Winston Flowers
Flowers are the most fleeting of gifts, yet the breathtaking bouquets and potted plants from Winston's Hingham outpost somehow last for weeks on end. Planning an event or shower? The possibilities here are nearly limitless, thanks to the shop's talented designers, who can make something beautiful with four weeks—or four hours—notice. 8 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, winstonflowers.com.
KitchenVisions
If your design dreams are lacking inspiration, one peek at this Natick firm’s sophisticated kitchen projects should do the trick. You’ll find cocktail hour–ready bar areas, oversize islands for prepping and entertaining, mahogany pantries with storage galore, and majestic marble backsplashes — all of which, combined with the team’s thoughtful layout decisions, come together to make the heart of your home anything but cookie-cutter. kitchenvisions.com.
Newton Highlands Pet & Grooming
A few hours under the tender loving care of manager/ groomer Jane Bruce, and your Citizen Canine (or Feline) will be smelling like a rosebud. 9 Woodward St., Newton, MA .
Kelly's Underground Dog Grooming
Dropping your dog at the groomer isn't fun for you or your pooch. The guilt that comes with leaving your canine pal to suffer for your vanity is enough to make you question whether he needs a haircut at all. That's why Kelly's Underground Dog Grooming is so special—it feels like bringing Fido to a play date. Dogs typically aren't crated till it's their turn on the table, instead romping freely with fellow clients for hours before their shampoo and style. You'll return to find a well-coiffed pooch that's ready for a nap. 248 W. Newton St., Boston, MA 02116, .
Waggie Walk Dog Walking Service
Ten bucks an hour and your retriever will sleep all night. 362 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Brooklyn Boulders
With a café and lounge space and late-night hours, this 40,000-square-foot oasis of rock-climbing walls is a tempting way to break free from your Friday-night routine. If the upper-body burn and primal joy prove addictive, Brooklyn Boulders offers regular classes to help build your skills. But don’t be intimidated: Beginning climbers are also welcome, and there are knowledgeable instructors to help you get acclimated. Next stop Everest, or at least the Blue Hills. 12A Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, brooklynboulders.com/somerville.
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
Low lights, dark wood, and more than 200 whiskeys. As far as drinking goes, it doesn’t get much better than this. Prefer suds? No problem. The bar staff keeps a rotating line of draft beers and ciders that includes local stars such as Jack’s Abby and Downeast. 1310 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, citizenpub.com.
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
Oysters, biscuits, and buttermilk-ricotta pancakes—brunch at this neighborhood tavern covers the bases. 1310 Boylston St., Fenway/Kenmore, MA 2215, citizenpub.com.
Aujourd'hui at the Four Seasons Hotel
It's nice of the attentive staff to give you space to conduct your business. Truth be told, as much networking gets done among the breakfast tables at this Four Seasons restaurant as at them; most diners spend their mornings circumspectly stealing glances past the potted palms to see who else is in the room, which all but hums with power. If that isn't enough to distract you, there's always the superlative view of the Public Garden. And the food (though predictably priced in the expense-account stratosphere) is worth five stars. Along with your fresh-squeezed juice, try the banana-stuffed French toast with strawberry syrup, the warm New England fruit compote, or the Japanese breakfast of grilled salmon, boiled egg, shiitake mushrooms, rice, seaweed, and miso soup, all on a black lacquer tray. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Winsor Dim Sum House & Bar
The beauty of this dim sum spot's new Quincy location is in the extensive, sharply executed menu: In addition to traditional cart service, diners can order dishes via checklist, which means the char siu-stuffed bao are fluffier, the wok-fried radish cakes are crisper, and the pea pod stems—prone to wilting and sogginess at lesser restaurants—still retain their vibrant color and delicate crunch. Bonus points for a full bar. 706 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02170, winsordimsum.com.
Lucky’s Lounge
Strong pours, live music, and a mostly local crowd make this retro basement bar the quintessential after-hours hang. 355 Congress St., Fort Point/Waterfront, MA 2210, luckyslounge.com.
WaterSpot
By the time you're ready to pick a vanity, medicine cabinet, and towel warmer for your new washroom, it can feel like you're drowning in options. This expansive Natick outpost, however, makes choosing easy, thanks to knowledgeable consultants who take the time—up to two hours a day, if needed—to discuss all of the options that fit your budget and aesthetic. (Call in advance to book an appointment.) (Multiple locations.) 575 Worcester St., Natick, MA 01760, water-spot.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.