Sip tea, view fashions and shop for holiday gifts... Sip tea, view fashions and shop for holiday gifts... (November 18, 2005)

All at your local museum
by Jerri Long

What better way to get in the holiday mood than by attending an event that combines fun, food, fashion and the opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts? The Elegant Tea and Fashion Show, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, at Museum On Main, is sure to be a special event for mothers and daughters, aunts and nieces, grandmothers and granddaughters, and friends.

"In older days, we used to get dressed up to go to church with our mothers or grandmothers," says Rebecca Bruner, special events coordinator for the historical society. "It was a special day, a time to get together. We are making our own tradition at a holiday tea this year." Besides enjoying tea and treats, Bruner notes participants can discover "all the finery downtown and collect coupons for future shopping trips."

"All the clothing in the fashion show comes from downtown shops," explains Bruner, "because we think it's important to be good neighbors." And the models are "real people, ages 3 to 81," all local or with local ties.

The Museum On Main, built in 1914, will be decorated for the holidays, and each table will include special tea settings provided by volunteers. Guests will be served tea, elegant sandwiches, savories and desserts.

"We'll also have lots of opportunity drawing prizes," says Bruner. "Doors will open at noon so that our guests can browse in the newly expanded Museum Shop." New for the holidays are many wooden and tin toys, replicas of favorites from times past, along with history-themed craft kits. Some items are perfect for stocking-stuffers, such as a tiny, hand-crank music box with a see-through plastic case. There's even a miniature "sack of coal" for stockings of those who have been more naughty than nice.

Many items feature Main Street scenes. Consider giving a far-from-home college student a mouse pad, paperweight or mug. There are also tree ornaments and coasters. Another holiday decorative item is a miniature framed mirror with a glittery snowy figure in the center. Unique beaded jewelry makes a lovely gift option, too.

New to the museum is an ever-changing selection of antiques and collectibles for sale. A recent peek showed an assortment of cups and plates, lace-edged handkerchiefs and linens, a cane, hatpins, silver serving pieces and postcards.

Notecards with local scenes painted by local artists are another special buy at the museum. A variety of bath products is offered, along with potpourri and lavender sachets.

Still looking for a "just right" gift idea? Consider giving a year's membership to the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society. Membership includes discounts for events such as the holiday tea, monthly lectures and preview parties for new exhibits. Unlimited free admission to exhibits is also a benefit of membership.
Attend the Tea

What: Elegant Tea and Fashion Show

When: 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11

Where: Museum On Main, 603 Main Street

Cost: $25 per adult, $20 for members of the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society and $15 for children 13 or younger. All reservations must be pre-paid with cash, check or credit card

Deadline to purchase tickets is 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

Proceeds will benefit the museum's many projects.

Call Museum on Main, 462-2766 for more information.

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