The Smithsonian Associates Presents December Program Highlights

The December issue of the Smithsonian Associates’ program guide features a variety of educational and cultural programs, including seminars, lectures, studio arts classes, performances for adults and children and local and regional study tours. Highlights this month include:

Sacred Foods of India

Thursday, Dec. 4; 6: 45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Food and travel writer Monica Bhide leads participants through the temples, mosques and gurudwaras of India’s most prominent religions by way of their sacred foods. The seminar is followed by a buffet reception.

Holiday Decorating, White House Style

Sunday, Dec. 7; 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

A professional holiday decorator covers the traditions of White House holiday decorating and shares practical tips on how participants can make their own holiday home reflect the history and sparkle of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Emerson String Quartet

Sunday, Dec. 7; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium

Concert program: Bach: The Art of Fugue (selections); Beethoven: String Quartet No. 13 in B flat Major, Op. 130, with “Grosse Fugue,” Op. 133

John McCain Presents Thirteen Soldiers

Thursday, Dec. 11; 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

McCain discusses his new book, Thirteen Soldiers: A Personal History of Americans at War (Simon & Schuster) with CNN host Jake Tapper. A book signing will follow the discussion.

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SI-583-2014