Last call for holiday heirlooms

Last call for holiday heirlooms

Do you have a favorite seasonal decoration with a story behind it? Something you display every year, that touches your heart or makes you smile? Share your decoration as part of our annual "Holiday Heirloom" feature.

It doesn't matter what you celebrate — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter solstice or something else. Your favorite holiday heirloom can be beautiful, humble or downright strange. We're looking for decorations with a story behind them — touching, bittersweet or funny.

If you have an heirloom with a tale to tell, share it. Send a few sentences about your decoration and what makes it special to you, along with a digital photo, to: kim.palmer@startribune.com. Or mail a snapshot and brief description to: Kim Palmer, Star Tribune Newsroom, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis MN 55488. We'll feature a few of the most interesting tales in an upcoming story in the Variety section and on www.startribune.com. But don't delay — the deadline is Dec. 10.

KIM PALMER

'Minnesota's Own' book event

The 1880s William Sauntry mansion, a restored Victorian time capsule turned into a bed-and-breakfast in Stillwater, is spotlighted in Larry Millett's book "Minnesota's Own: Preserving Our Grand Homes." Lumber baron Sauntry filled the 7,000-square-foot residence with handsome red birch, walnut, cherry and oak. An elaborate carved stairway and stenciled ceilings are among the many Victorian design details. You can tour four common rooms downstairs and three guest rooms and meet Larry Millett and photographer Matt Schmitt, who will give a presentation and sign books, at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at the mansion, 626 N. 4th St. Free; no reservations required. Call 651-259-3000.

Home for the holidays

It's the last week to visit Bachman's Ideas House, which is festooned with nostalgic and natural holiday decor, ranging from a retro Santa-themed kitchen to a rustic master suite accessorized with fox and deer accents. Gather decorating and entertaining ideas from every space inside the charming historic home at 5936 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Outdoor winter decorating tips include front-entry containers and landscape accents. The self-guided tours are daily through Dec. 14. Tickets are $5 and benefit Open Arms of Minnesota. Free for ages 12 and under. For tickets, visit www.bachmans.com or call 612-861-7311.

LYNN UNDERWOOD