WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19 2012 >>>

1. The annual holiday party season can be a long and arduous one. It's like holiday parties always go one of two ways: either they are the most epic throwdown of the century, where legendary work-gossip anecdotes are born, or there are painfully awkward. Tonight at 7 p.m. the Mad Hat Tea Company hosts a Pre-Madness-Open-Shop-Party Thingy that could be epic - because it has rules: "You must bring a warm heart and a warm thought for others. You may bring fancy cookies, an hors d'oeuvre, beer, wine and a servant or two to follow you around the party whilst holding your glass, plate and napkin. A resting area for all servants will be provided. You may not bring the past, meatloaf, a blue tooth on your head and tea. Feel free to wear a hat and or pearls."

2. The TEARS Foundation staff and volunteers will hold a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting at 6 p.m. at Carson Elementary School, 8615 184th St. E., Puyallup. The vigil will include music, prayer, naming of victims and a moment of silence to honor the families. Candles will be provided along with green and white ribbons representing Sand Hook's school colors.

3. Tis the season for holiday parties! From 7-10 p.m. Fish Tale Brew Pub will host its 13th Annual Holiday Brass Bash. There will be horns-a-hooting, Santa-a-sitting, nibble noshing and all for a good cause. This fundraising party benefits the Thurston County Food Bank. Cash, checks and non-perishable food donations are accepted. Last year Fish Tale raised $800 and collected more than 200 food items. They're hoping to squash that with a new record. Andy Omdahl and his talented group of horn-playing pals will fill the pub with Holiday music and cheer.

4. Bronn and Katherine Journey go off on the harp in their annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. inside the Olympia High School.

5. R&B songstress Kim Archer performs at 8 p.m. inside The Mix. Now that sounds quite lovely.

LINK: Wednesday, Dec. 19 arts and entertainment events in the South Puget Sound