CELEBRATE INAUGURATION AT HOME IN BETHESDA WITH CAKES AND APPAREL FROM GIANT, CVS (PHOTOS)

Despite the media hype that suggests everyone will be riding Metro and trudging through Mall crowds in DC today, the reality is that most of us will be at work or at home.

But that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the event right here in Bethesda.

Not only is TV the "best seat in the house," but you can plan your own last-minute party for 1 or a dozen.

Giant Food is taking a non-partisan approach to celebrating the inauguration, and the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Giant's theme is, "Celebrate America," emblazoned not only on its print ads, but on these Giant sheet cakes pictured below.  They are also offering the black T-shirt below, featuring the inauguration date, the American flag, and "OBAMA" on the front.

At CVS on Wisconsin Avenue, at Cheltenham Drive, the drugstore is selling fancier Obama shirts and hoodies, which feature a portrait of the reelected president on the chest.

Whatever your political beliefs may be, Happy Inauguration Day, and a peaceful Dr. King Holiday, from Robert Dyer at Bethesda Row!  I always find it an interesting day, whether the candidate I voted for has won or lost.

CAROLINE KENNEDY ORDERS CAKE FROM FANCY CAKES BY LESLIE AT BETHESDA ROW

When the Kennedys (yes, those Kennedys) need a cake, where do they turn?

To Bethesda Row, of course!  More specifically, to the cake designer to the stars at Fancy Cakes by Leslie on Elm Street.

Caroline Kennedy herself contacted the bakery, to order a special 102nd birthday cake for Rachel Lambert Mellon - a.k.a. "Bunny."  Mellon is a longtime friend of the Kennedys, and lives in Virginia.

Imagination and the usual, impeccable baking and decorating expertise of Fancy Cakes by Leslie, produced the following masterpiece:

One of Mellon's many homes is on Nantucket, if you're wondering what it all means.

You may recall that FCBL baked another special birthday cake this year, for none other than Eva Longoria.

So, next time you need a special cake, call the cake designer to the stars - Fancy Cakes by Leslie at Bethesda Row!

EVA LONGORIA'S

BETHESDA ROW

BIRTHDAY (CAKE)

Not-so-"Desperate" Actress and Activist

Celebrates Birthday in DC with Help from

Elm Street's Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Activist and actress Eva Longoria was in Washington this week, and her birthday just happened to fall during her trip.

Rather than cancel her trip - which included her appearance as a national co-chair of President Barack Obama's reelection campaign - Longoria celebrated here in DC, at the swanky W Hotel near the White House.

And the birthday cake?

Her cake was custom-ordered from Fancy Cakes by Leslie, right here at Bethesda Row on Elm Street.

To see the cake yourself, click here

As you would expect for a star who sets flashbulbs ablaze on red carpets, and has fashionistas envying her latest wardrobe change, the cake design was anything but ordinary.

Longoria's busy schedule includes a repeat turn as executive producer and host of the Alma Awards this year.

Hopefully, next time around, she'll stop by the boutiques and restaurants of Bethesda Row.

After all, her role as an activist brings her often to Washington. And her official gig with the Obama campaign means she must be pretty tight with Michelle Obama, who has visited Bethesda Row several times.

That's right: an Eva/Michelle ladies' night at Bethesda Row, and our Commander-in-Chief finally stopping by Kraze Burger to try The Matiz burger.

Sounds like an Alma Awards weekend plan for Longoria, who might just want to stop by Fancy Cakes by Leslie for some baked goods to go.