Hacienda Don Cuco's

For the Festive
How do you sincerely say, "I couldn't have made it through the year without you," to your family, friends or staff? (If you answered, "A giant Ziggy greeting card!" you are wrong - and kind of lame.) Let the satisfying food and the warm ambience of Hacienda Don Cuco's do the talking for you. Or, have a few of their famous margaritas, and then do the talking yourself. Remember: All errors in social grace are forgiven when you're picking up the tab;
252-8074

Valencia Country Club

For the Cultured
There's gorgeous, and then there is goooorrrgggeous. Valencia Country Club defines the latter year around, but when the holidays hit, VCC takes it to a new (sparkling, festive, joyous!) level. Impress up to 180 of your most treasured friends, family or associates with the Club's special holiday menus and premier service, or reserve the outdoor event lawn for a party of as many as 350. Both options include complimentary linen service and an on-site planner to ensure your event is as beautiful as the location. Visit www.valenciagolfclub.com for details and more photos; 254-4401

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.

For the Foodie on a Budget
Remember back to the last time you spent less than $12 on a gift. Capture the moment yet? Good. Now, did that gift bring laughter, shared memories, delicious food and your favorite people together? Or did it prompt a never-before-witnessed string of regifting? This year, you can be cheap and thoughtful when you announce that your present to everyone is not another Dilbert coffee mug, but lunch together at Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co., which has all-inclusive banquet menu options starting at only $11.95 per person; 263-9653

Vino 100

For the Wine Tasters
Visit Vino 100 any Monday through Saturday and you may be pleasantly surprised. Beyond the racks of wine lies an area that can best be described as quiet and relaxing - intimate, yet not intimidating. It's Vino's exclusive wine tasting area with comfortable seating, varied wine selection and light appetizer plates just waiting to tempt your senses and delight your palate. Choose any three wines for a tasting flight or enjoy wine by the glass. Selections change weekly. And did we mention that customers voted Vino 100 as Santa Clarita's Best Wine Selection for the past four years? They're blushing. Relax, unwind and experience wine tasting in Santa Clarita's favorite neighborhood wine store; 294-6886

Lee's Wine Bistro

For the Trend Setters
Take Lee's Wine Bistro for a spin - literally - by toting your favorite vinyl record to the SCV's hottest wine bar. They'll play your tune (again, literally!) while you take your pick of 100 wines by the glass. As Lee himself often declares, "Life is too short to drink bad wine!" And so we suggest that you try the Kosta Browne pinot noir. (You're welcome.) We also love Lee's varied collection of German Rieslings, which we enjoy most while de-stressing with friends on Lee's Hyatt Regency-adjacent patio; 259-7754

The Tea Gardens

For the Do Gooders
Dear The Tea Gardens, we blissed out after only one bite of your fresh-baked, buttery scones - and then you went and committed to using organic (and cage-free!) eggs, salads, milk and cheese. Now that you are a place both of decadent goodness and wholesome nourishment - that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea! - you'll be seeing a lot more of us. (Apologies in advance.) PS: Your Catering with a Cause program is angelic. Thank you for donating a bag of groceries to a local charity every time we make a catering purchase. (Like we needed another reason to enjoy your made-to-order sandwiches and wraps.); 255-9832

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons

For the Theater Buffs
The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons has a performance line up even longer than its name, with a bountiful variety of affordable, high-quality performances and cultural opportunities. Boasting a spectacular 7,500-square-foot proscenium theater, a state-of-the-art sound system and 886 comfortable seats featuring excellent views of the main stage, the PAC is a marquee performance destination. View the 2010-2011 PAC season schedule and purchase tickets by logging onto www.canyonspac.com; 362-5304



Get these on your Calendar!

Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals' Bridal & Event Seminar

Tuesday > November 9
Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals
Present their Bridal & Event Seminar
Learn the "do's and don'ts" of a successful wedding or event from Santa Clarita's premier wedding and event professionals (The group has over 13 years experience hosting quality seminars.). Your questions will be answered, your creativity will be inspired and your contact list will grow as you become empowered to host the event of a lifetime. Held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 7 p.m. at the cost of $10 per attendee and guest; 296-6191 www.santaclaritaweddings.com

Santa Clarita Ballet's The Nutcracker

Saturday > December 18
& Sunday > December 19
The Santa Clarita Ballet Company
Presents "The Nutcracker"
Held at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, this seasonal favorite is not to be missed. Incredible costumes, music and choreography combine with talented dancers for an afternoon or evening of holiday merriment. Buy your tickets early - they are available now - because this show sells out! Showtimes are Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; 251-0366