If these walls could talk

Travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of a Victorian Christmas in 1875 at the meticulously restored Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul. Find out how the Ramsey family, their friends and servants prepared for and celebrated the Christmas season. During the tour, visitors can listen to holiday music of the era and gaze at original family ornaments and Christmas gifts. Times are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, noon to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25). Cost: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $7 ages 6-17; $3 discount for Minnesota Historical Society members. For reservations, call 651-259-3015 or go to www.mnhs.org/calendar.

Twice the junk

The Carver Junk Co. has been so successful since it opened in 2012 that owners Chad and Brandy Dressen are adding another location in Minneapolis. The store, which offers one-of-a kind vintage, recycled and repurposed furniture and home accessories, is holding a grand opening Dec. 20-21 at 4748 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. DIYers also can find the eco-friendly Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint line for refinishing furniture. After Dec. 21, the Carver Junk Co. will be open Thursday through Sunday. For details, call 612-615-8650 or go to carverjunkcompany.com.

Alternative Christmas tree

Tired of live evergreen trees that drop needles? Do you consider the plastic versions too fake? The handcrafted PossibiliTree is made of hardwoods — cherry, walnut or maple — in the shape of a traditional Christmas tree. Minneapolis architect Richard Babcock designed the tree, which evokes a simple Scandinavian style, for his home in 1982. Today his daughter Pat Sorenson sells a limited number of the lightweight, easy-to-assemble trees each year through her Minneapolis-based company. Prices range from $160 for a 2-foot tabletop model to $460 for a 6-foot-tall suspended tree designed to float 18 inches above the floor. For information, visit www.possibilitree.com.

LYNN UNDERWOOD