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So, the holidays are getting a little ho-hum. Tradition may be fine and dandy, but sometimes people just need a little nudge in a new direction when it comes to decorating.

The Junior League of Palo Alto*Mid Peninsula is holding its fifth annual "Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutiques" on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, featuring four homes in Atherton and Menlo Park, decorated for the holidays by homeowners and design partners.

A holiday-themed boutique will be held at the Rosewood Sand Hill, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Friday's events include a luncheon and self-driven tour from noon to 3 p.m. and the "Mistletoe & Martinis" shopping and hors d'oeuvres event on Friday night from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

On Saturday, floral designer Isabella Boyer Sikaffy of Florabella will demonstrate seasonal floral arranging from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tablescapes will also be on display.

Visitors to the Finishing Touches tour begin at the Rosewood Sand Hill, where they can park and check in. They'll be taken by shuttle bus to homes on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. (last shuttle leaves at 3 p.m.). (A limited number of self-driven tour tickets may be purchased online.)

Proceeds from the Finishing Touches events support the Junior League's projects, which include Project READ, Fostering Families, Shelter Network and Done in a Day, as well as grants to local organizations. Since its founding in 1965, the Junior League has contributed more than $4 million to local groups, according to a press release.

What: Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutiques
When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
Where: Begin at Rosewood Sand Hill, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
Cost: Tickets are $125 for self-driven tour plus luncheon; $125 for Mistletoe & Martinis (includes Saturday shuttle-driven tour); $45 for seasonal floral arranging; $40 in advance, $45 day of tour, for Saturday shuttle-driven tour; $65 for Saturday self-driven tour.
Info: Finishing Touches

Associate Editor Carol Blitzer can be emailed at cblitzer@paweekly.com.

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