Dear Manolo, Holiday season is here again, and I don’t have a pair of shoes for dressy parties. My feet are of average size but a bit flat. I would love a pair of stylish shoes that won’t leave me soaking my sore feet for days after the event.

A place setting at the table

We tapped three local tastemakers to create festive set-ups using easy-to-find materials. Some may even be in your china cabinet, meaning it’ll be simple to re-create these looks at home.

Face Time: Marla Beck

Marla Beck’s business card should probably read “Fountain of Youth Builder.” The Bethesda resident and co-founder of the Bluemercury apothecary/spa chain (bluemercury.com) spends her time researching anti-aging creams and skin-perfecting cosmetics.

Keep the peace, not each piece

While moving in with friends or a significant other means plenty of togetherness, it also means you have to give up some possessions or adjust your style as you merge multiple lives into one space.

The muscle test

The Moscow subway is hyping the Sochi Olympics with an athletic gimmick: Riders can do squats in exchange for a free trip. Would that work in D.C. too?