GETTING ALL DRESSED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS takes loads of garland,lots of glitter and gobs of ornaments, as last week's third annual Holiday Home Tour fundraiser for the Valley Children's Museum beautifully illustrated
The tour took place in some lovely homes in and around the Ruby Hill community and had something for everyone.
The houses were decked out in a variety of holiday finery -- some in themes, others in decorations that have been lovingly collected during the years. Either way, meandering through them was an ideal way to kick off the holidays and get folks motivated to drag out their own boxes of decorations and or just enjoy the mini-boutiques and tasty treats available at each stop.
Our first stop was to check in at a (Greenbriar Homes) model home decked out in elegant finery. It also included a silent auction, staffed by helpful volunteers from the National Charities League, such as mother-daughter team Marcia Gerg and Amanda Wolf of Danville. This pair often volunteers for causes as diverse as the Special Olympics and the Contra Costa County Food Bank.
"This is an important thing for us to do," said mom Marcia.
Denise Plant of Livermore was volunteering with her friend Karen Lusk. "I am a Realtor, so I love this kind of stuff and can't wait to go through the homes later today," she said enthusiastically.
Also staffing the site were San Ramon Valley High juniors Ann and Irene Hodge and friends Jordan Kragen and Whitney MacLeod.
"It really feels good to be helping out others at this time of year when we receive so much," noted Irene, who seemed to hit the nail exactly on the head with that comment.
At the home of Janine and Roy Williams, it was all about attention to detail, whimsy and Victoriana. Although they have only lived in the Victorian farmhouse for one year, it was a showplace, with an exotic feather and bird tree, sumptuous garlands embellished with glittery birds and roses, plus Victorian Christmas touches throughout.
Roy's artistically carved gourds were also on display. He is a real artiste and has won awards for his carved gourds. The festive atmosphere was enlivened with singing by sisters Ashley and Jenny Cook of Pleasanton, who had volunteered to entertain.
Entertaining visitors with piano tunes at the next home were sisters Danielle and Grace Yee. The home was decorated by owner Johnel Cerruti, who noted she is fairly new to the community and wanted to contribute by opening up her home for the fundraiser.
On Doccia Court in Ruby Hill, Dana Cox dropped by her neighbor's home to say hello and drop off a donation to the Valley Children's Museum as well as enjoy the festive atmosphere created by the two first homeowners in Ruby Hill.
At the East Ruby Hills Drive house, it was girls' day out for pals Carol Miranda (Saratoga), Ann French (San Ramon), Linda Cerini (San Bruno) and Mona Chin (Pleasanton). They are home tour regulars, laughed Ann, and love getting out to be inspired and spend the day with each other.
The homeowner here had used many treasured items like her grandmother's quilts to create Santas and charming vignettes.
The pear and gorgonzola pizza was a hit at the Tuscan-style home on Lannita Place. The home features an outdoor woodburning pizza oven made from naturally quarried Tuscan "cotto refrattario." Visitors could also nosh on homemade brownies made by Brownie Troop 708
Weary visitors were invited to wrap up their day with a leisurely stop at Tenuta Vineyards. There, they could indulge in drinks and treats.
Carmen Rusca is the social columnist for the Times. Social Lights appears on alternating Sundays.Send press releases to aroundcv@sbcglobal.net or by mail c/o the Times, P.O. Box 607, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
