Saratoga News Photograph by George Sakkestad Harriet Parsons, Marla De Broekert and Viva Deshon created this doll and bed to sell at Yuletide at Montalvo. Yuletide comes early to Villa Montalvo Annual gala brings holiday spirit to the community By Shari Kaplan Christmas comes but once a year--and in the case of Saratoga's Villa Montalvo, it comes in November. Yuletide at Montalvo, held annually in the fall, is a community celebration and fundraiser for the Montalvo Service Group, which supports and maintains the grounds and buildings of the nonprofit Villa Montalvo, California's Historic Estate for the Arts and former mansion of the late Sen. James D. Phelan. This year's celebration, "Prelude to An Old- Fashioned Yule," runs Nov. 13-15 and includes a variety of special events for visitors of all ages. Throughout the weekend's events, handcrafted gifts will be available for purchase. Made by Montalvo Service Group members, the items include aprons, quilts, children's clothes, toys and stuffed animals. The Nature's Workshop committee will sell handmade ornaments and gift items crafted from all-natural materials, while the Gourmet Alley committee will offer homemade pickles, jellies, preserves, mustards, baked goods and other tasty treats. On Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festively appointed Villa is open for self-guided tours both upstairs and downstairs. Refreshments will be served, and children are welcome. From 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, the Montalvo Service Group serves adults a light meal of wine, cheese, soup and bread. Reservations are required. Nov. 14 also features self-guided tours and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also offers families a magical musical sing-along at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. with Linda Arnold, a Bay Area resident and frequent performer on the Disney Channel. From 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, adults are invited to a black tie-optional dinner that includes champagne, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. Reservations are required. The evening also includes tours of the Villa. Wrapping up Villa Montalvo's Prelude to an Old-Fashioned Yule on Nov. 15 are tours of the Villa and a champagne brunch with live entertainment. Reservations are required. On Nov. 13, free parking and shuttle service is available at Sacred Heart Church, located at 13724 Saratoga Ave. On Nov. 14, the same service is offered at Saratoga High School, located at the corner of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Herriman Avenue. On Nov. 15, and on all evenings, visitors may park in the Villa Montalvo lots, located at 15400 Montalvo Road. Ticket prices vary by event; advance ticket purchases are recommended as space is limited for some events. Call 961-5858 for more information, or visit www.villamontalvo.org on the Internet. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, October 28, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.