5 catering companies in the Valley to keep in mind for your next big event. Or, try giving them a call anyway; you never know, maybe one or two still have some availability to help you take your holiday fete to the next level.

Anicia Bragg has worked as an image consultant and as the vice president of a high-profile real estate development company, as well as coordinated celebrity galas, VIP parties, weddings and award ceremonies. Her design and styling firm is ABRAGG Design in Phoenix, and she is also the editor for “Indulge with AniciaB,” a design philosophy blog.

The spring equinox may not occur for a handful more months, but you had better reserve your space now for The Boulders’ “Dining with the Stars” event on March 19, 2011, featuring a five-course meal, wine and a professional astrologer present to reveal the secrets of the night sky as you dine.

What: The Women’s Sinuous by Swisstek Timepiece
For: Ladies who dare to be different.
Price: $2,995

Scottsdale Quarter is planning some festive events to get people of all ages into the holiday spirit during the month of December. Plus, read on to learn how you could win a $5,000 shopping spree.

There are many national charities with branches in Phoenix: Ronald McDonald House Charities, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, the Muscular Dystrophy Organization, American Red Cross Arizona Chapter, Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, to name just a few. The people of the Valley care about a myriad of causes, and there are simply too many wonderful ones to name; try Volunteer Match for a perfect fit. Here are five more, ones that have roots right here in Arizona.