"A Ringing Singing Christmas" sets the tone for the annual Christmas at Weymouth Open House Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The setting is the Weymouth Center for Arts and Humanities and includes the Gatehouse on Connecticut Avenue in Southern Pines.

The Christmas decorations are the inspirations of area garden clubs and professional designers, the refreshments are homemade cookies donated by volunteers and the musical entertainment is organized by Elaine Sills.

"This is the perfect beginning to the holiday season and a way to gather new Christmas decorating ideas," says a spokesman.

Christmas at Weymouth is the annual fundraiser sponsored by The Women of Weymouth. All proceeds will benefit the maintenance and continued restoration of the home.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 or in advance at the following locations in Pinehurst: Faded Rose, Given Book Shop and Cook's Choice, in Southern Pines at The Country Bookshop, and in Seven Lakes at Phoenix Fashions, for $8.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., the Women of Weymouth are inviting children up to the age of 12 to visit the home of James and Katharine Boyd in order to enjoy the decorations, stroll the gardens, visit Santa, sing some Christmas songs and enjoy refreshments.

Guided tours of the home will be provided and information about how the Boyds celebrated Christmas will be told.

Parents are asked to accompany the children, and the cost for each person is $3. Reservations are requested by calling 255-0090.

"Dining in a Ringing Singing Christmas" is the theme of the conference room located on the second floor of the home. The room will be decorated with fresh garland and red bows on the windows, and the mantel and fireplace will be draped with fresh greens and berries. The stockings will be hung, just waiting for Santa to join the guests who have gathered for a day of festive dining.

The room will have four settings for dining: a tea setting, a buffet, and two dinner table settings. Each table setting will feature exquisite china using place settings of white, gold and silver, green, and red. The aroma of fresh flowers arranged in specially designed centerpieces will be noticed at the tables.

Demonstrations by Margaret Smith of Maggie Smith Farms on Friday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m., and Mary Wasse of Mary Contrary on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m., will offer clues on what is new for this holiday season.

These demonstrations will take place in the great room and are open to visitors who are touring the home at the time.