Bagelsaurus
More than 24 hours of slow fermentation and a decades-old sourdough starter yield handmade rounds so chewy, crackly-crusted, and flavorful that they’ve helped spark a better-bagels movement in Boston. Bonus: spreads we’d eat with a spoon. 1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA bagelsaurus.com.
Boston Common Band
Hire Boston Common Band, and they’ll treat you to a private concert. Watch as the lighting crew heightens the energy in the room with orange and red fixtures, and while the sound team keeps the music playing with state-of-the-art technology—all in the name of ensuring the eight-member group can focus solely on their music. Able to belt out anything from Adele to Queen, the band can even work with hometown hero Keytar Bear—available by request for cocktail hour—to start the evening on a high note. 290 Needham St., Dedham, Massachusetts 02026, bostoncommonband.com.
Systems Design & Integration
Whether texting, shopping, or trying out the newest dating app, you’re already living your life in a series of button taps. Why not invite that kind of efficiency into your humble abode? These West Roxbury–based pros can hook you up with all sorts of time-saving technology, seamlessly wiring your home to do everything from enable your alarm system and lower your shades at night to adjust the lighting in your kitchen while you cook. 5230 Washington St., West Roxbury, MA sdiboston.com.
Fini Concierge
The perpetually overwhelmed will find relief in the care of the errand-vanquishing team at Fini. Need your car detailed, your trip to Reykjavik arranged, and the cable guy dealt with, but have more pressing things eating up your day? Hoping to deck out your stoop with the neighborhood’s spookiest Halloween decorations but don’t have the time (or the eye for artificial cobwebs)? The pros at Fini, who’ve been doing this for 15 years now, have your back. 665 Beacon St., Boston, MA finiconcierge.com.
Wouldn't It Be Lovely
When you work with Caitlin Spaulding, you won’t just get custom wedding invitations—you’ll send out one-of-a-kind works of art. Whether she imagines your wedding venue in watercolor on your envelope linings or depicts your love story in a colorful illustrated map, the footwear designer turned stationery guru understands the impact of personal touches. Her talents go way beyond invites, though: She can also carry your design vision through to your save-the-dates, place cards, menus, programs, signage, and more. wouldntitbelovely.com.
POSH
Ready for your Marie Kondo moment? Trust this formidable organizing firm to bring order to your jam-packed basement, help you downsize, or rethink your kitchen storage—no film crew required. posh-boston.com.
Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
C-Zone Entertainment
The DJs at C-Zone Entertainment have spun records for Clint Eastwood, Lady Gaga, and the Red Sox, and they’ll drop the bass at your wedding, too. Armed with your curated “play” and “do not play” lists, these music mixers will seamlessly transition from your favorite soulful ballads to Grandma-approved party hits (and maybe a few Cardi B songs in between). And with a number of skilled DJs to choose from, you can be sure that you’ll find someone in tune with your musical taste. czonemusic.com.
Tinailery
Similar to having your hair cut or colored, investing in nail art has the potential to completely transform your look—especially at Tinailery, an adorable Japanese-style salon that creates tiny masterpieces for your digits. Thumb through its vast collection of options (gems, glitter, and painted butterflies, oh my!) while enjoying tea served in graceful china, then let your nail artist work her magic. 92 State St., Boston, MA tinailery.com.
Flair Boston
You’ve chosen your leading ladies, now let Flair Boston handle the rest. Trust these pros to select the trendiest bridesmaid attire, including floral gowns by Alfred Sung and shimmering jumpsuits by Dessy. Do your gals live across the country? No problem. Have a procrastinator in the bunch? Totally fine. The boutique offers hundreds of dresses online and can “super rush” orders so you can rest assured that your ’maids will be dressed to impress. 140 Newbury St., Boston, Massachusetts 02116, flairboston.bridesmaid.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Getting your makeup done sounds glamorous—until you look in the mirror and don’t recognize the face staring back at you, that is. That never happens when Bailey is the one wielding the brush. The makeup artist has a light hand with foundation, skillfully applying just the right amount so your freckles still shine through, but your blemishes do not. You’ll leave every time looking (and feeling) like the best version of yourself. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA townhousebeautybar.com.
Timothy Ro, SalonCapri
Psst—you over there with the weekly date at the blow-dry bar. Yeah, you. Tired of getting your locks pulled and your scalp burnt as you’re rushed from sink to dryer to cashier? There’s a better way. Namely, placing your hair in the skilled hands of Timothy Ro. Drawing on his experience backstage at Fashion Week, the SalonCapri stylist confidently (and efficiently) churns out runway-worthy looks—no laminated menu required. 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA saloncapri.com.
Boomerangs
Your wallet will like the vintage clothing, hard-to-find books, and furniture on display. Your conscious may like that all proceeds go to the nonprofit group AIDS Action, which owns and operates this and three other local thrift shops. 1870 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA shopboomerangs.org.
Barre Groove
They may not be traditional, but Alanna Perry’s barre classes incorporating mini trampolines, dancing, and even weighted pom-poms sure are a blast. The former New England Patriots cheerleader will have you jumping 360s and throwing your hands in the air before it’s even time for your first water break. 52 Province St., Boston, MA barregroove.com.
Rox Diner
A recent expansion of this gem has shortened wait times, bringing your little ones that much closer to pancakes shaped with Mickey Mouse ears (upon request); your bloody mary and Irish Bennies will be close behind. 1881 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA .