Some of the best holiday decorating tips come from seeing how others adorn their homes. And after years of putting up those same twinkling lights and hanging the now-dusty wreath, the house could use a seasonal make-over.
Consider taking the time to schedule in a holiday home tour. There are two this weekend that, along with several other holiday events, offer opportunities to wallow in seasonal splendor.
For those interested in learning to use bows and bells and other crafts to create a particular style, look no further than the Turn of the Century Holiday Home Tour this Sunday in Simi Valley.
Hosted by the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, the guided holiday home tour runs from 1 to 6 p.m.
A first-time event for the foundation, it will feature five homes decorated to the hilt.
Without giving too much away, the tour includes a Tudor-style house built in 1922, as well as a ranch home with horses.
There will decorations for both Hanukkah and Christmas.
One of the tour's highlights will be a Spanish-style abode built in 1932, which sits high on a hill with spectacular views of Simi Valley, said event spokeswoman Vicky Howard.
At this tour stop there will be a boutique where gifts and decorations can be purchased.
Tickets for the tour are $12, and the proceeds benefit the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased at Simi Valley City Hall at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road today and Friday, and at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center at 3050 Los Angeles Ave. through 6 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets can also be purchased through Saturday at Cobble Creek, a store in the Albertson's Shopping Center at the corner of Stearns and Los Angeles avenues.
If the tour does not sell out, tickets will also be available Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center.
The tickets include the addresses of the homes and a map.
At each stop, foundation docents will be on hand to talk about the homes and answer questions. Refreshments will be served at each stop.
For details, call Howard at 583-1018 or Eileen Strayer at 582-2484.
*
*
Also in Simi Valley this weekend, Santa will visit the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at 137 Strathearn Place.
During his visit, which coincides with an afternoon of park tours, a book-signing and complimentary refreshments, children can have their pictures taken with Santa.
