Get a Jump Start on Holiday Shopping at Annual Winter Gift Show

The official tree-lighting ceremony may not be until next week, but the holidays have just about arrived in Birmingham with the opening of The Community House's Winter Holiday Gift Show this weekend.

The annual holiday party will take place from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, with a special preview party tonight from 6-9 p.m.

During the Winter Holiday Gift Show, The Community House decks its halls with unique gift items for everyone on your holiday shopping list. In 2012, 50 vendors have signed up to sell their goods to Birmingham shoppers.

"We are more excited this year about our line-up of vendors over last year, and we didn't think that was possible," said Meg Ferron, co-chair of the 2012 Winter Holiday Gift Show. "Our vendors will be offering everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry, soaps, children's books, toys and clothing, unique Christmas ornaments and more."

"With so many of the local holiday shows and bazaars a thing of the past, we have strived to make this a holiday shopping destination," she added.

This year, fuel your shopping by enjoying lunch at the Winter Holiday Gift Show cafe. The cafe will feature gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups and a variety of desserts.

For those looking for a sneak preview of the sale, tickets are still available for the Winter Holiday Gift Show preview party, to be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday.

"We invite everyone to get a jump on their holiday shopping while enjoying an evening out with good friends," said Diane Day, co-chair of the preview party, which also includes hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

Admission to the gift show is $7 per person. Admission to the preview party is $45 per person and also includes entrance to the gift show on Friday and Saturday. For preview party tickets, visit www.tchserves.org or call 248-644-5832.