LA BEFANA

Italian folklore includes the tale of a witch known as La Befana who arrives on her broomstick during the night of Jan. 5 and fills the stockings with toys and sweets for the good children and lumps of coal for the bad ones. Wildside Wines (608A South Oxford St., Tacoma) hosts The Return of La Befana Friday, Dec. 12. This culinary event includes an open house buffet styled dinner where attendees can arrive - by broomstick if so desired - anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. and dine upon Lasagna Bolognese and Pasta Primavera paired with lovely vino varietals. Tickets are $30 per person. A reservation is required at 253.565.0811.

GIFT CARD

Do you love your foodie friends? Why not gift them with foodie-themed stocking stuffers from Santa. Gift cards are a no-brainer. Restaurants often have special bonus deals during the holiday season, such as "buy one get one." Matador (721 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) is one such establishment offering up gift cards when you purchase gift cards. Buy a $50 card get a bonus $10, buy $100 get $25 extra during the month of December. That's a little something for you or more for your foodie friends.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Taste the Holiday Spirit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Bayview School of Cooking (516 W. Fourth Ave., Olympia). Enjoy food and beverage samples, festive recipes and mini food themed seminars throughout the day, as well as loads of gift-giving ideas for those in your life who love to nibble, imbibe and concoct culinary journeys with gadgets and artisan goodies. The celebration is free.