Making the Season Bright
Heighten the experience: A flat dining table is boring, says Eric Guenther, director of design of Glabman’s Furniture in Costa Mesa. To add interest, place different size, sturdy boxes on top of a tablecloth then cover them with another cloth, tucking it around the boxes to create plateaus and valleys. Put serving bowls on the plateaus. In the valleys, nestle container plants that can be parting gifts.
Lucky looky-loos: The Old Towne Preservation Assn. benefits from a holiday home tour in Orange from 2 to 7 p.m. today. Docents will explain the history and holiday decor of six historic homes, from a Craftsman bungalow to a Queen Anne-style Victorian. Tickets ($15) are at City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 639-6840.
More decor: Five homes in the “Leave It to Beaver”-like Rossmoor tract will be on display to benefit charities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $14. (562) 431-8787.
Blending traditions: “My ancestry is a hybrid of Scandinavian, Irish and Cherokee, and my home is Ralph Lauren meets Montana with a dash of Southwestern. To this mix I add evergreen garlands and wooden ornaments.”
--Russ Noe, Aliso Viejo
Cyber-smarts: Are you spending time with quiz show addicts who want to know trivia, such as the first department store to stay open until midnight Dec. 24? Find out about holiday traditions and even how Christmas lights work at https://www.howstuffworks.com. (Answer: Macy’s in 1867.)
Loose and toasty: PJ Salvage has long-sleeved flannel pajamas printed with home-appliance motifs, from toasters to TVs. With expandable elastic waistbands and drawstring pants, the bedclothes (at Nordstrom) accommodate overindulging.
On a mission: Mrs. Santa Claus (San Juan Capistrano’s Jacque Nunez) joins the free celebration at Mission San Juan Capistrano today. Also on hand are choirs, a harpist and hot refreshments. First up: A tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. across the street from the mission, 31522 Camino Capistrano. (949) 234-1300, Ext. 315.
Have a holiday tradition, tip or shortcut? Call (714) 966-7883, write Home Design, Los Angeles Times, Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or send e-mail to ocsocalliv@latimes.com. Please include your name and phone number.