Upcoming Connecticut Cottage and Garden Events

Beads in the Loft: Get started on your Christmas shopping early today and visit Beads in the Loft for 20% off. In-store and online code: PH09. Happy Shopping! Wed., Nov. 25 (10am-5pm) 3 Lewis St., Greenwich, (203) 861-0086 http://www.beadsintheloft.com/


Homes for the Holidays! The New Canaan Newcomers Club along with CTC&G hosts the 23rd annual Homes for the Holidays event in New Canaan. The five house tour features interactive and entertaining holiday decor designed to stimulate all five senses. Listen to carolers, smell warm gingerbread and shop the pop-up holiday gift shops at each home. This year, the event continues with an evening trolley tour to view the house's holiday lights. Advance tickets, $65 and tickets at the door, $75. Fri., Dec. 4 (10am-4pm) and (6pm-9pm) Roger Sherman Inn, 195 Oenoke Rd., New Canaan (203) 561-5658 http://www.ncholidayhousetour.com/


Sis Boom Sale! Don't miss the semi-annual Sis Boom sale including one of a kind bedding, fabrics, tunics, accessories and more! Thurs., Dec. 3 - Sat., Dec. 5 (9am-6pm) 40 East Meadow Rd., Wilton, CT (203) 761-0442


WHS hosts 23rd Annual Holiday House Tour & Twilight Soirée
Westport's favorite way to kick off the holiday season, and the Westport Historical Society's most important fundraiser, the 23rd annual Holiday House Tour, returns on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Tickets are $40 for Members, $50 for Non-Members, in advance, and $55 on Tour Day. The Tour will be followed, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, by Twilight Soirée (tickets $50), a festive celebration of wine, hors d'oeuvres, live music and Silent Auction. Information for both events is available at 203.222.1424 or http://www.westporthistory.org/


Benefit Auction
The Housatonic Valley Association and media sponsor CTC&G presents their annual celebrity benefit auction. This year's auction led by HGTV's appraiser, Tim Luke, includes items such as; dinner in New York with Christine Baranski, a vacation at "The Breakers" in Palm Beach and invites to Diane Von Furstenberg's and Oscar de la Renta's fashion shows. Auction proceeds allow HVA to fund programs that protect the water quality of local rivers and streams and preserve regionally important landscapes. Tickets start at $50. Sun., Dec. 6 (1:00pm cocktails and silent auction, 3:00pm live auction) Bryan Memorial Town Hall 2 Bryan Hall Plaza, Washington, CT (860) 672-6678 http://www.hvatoday.org/


Enrichment, Enlightenment and Charitable Endeavor
Visit the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum for a tour by Rockefeller Center Historian and Tour Guide Sibyl McCormac Groff. Groff has researched and written about Christmas for more than 20 years, with a special emphasis on New York City. In her lecture, Ms. Groff will trace the cultural evolution of Christmas from its New York City origins and explore the work of renowned political cartoonist Thomas Nast, as well as other prominent figures who have contributed to the cultural development of Christmas. Wine and cheese and a candlelight tour of the Mansion is included with admission. Sun., Dec. 6, 2009, 4 p.m. $20 members - $25 non-members 295 West Ave., Norwalk, (203) 838 9799


Holiday Floral Arranging
Boxwood Home & Interiors with sponsor CTC&G invites you to meet interior designer Bunny Williams for a demonstration on holiday floral arrangements and view the new collection from The Beeline Home. Light lunch to be served by L'Escale. Reservation required through Cottages & Gardens Publications. Thurs., Dec. 10 (Noon-3pm) 44 East Ave. New Canaan, CT (203) 227-1400 http://www.boxwoodinteriors.com/