Dec 17, 2006

Women's Club welcomes all to 'Our House'

By Janet Duca Norton

The 18th annual "Christmas at Our House" home tour showcased spectacular Los Altos and Los Altos Hills homes decorated for the holidays, and featured traditional festivities with holiday music, gourmet food and an opportunity to shop for gifts.

Presented by Saint Francis High School Women's Club, the Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 "Silver-White Winters"-themed event raised funds for the second phase of St. Francis' campaign for a new performing arts center.

Tour events included luncheons, vocal and instrumental student performances of seasonal music, a raffle and complimentary tea, plus a holiday boutique with a new "Winter Garden" collection of live topiaries, wreaths and garden items.

"It's always fun to open our doors and see friends from the past, and greet our new guests - sharing our enthusiasm with them," said tour chair Mari Jo Pelzner. "We take pride in our event and our dedicated committee volunteers (around 600) do such an outstanding job adding all the right holiday touches. I hope our guests have taken away a measure of good cheer for this Christmas season."

The homes were selected for their diversity and unique features. Displayed inside former Los Altos Hills mayor Steve Finn's renovated, Natchez-style Greek Revival mansion was the Tiffany & Co. "Twelfth Night" sterling, platinum and pearl table setting, which was sold as a special drawing prize. Estate manager Thomas Miller received rave reviews for his lavish, red-themed decorations.

Dr. Harry and Brenda Mittelman showcased a blue and silver Hanukkah celebration in their Craftsman-inspired custom-designed home, which displayed a combination of neoclassic arts and crafts and Asian features.

Interior designer Joseph Hittenger and his partner Cabell Chinnis transformed a traditional ranch into their sleek, sophisticated modern home, and gave a nod to their Southern roots with magnolias featured in their red and white Christmas decorations.

Interior designer and artist Cathy Kordsmeir and her husband Norbert's self-described "Rose Cottage" displayed a mix of French, English, Tuscan and cottage design.

It was the first time the gala tent preview party - which honors the families who opened their homes for the tour - was given at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View. The evening's highlight was the presentation of original pen and ink drawings of the tour homes that were given to the respective homeowners.

A drawing of the school was presented to board president Kevin Makely, and the family map drawing was awarded to Sol Chavez for his work with the Campus Ministry. Past tour chair Linda Graham had fun presenting the traditional silver charm to last year's chair Michelle Barsanti.

Some of the guests offering congratulations were Joan Makely, Laura Pohlen and Dana Bolognini along with past chairs Katy Kelly, Kelly Barsanti, Suzanne Moshier and Mary Thornhill.