The Lord Baltimore Hotel kicks off the holiday season with the return of The Holiday Shoppe opening Nov. 29 and its annual Couture Tree Competition and display launching Dec. 1.The Holiday Shoppe is an artisan’s handcrafted and gift boutique offering unique holiday gifts presented by Fleurtopia. Local and woman-owned, this boutique will be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 1 p.m. – 8 pm. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. The shop will run from Dec. 1 through Dec. 22.Visitors will be able to shop for gifts made by local artists and creators like handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothing and collectibles, repurposed furniture, original art, accessories, locally made sweets, herb infused oils and vinegars, and more on the hotel’s mezzanine level.The Shoppe has planned several specialty nights as well, all from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., starting with a “Sip & Shop” with Lolea wines on Friday, Dec. 6. “Bourbon & Baubles” happens on Thursday, Dec. 12, with a sampling and shopping event with bourbon and additional whiskeys from Michters. A “Men’s Shopping Night” takes place on Saturday, Dec. 21, and on Saturday, Dec. 7, the Shoppe will stay open late for “A Night of 100 Elvises.”The Couture Tree Competition will showcase over 25 trees created by both experienced and new designers. A couture tree is a blend of fashion, art, and Christmas tree. They’ll be on display from Dec. 1 through the end of the year. Designers must have submitted plans for their tree installations ahead of time, and they have only the Thanksgiving weekend to put their installations together for the competition at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.Designers this year include local businesses, nonprofits, and individual artists, with past winners returning to compete. During a private holiday gathering, guests will vote on the top designs in two categories: individual/business submissions and nonprofit submissions. Winning designers will receive $500.