Show time

        Flower talk: Noted British florist and flower arranger Paula Pryke demonstrates her craft at 11 a.m. today at the Phoenix, downtown. The event, sponsored by the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, will include a champagne brunch and signing of Ms. Pryke's books. Fee: $75. Reservations required: 221-0981.

        Architecture tour: The Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs will present a bus tour showcasing Greater Cincinnati's most prolific architects during the late 19th century 9 a.m.-3 p.m. next Saturday. Docent Bea Lask will lead the tour. Fee: $48. Registration required by Tuesday: 287-7031.

        Antiques and collectibles: More than 150 dealers of antiques and vintage collectibles from five states will be at the second annual Hamilton Antiques Fair 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Admission: $3. An early-entry fee of $10 will allow collectors to preview the fair's offerings noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Preview fees will be donated to Shared Harvest Foodbank. 738-7256.

        Vintage pens: Two experts on vintage fountain pens and pencils will be at Appointments, the pen shop on the second level of Tower Place, downtown, 5-9 p.m. Wednesday. Letizia Jacopini, author and co-founder of the Italian Academy of Fountain Pens, will display vintage European pens. Rick Horne, director of the Pen Collectors of America and a restoration expert, will demonstrate pen repair and display vintage American pens. 421-7430.

In print

        Lifesaving Cheez Whiz: Joey Green, the author of Polish Your Furniture with Panty Hose, The Bubble Wrap Book and Wash Your Hair with Whipped Cream, returns with his offbeat solutions in Clean Your Clothes With Cheez Whiz (Renaissance Books; $9.95). According to Mr. Green, the enzymes in the cheesy yellow product are great for removing grease in fabric. Other tips include Cherrios facials, Gatorade for morning sickness and Noxzema for removing scuffs on patent leather shoes.

Shop talk

        Furniture fun: Valerie Makstell Interiors (1050 Mehring Way, downtown; 241-1050) will celebrate the opening of its Henredon Gallery with a champagne reception 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and noon-4 p.m. Sunday A donation to the FreeStore/FoodBank will enter visitors in a drawing for a $2,000 Henredon gift certificate Going places: Adventure Luggage, specializing in luggage, briefcases and computer bags, has opened on Florence Mall's lower level in front of Sears. The shop carries Sensa and Waterman pens and a collection of “designer alternative” handbags.

Online

        House help: ServiceMagic.com, the leading online marketplace for local home services, has added Greater Cincinnati to its national database, providing residents with a free, easy-to-use method for finding qualified service professionals. Answer a few questions on the Web site, and ServiceMagic will match a service request with a list of pros and provide the names of up to three prescreened, interested professionals by the next business day. The service handles more than 485 common home services — plumbing to major remodeling, carpet cleaning to pest control.

        Send items for In the Know to Shauna Scott Rhone, Tempo at Home, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330.

Furniture unfurled
Winterize roses to deter damage
To do this week
Concert review
Homes for the holidays
Next weekend rich in folk art, crafts
Pig Parade: Phat Pig
In the know
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