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.

GET READY FOR OBAMA INAUGURAL BALLS AND PARTIES AT MACY'S SPECIAL EVENT TODAY IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Planning to attend an inaugural ball or party? Dress up or "suit up" today at Macy's Inauguration special event at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.

Celebrate 4 more years of Barack Obama in style, starting at 2 PM today.

For the ladies, check out all of the Inaugural-ready dresses and gowns in a special presentation. Style consultants will be on hand to give personal shopping advice on the right dress for you. Refreshments and a live harpist (don't ask!) will round out the event.  A pop-up salon will also provide mini-makeovers.

For the guys, get that right tuxedo, bow tie, cuff links and flag pin! A formalwear advisor and skincare consultant will be on hand, and a DJ will provide the music in the Men's Department.

As you can see in the photo below, they've even got donkey cuff links for the style-conscious Democrat.

If you've put your inaugural preparations off, no one will ever know, if you make a one-stop shop at Macy's inauguration event today!

BOX BAR AND GRILL, DRY FRIED WINGS UNITE FOR JANUARY 18 BETHESDA GRAND OPENING, OBAMA INAUGURATION TIE-IN

A revamped Bethesda sports bar has announced a January 18 grand opening, with a civil rights commemoration a spokesperson says will tie-in with the Obama inaugural celebration.

The Box Bar and Grill, which opened last fall promising a Hooters-style sports bar theme, has signed a co-branding agreement with Shaquille O'Neal's Dry Fried Wings.  This will play out as a revamped menu at The Box, centered on the special recipe wings.

Both partners have just announced the "new" restaurant will open on January 18.

The grand opening will coincide with the second Obama inauguration, and will feature a commemorative recognition of the Wilmington 10, led by Dr. Benjamin Chavis.  Chavis and 9 other civil rights activists were pardoned, for arson crimes they were exonerated of, by outgoing North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue on New Year's Eve 2012.

"I am trying to convey a message of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship," said Chavis in a statement. "The Dry Fried Wing Company is a perfect example of how to build businesses and good jobs through creativity and hard work. We are a new company with a truly special potential to make a difference in the economic development of our communities."