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Tour's Homes All Decked Out

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By JESSICA BAIR, The Suncoast News

Published: December 13, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Curious to see how other folks deck their halls for the holidays?

Drop by the 11 west Pasco homes showcased in the inaugural Christmas tour presented by Growing Great Moms on Saturday.

Carolers, harpists, a cellist, a pianist and the Genesis Ringers hand bell choir will perform.

Buy crafts, portraits and prints and hand-made Christmas cards. Chat with a local artist. See a live Nativity scene.

Taste complimentary refreshments such as mulled apple cider, roasted chestnuts, coffee, pastries, desserts and cuisine from Zen Forrest restaurant.

"It will be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and palate," said Carmen Burnett, president of Growing Great Moms, a Christian support group for stay-at-home mothers in Pasco and Pinellas counties.

The tour, from 3 to 9 p.m., starts at a Victorian Baroque home at 3818 Sail Drive in New Port Richey.

A map and a brochure with information on home renovations, interior design and the homeowners will guide tour takers along the route. The homes feature French provincial, rustic country, shabby chic and other styles.

"A home is a reflection of you and with this event you're getting to know a little about these people through their hospitality," said Burnett.

The tour covers an 8-mile radius encompassing neighborhoods in Gulf Harbors, River Crossing, the Gardens of Beacon Square, Oak Ridge and the downtown district, she said.

The Nativity re-enactment will be at a Wilshire Boulevard home in Holiday.

The city of New Port Richey provided some funding for the home tour, which is a fundraiser for Growing Great Moms and Trinity Relay for Life. The mothers meet several times a week for parenting workshops, conversation, coffee and children's playtime; they have a monthly mom's night out, park and other play days and field trips; and they pursue charitable contributions and events.

"It could definitely be a New Port Richey tradition," Burnett said of the tour.

For information, go to growinggreatmoms.com.

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