INSIDERS GUIDE

TEA TIME
As if a stay at the Mandarin Oriental (1330 Maryland Ave., SW) isn't luxurious enough, guests can now pause during their day for "Afternoon Savories and Sweets.'' Available Thursday through Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the menu offers decadent desserts prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Tony Miller and a beverage menu featuring exotic coffees and teas. It certainly beats a siesta, www.mandarinoriental.com.

CANDLES THAT MAKE SCENTS
Apres Peau (1430 K St. NW), known for its diverse collection of modern and luxurious gifts, is now the only place to go in Washington for Belle Fleur NY's stylish, floral-based scented candles ($48 each). Belle Fleur creator Meredith Waga Perez will make a store appearance on October 10 from 7 through 9 p.m. - so you can ask exactly how she gets "Mayan Tuberose" and "Orange Blossom Pomegranate" into wax. www.aprespeau.com.

LOCAL GETAWAY
If you like generous drinks, great food and a comfy bed, the newly renovated ($20 million) Doubletree Hotel Bethesda's "Great Bethesda Wine and Dine" package checks all the boxes. $159 secures deluxe overnight accommodations and a $75 credit good in any of the food and beverage outlets in "The Great Room," including Wine Bar (with 60 wines by the glass and a quarter bottle in everyserving) and OZ Restaurant (where every dessert is under 495 calories). 8120 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md. or visit www.doubletreebethesda.com.

OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY
Dunbar House, the R Street., NW residence of Washington grande dame Marion O. "Oatsie" Charles, has been an architectural landmark for more than one hundred years. Mrs. Charles often entertained Washington's political and social elite in the Italianate Victorian villa, perched high on a hill overlooking Georgetown. On October 11, Christie's Important English Furniture sale will feature a selection of extraordinary pieces from her collection. Other pieces will be offered in the following sales: The House Sale on October 2 and 3 in New York; Old Master Paintings on October 4 in New York; Sporting Art on November 28 in New York; and Russian Works of Art in London on November 28 The highlight of the offerings in the Important English Furniture sale are the pictured Regency gilt-brass mounted penwork, black and cream-painted pier tables, circa 1800 estimated at $80,000-$120,000. Photo credit: Christie's Ltd.