Maiden Minnesota, Thanksgiving inspiration, holiday party planning and more

Spend an evening with friends — shopping, sipping and contributing to the cause of craftsmanship. Maiden Minnesota, a charitable shopping event featuring stylish goods from more than 35 "Minnesota Maidens" (local women-owned companies), will be held Friday.

Products will include home decor items, fashion, accessories and food. There will also be cocktails, exclusive sales and a silent auction to benefit the Makers Coalition, a local nonprofit initiative to restore and build the industrial sewing heritage of America.

Tickets are $20 in advance at www.maidenminnesota.com, and $30 at the door. The price includes one drink ticket and a $5 donation to Makers Coalition.

Shopping hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. Maiden Minnesota will be held at the Graves 601 Hotel, 601 1st Av. N., Mpls.

The holiday is less than a month away. If you'll be hosting the celebration this year, you can pick up some fresh seasonal decorating ideas during a "Thanksgiving Inspiration Evening" at Bachman's. The event will feature demonstrations by Bachman's experts, plus inspiration stations and gourmet food tasting.

Demos on "Amazing Entrances" will be offered at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Susie Bachman will show how to create entry decor that can transition from fall to winter to the holiday season.

"Captivating Tablescapes" will be the topic at 5:20, 6:20 and 7:20 p.m., featuring creative ideas for setting a festive Thanksgiving table.

The "Thanksgiving Inspiration Evening" will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Bachman's on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $10. To register, visit www.bachmans.com.

Planning to host a holiday gathering? You can pick up tips and tools on Saturday when Mpls.St.Paul magazine hosts "Perfect Parties," an event focused on holiday ideas and inspiration.

Guests will learn tricks for hosting flawless parties, from no-fail food and wine pairings to holiday decorating and festive music selections. There will be seminars on holiday fashion trends and decorating, as well as food and beverage sampling and shopping — Galleria retailers will have merchandise for sale.

"Perfect Parties" will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St., Mpls. The cost is $20 online at www.mspmag.com/perfectparties and at Galleria Guest Services (in the Galleria shopping mall in Edina), or $25 at the door.

From "Puppy Love" to "Soldier of Love" and now to your living room. Singer Donny Osmond is lending his name to a line of housewares and home decor products. Donny Osmond Home, launched by Donny and Debbie, his wife of 35 years, is designed to bring "family values" to home furnishings, with individual pieces inspired by the entertainer's memories.

KIM PALMER

Whether your room needs just a quick freshening or a total overhaul, you can find inspiration in Better Homes and Gardens' "Makeovers: Room-by-Room Solutions."

The book is stuffed with decorating ideas to steal. There are before-and-after photos of room makeovers, clever storage tips, paint color suggestions and much more to get your creative juices flowing. You'll even find guidance on grouping artwork, making up an attractive bed and arranging items on a coffee table.

Some of the ideas use reclaimed or inexpensive elements, so you can add style without breaking your budget.

"Makeovers" is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and sells for $21.99 in softcover.