Tysons Galleria’s general manager, Rich Dinning, shares holiday gift options from retailers and his favorite childhood present.
Clockwise from top purse
1. “My wife, along with many other women, wears many hats. A woman on the go needs to have an ideal handbag [Mulberry Bayswater and Medium Lily], something that can be worn from work to parent/teacher conferences [and] to date night.”
2. “Classic is a word that always comes to mind when picking out a gift for myself. This Omega timepiece is a timeless accessory that can be passed from generation to generation.”
3. “Always try to think outside the box. What would you want if you were hosting? Wine, flowers—that’s old news. Wow the host, and get something that’s useful. [Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams] cocktail glasses, a shaker, even coasters are all things that are key pieces for any household.”
4. “A special gift made for a royal—but really—this watch [Liljenqiest and Beckstead Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101] was given to Queen Elizabeth in the 1950s; [it’s] a masterpiece that takes over a year to create. If you really want to impress her, this is the gift.”
5. “Keep it simple. Candles [Henri Bendel Holiday Candle] with a subtle scent are something anyone can enjoy.”
Rich Dinning’s fondest holiday memory involves Elvis Presley and a karaoke machine. “When I was in high school, my parents bought my sisters and me a karaoke machine for Christmas. On Christmas morning when we opened up the present, my father was the first to try it out. He sang the song ‘Blue Suede Shoes,‘ which was funny because he wasn’t a great singer, and I don’t think he even liked Elvis,” he says. Now he focuses on bringing the same kind of joy to gift recipients daily through his position as general manager of Tysons Galleria, which he has held for the past five years.
There are many reasons to shop at the Galleria this holiday season. “[It] is known for having a less chaotic holiday experience. Shopping here will not be as hectic as in some places. However we suggest starting your shopping early to make sure to get the best the retailers have to offer,” Dinning says. Although widely seen as a hyper luxury retail destination, he notes that the mall has gifts for every price point. It’s the only place in the area where you can shop Saint Laurent and Macy’s in the same location—and pick up a Maserati on your way out.
Customers can get into the festive spirit this year with live musical performances in the Center Court and an option to skip the inevitable lines for photos with Santa by prepurchasing a package. The Galleria will also continue its charitable partnership with FairGirls, “a nonprofit with the mission of empowering women to become confident, happy and healthy,” with a holiday gift-wrapping station.
( December 2015 )
