December 23, 2005

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Publication Date: Friday, December 23, 2005

Holiday Home Tour brings seasonal cheer

The halls were decked, the stockings hung, the cocoa warmed and carols sung, when six gracious Ruby Hill hosts opened their doors on behalf of the Valley Children's Museum earlier this month. Each home was a festive celebration of the season, offering visitors far more than just an ornamental display. Carolers, choirs, cookies and caterers each contributed to the holiday atmosphere, turning the home tour into a progressive party.

Though the Valley Children's Museum has yet to name an official site, a dedicated group of Tri-Valley parents, business and community leaders are working hard to ensure that their vision becomes a reality; this second annual Holiday Home Tour is evidence of their commitment to providing children with a local opportunity to "explore and learn through hands-on, interactive play."

Supporters attending the home tour got a lot more than holiday cheer. Amy Schwab, a Pleasanton mother of two young girls, says the Children's Museum will be a great benefit to the Valley. "This area is very family oriented, but it is quite a drive to offer my children the type of experience this museum will bring."

Schwab saw the tour as a great way to support a wonderful cause while taking advantage of the opportunity to explore some uniquely beautiful homes. "I knew this would be a great chance to see ideas created by some of the Valley's top designers," she said, stopping to check out some Italian tile that caught her eye. "Each of these homes has some special attribute, something that makes it just right for those who live there. We're about to start some renovations, and that's what I want to do for my family, too."

While Schwab searched the homes for inspiration, others sought the perfect Christmas presents. With tinsel topped trees serving as a backdrop, local vendors displayed gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures to the merry-making crowds passing through. Carol Franco's display of handmade holiday decorations was a popular stop, though it was hard to decide which had the longest line--her sparkling wreaths and twinkling trees or the cascading chocolate fondue just behind Franco's case of ribbons and bows.

The flowing tower of chocolate was just one highlight of the various repasts offered throughout the tour. It may be hard work roaming through 10,000 square foot homes, but no one suffered from a lack of caloric energy. From stir-fry to sesame snacks, brownies and milk to quesadillas, homemade cookies to cheese, crackers and cruditˇs, there was something for everyone, and everyone ate something.

When the red-ribboned doors to the tour closed at 3 p.m., revelers followed the signs down the road to Tenuta Vineyards. There, Christmas came early for some as a Santa-sized list of raffle prizes was handed out to lucky ticket holders. Of course, it was agreed as toasts were made with holiday spirits of a different sort, the real winners are the children of our Valley who will one day enjoy the benefits of a visit to the Valley Children's Museum.
The Valley Children's Museum

For more information on the Valley Children's Museum, please visit www.valleychildrensmuseum.org.

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