Nominate your old house
If you're planning a major home renovation, your house could be the next "This Old House." The popular long-running PBS series is looking for homeowners with older residences that need restoring and updating. The show is accepting project proposals for all housing styles, types and neighborhoods that are ready to launch by early spring 2016. Selected projects will be featured on multiple "This Old House" episodes. To be considered, send a brief description of the renovation and current homeowners, digital photos, plans and timeline. Make sure you include how much you plan to spend, since the renovations are paid for by the homeowners, not "This Old House." E-mail proposals to pickmyhouse@thisoldhouse.com by Dec. 31. For details, go to thisoldhouse.com/pickmyhouse.
Holiday how-to
Gabberts design pros will demonstrate how to trim your home with vintage to modern holiday decor, including wreaths, planters and table centerpieces, 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 15, at the Edina store, 69th St. and France Av. S. Free. Call 952-927-1500.
Home-improvement central
Tap into the expertise of builders, remodelers, landscapers, architects and designers at the Home Improvement and Design Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd. Bring your photos and blueprints. Experts will give tips and advice on the main stage every hour. Admission is $6; free with a nonperishable food item donation. Go to mediamaxevents.com.
LYNN UNDERWOOD
Art for your home
Add some distinctive artwork to your home, while supporting an emerging artist. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) will host its annual Art Sale Nov. 19-21. The sale will showcase one-of-a-kind art created by MCAD students and recent graduates. Opening night, Nov. 19, is 6 to 9 p.m.; the $150 admission includes drinks, hors d'oeuvres and valet parking. On Nov. 20, hours are 6 to 9 p.m., and admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. On Nov. 21, admission is free and open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MCAD is located at 2501 Stevens Av. S., Mpls.
Holiday entertainment
Bachman's will kick off the holiday season at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21 with the arrival of Santa and Albert the Elf. Santa and Albert will appear in a 20-minute play, "Santa's Magical Music," at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Kids also can visit a live reindeer corral. Treats, kids' crafts, activities and live demonstrations will be offered during store hours. Cost is free. Santa and Albert will continue to appear in "Santa's Magical Music" on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20, with performances at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Guests are invited to participate in a singalong of holiday carols after the play and to take photos with Santa and Albert (bring your own camera). Bachman's is located at 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.
Floral workshops
Set your Thanksgiving table with a DIY floral arrangement that resembles a turkey, created with bird of paradise, wheat stems, mums and Croton leaves. Learn how at a hands-on Bachman's workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 22. The cost is $50, which includes all materials for your take-home turkey centerpiece. Register at bachmans.com or 612-861-7311. The workshop will be held in the Design Room at Bachman's on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.
Here's another opportunity to create a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, or a festive holiday wreath. Foxglove Market and Studio, a floral shop in St. Paul that uses only locally grown, seasonal and chemical-free plants, is offering a series of holiday workshops. On Nov. 21 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. will be a "Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop." On Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will be a "Winter Wreath Workshop." The cost for each workshop is $55, which includes all materials. For register, visit foxglovemarket.com/workshops. Foxglove is located at 792 Grand Av., St. Paul.
Holiday pop-up sale
Time to bring home some holiday cheer? Ciel Loft & Home is hosting a Holiday Pop-up sales event on Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sale will feature home accessories, hand-painted ceramics, candles, custom art, frames, jewelry and more, at Ciel's new warehouse boutique, 4950 W. 35th St., St. Louis Park.
KIM PALMER
