Home and Patio Show

Spring is still a long way off, but you can get a jump-start on it next weekend at the Home and Patio Show. The annual event returns Feb. 14-17 with ideas and resources for refreshing indoor and outdoor spaces.

New this year is the Butterfly House, featuring 5,000 live butterflies, and the Trending Kitchen and Bath Center, featuring the latest technology and eco-friendly materials.

Other featured speakers and activities include "Renegade Gardener" Don Engebretson, garden guru Bobby Jensen, seminars by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, Ramsey County Master Gardeners and Home Depot, and the Outdoor Living and Garden area. For a schedule of daily events, visit www.homeandpatioshow.com or call 763-755-8111.

The show will be open 2-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Admission is $9 for adults, $2.50 for ages 6-12, free for 5 and under. A coupon for $2 off adult admission is available at www.homeandpatioshow.com.

Design Week

Midwest Home magazine's Design Week kicks off Sunday (Feb. 10) with a "Design ­Boutique" at the Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Pkwy., Mpls. Thom Filicia, an interior designer known for his role on TV's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," will speak at a noon luncheon, followed by design seminars 1:15-3:30 p.m., then a happy hour, with Filicia signing copies of his new book, "American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat."

A $40 ticket includes lunch, Filicia's talk, seminars and happy hour; a $25 ticket includes seminars and happy hour. For more information, visit www.mhmag.com/designweek.

On Monday from 6-8 p.m., Filicia will be at the Kohler Signature Store in Edina for a book-signing; register online at www.kohlersignaturestoreedina.com. And on Saturday, the Kohler store will host an open house, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring speed-design bathroom makeovers. To book an appointment, call 952-922-2825. The store is at 7101 France Av. S.

Last call: Lake Home show

Feb. 10, is your last chance to check out the Lake Home & Cabin Show, featuring the latest in furnishings, decor, builders and lake/cabin-related products. Events include cooking demonstrations and samples with chef Patrick Moore, the "Getaway Gourmet," at noon and 2 p.m. The show is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for ages 5-15, free for 4 and under. Coupons for $2 off adult admission are available at www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com.

KIM PALMER