You’ve outlined your decorating scheme, hung mistletoe in all the appropriate places and stoked your can-do holiday-hostess attitude; now all that’s left on your party-planning to-do list is picking out the right bubbly for your NYE bash. Want to sample some sippers before you commit to a case? At the 10th Annual Champagne Tasting, you can try more than 20 French varieties. Includes appetizers. 7:30 p.m. $50. Reservations required: signup@websterwinebar.com. Webster’s Wine Bar, 1480 W. Webster Ave. 773-868-0608.
Baggage claim
Still looking for the spot-on clutch to match those high-as-skyscraper heels you’re planning to wear as part of your head-turning holiday get-up? Head to the Second Annual Purse Bazaar, where you can browse discounted bags from local and national designers. The event, commemorating World AIDS Day, includes beer, wine and light appetizers. 6:30 p.m. $20. Proceeds benefit Pediatric AIDS Chicago. Mystic Celt, 3443 N. Southport Ave. 773-350-8209.
Digit do-over
Now that you’ve got the potables and the portables, it’s time to take care of the pre-party prettying up. Martinis and Manicures includes a buff and polish by Salon Slice pros, paired with a specialty vodka ‘tini. 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 21. $15; cash only. Uncommon Ground Coffee House and Cafe, 3800 N. Clark St. 773-929-3680.
To-go option
One meal for you, six for the road (no, we’re not talking about a seriously super-sized doggie bag). At the Meals on Wheels Wine Tasting, you snag appetizers, wine samples from Cosentino winery and access to the open bar; plus, your ticket price covers the cost of six holiday meals for homebound Chicago seniors. Sounds like a pretty simple way to put our money where our mouths are and spread a little seasonal cheer. 6 p.m. $35. Bella Lounge, 1212 N. State Pkwy. 312-673-4411.
Sob story
And for an irreverent swipe at holiday classics from a tag team of anti-teetotalers: In “Kiki & Herb: Jesus Wept,” a duo portrays a boozy septuagenarian singer and her accompanist, and present comic renditions of holiday ditties, plus new deliveries of tunes by Eminem, Joy Division, Britney Spears and others. Presented as part of the Traffic Jam series. 7:30 p.m. $35. Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650.
Peace movement
For those who prefer a slightly more sincere ode to peace on Earth and goodwill to all, opt for “Jaama Rekk [Peace Only] A Tribute to the Urban Djelli.” Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago’s 29th annual fall concert, honoring African-American storytellers, features movement and music from the Senegambian region of West Africa. 7:30 p.m. Through Sunday; see metromix.com for full schedule. $25-$75. DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. 773-602-1135.
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jwehunt@tribune.com
