Velvet

Today's black-tie dressing appears to be about everything but the tie.That bit of silk at the neck has lost its importance, and the focus now is on accessories that have been reinvented or borrowed from the ladies. The possibilities for originality are endless for the creatively fashionable male, but may present problems for the man who does formal wear by the old formulas.The idea is to relax, enjoy the less restrictive social climate and put some fun into dress for festive occasions. A little thought makes sense, too.* Resist looks that make you uncomfortable.

I THINK it started at Studio 54 in the late '70s," Hollywood super-agent Sandy Gallin told Out Magazine last November. "Somebody must have pointed to a group of people -- and some of them could have been straight, because Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager could have been there, and Bianca Jagger and Diane Von Furstenberg are supposed to be a part of it -- and said, 'Oh, there's the Velvet Mafia.' "Whoever started it, it stuck. These days it seems that whenever Mr. Gallin and his powerful friends David Geffen, Barry Diller, Calvin Klein and a few others are mentioned, the phrase "Velvet Mafia" cannot be far behind.

This Red Velvet Cake recipe sparked a lot of sentimental memories for our readers. Miriam A. Weber of Arbutus says she has been making this cake for her grandchildren's birthdays for 25 years. She likes to sprinkle the icing with coconut. Dorothy M. Maloy of Aberdeen says her daughter wanted to make the cake once but was out of red food coloring. She substituted green food coloring instead. "The cake tasted the same but that green color was most unappetizing," she writes. This recipe is from Linda S. Moffett of Baltimore.

Think of a young boy dressed in velvet and lace, his hair falling to his shoulders in long, golden curls, the personification of the pampered, effeminate mama's boy: Little Lord Fauntleroy. For one small boy, Fauntleroy was all too real. Vivian Burnett was the real-life model for the popular book written by his mother. In the public eye he was Fauntleroy, and Fauntleroy's fame haunted him to the end of his life. His mother was Frances Hodgson Burnett, the author of such children's classics as "A Little Princess" and "The Secret Garden."

Whenever Lorraine Gray has a hankering for crabs, she sets out for Ritchie Highway.That's where the best live crabs can be found, the Crofton resident said last week as she ordered up a dozen large males from the back of Tony Fernandez's beat-up, blue Ford Ranger."

Even if I didn't know the title of the exhibition -- "Jesus 2000" -- I would have known the minute I entered the small gallery: I was surrounded by images of Christ. One painting depicts Jesus standing against a royal blue sky amid shafts of sunlit clouds. His coat, made of colorful flags from many nations, billows behind him as he beckons with his right arm. In another image, Jesus, bare-chested and wearing blue jeans and baseball cap, is a carpenter. And from still another work, a collage comprising digital images of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a somber Jesus seems to gaze directly into my eyes.

Cupcakes Gourmet, a Philadelphia-area "couture cupcake shop," is selling a $55,000 red velvet cupcake. The new Sparkling Red Velvet Cupcake features an eight-carat diamond engagement ring from Warwick Jewelers, based in nearby Exton, Pa. The very special cupcake will be available for year-round order. And cheaper smaller variations of the Sparkling Red Velvet Cupcake are available year round, starting at a carat and a half. Individuals interested in ordering the cupcake must call any of the three Cupcakes Gourmet locations at least three days in advance to schedule a viewing with the participating jeweler.

Red velvet is huge at weddings but it's a big deal for Valentine's Day. You can line your sweetheart's Valentine's Day with red velvet from sunup to sunset. Red velvet waffles and pancakes make a striking appearance on the breakfast table. Treat someone to breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe in Fells Point, where Sarah Simington's red velvet pancakes, studded with white chocolate chips, are making their annual Valentine's Day appearance. For cocktail hour, head to Morton's the Steakhouse, which is serving its red velvet cocktail, a pretty potion of prosecco, raspberry lambic and Chambord, garnished with a raspberry.

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will sponsor a class on making embossed velvet scarves from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 29 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way. Participants will learn how to use rubber stamps, velvet and an iron to create an elegant and fashionable scarf. The cost is $20, and includes materials and the use of equipment. Registration and payment are due as soon as possible. Information: 410-313-7279. Registration: 410-313-7275. Seasonal music at central library Brass players from the Maryland Youth Orchestra will perform seasonal music at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the central library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway.