Holiday shopping
It's the season for shopping and giving at Shop & Sip, a fundraiser to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Guests can view one of the premier silent auctions of the Twin Cities, while dining on hors d'oeuvres and sipping beer and wine samples. 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14. $35 in advance; $45 at the door. Renaissance Hotel, 225 3rd Av. S., Mpls. https://one.bidpal.net/2017csmshopsip/welcome.
Tips on spruce tips
Ready to spruce up your entry for the season? Get help and resources at two spruce-tip planter workshops next weekend:
At Gertens, you'll get expert design help and instruction to create your own planter. The cost includes a container with soil, spruce tips and pine boughs; then shop a large selection of accents and greenery to customize your creation. 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 18. Advance registration requested. $29.99 for a 12-inch container or $49.99 for a 16-inch container. 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights (gertens.com).
At Bachman's, you'll also get expert design help and all the materials you need to create a spruce-tip planter — or a matched pair to flank your entry. 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 18. $50 for one container; $100 for two. Bachman's, 770 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie. Register at bachmans.com.
Tabletop decor
A modern arrangement can add a little spice to your holiday table. Using traditional autumn colors, make a contemporary Thanksgiving centerpiece using mums, mosses, grains and more. The class also includes coordinating an accent arrangement. 2 p.m. Nov. 19. $60. Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Register at bachmans.com.
MELISSA WALKER
