THROUGH 6/30 SANDCASTLE BEACH The Magic House’s backyard has once again transformed into a beach, where visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, search for seashells and build sandcastles. $9.50. 822-8900 or magichouse.org. 

It’s been announced that the Fox Theatre will undergo a massive ceiling restoration—the biggest undertaking since its original 1981 restoration.

Homeowners have long focused on their property’s ‘curb appeal,’ trying to create beautiful gardens in the front yard that will welcome visitors; and one day, entice potential buyers. But more and more people are seeing the value of sprucing up their backyards, as well, since that’s where families spend a lot of time in the warmer months, notes Jim Graeler, president of Chesterfield Valley Nursery.

While it may not be swimming weather yet, the season of sunscreen and pool chairs is rapidly approaching. With a forecast of ‘90 and sunny’ undoubtedly on the horizon, pool owners need to take this last spell of cool weather to prepare their backyard oasis.

April

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Local landscapers unlock the gates to some of the area’s most fabulous gardens, from serene green escapes and sweet retreats to backyards bursting with colorful flora.

No matter the reason for celebrating, springtime offers a variety of festive, on-trend entertaining options—all of which are completed by their scrumptious menus. We asked area professionals to discuss what dining ideas will make a party stand out this season.

Spring is coming, a perfect time for a party to celebrate a holiday, special occasion or simply the arrival of warmer weather! These local party planners share ideas and tips for the perfect spring soiree.

No party is complete without décor, and what better option this spring than the very blooms that represent the season? We talked to three local floral designers to find out which stems scream spring and picked up some ideas to make sure everything at your gathering comes up roses—or perhaps tulips, in this case.

Following an engagement at Busch Stadium, a local couple welcomed guests to their wedding weekend with a Cardinals’ galvanized pail of game-day treats at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel.

There are as many ways to make your party décor say ‘spring’ as there are reasons to celebrate. From festive colors to simple elegance, area venues gave us their best shot—and we’re taking notes!

Trend section: Saturated Spring

Story: Tick is an Australian drag queen who performs regularly in Sydney. One night he receives a call from his ex-wife, who says she needs a favor: She’d like him to perform at her casino in Alice Springs in the Outback . She also wants him to reconnect with his young son, Benji, who hasn’t seen his father in years and has been asking about him and his life in “show business.”

LN first reported months ago that Chef LOU ROOK of Annie Gunn's is releasing his first-ever cookbook, Rook Cooks; Simplicity At Its Finest. Well, it’s finally here! The tome is available at the restaurant, as well as such area stores as Left Bank Books and Kitchen Conservatory, for $35.

Dave Dunlap, Consolidated Construction Group

Sparkle and shine always are a must for the holidays, and this year is no exception. Black and gold is the ‘now’ combination. Paired with Art Deco accessories, you’ll be sure to dazzle all season long.

They’re still swinging at the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY over a successful Red Velvet Ball Swings! gala that featured WYNTON MARSALIS and the JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA.

We’re just a few weeks away from the opening of the 2012 WILLIAM BERNOUDY LADUE NEWS SHOW HOUSE. The Show House, presented by U.S. Bank, will be on view from Oct. 5 through Oct. 21, with proceeds benefitting local charities. Last week, Show House designers gathered during a reception at THE TROVA PROJECT in Clayton, where they viewed and selected pieces from the gallery to incorporate into their design. LN design editor Alan E. Brainerd has more on this year’s featured home and the iconic name behind it beginning on p. 56.

Well, Oscar season may be just around the corner, but it’s not here yet. So if you aren’t in the mood for a car chase or see a bunch of stuff get blown up, I suggest you avoid the Cineplex this month. The bad news: Yes, it’s the standard pabulum or sequels and remakes. The good news: Some of them look awesome.

Founded by Jim and Connie Miles in 1984 after the death of their daughter, Marcia, H.I.S. K.I.D.S. (Happiness Is Serving Kids In Distress Situations) aims to decrease the devastation caused by childhood cancer for both kids and their families, says assistant executive director Jayme Bellamy.

For many broadcasters and other journalists of my generation, Tom Brokaw represented what we aspired to be: He was level-headed and cool, but had the intensity and intellect to go one-on-one with the world’s top news-makers.

This just in…Ladue News is proud to announce the finalists for the 2012 CHARITY AWARDS. They are: CITY ACADEMY, COVENANT HOUSE MISSOURI, FOOD OUTREACH, FRIENDS OF KIDS WITH CANCER, H.I.S. KIDS, OUR M.O.M. (Our Mark on Melanoma), SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN-ST. LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CRISIS NURSERY and LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY-GATEWAY CHAPTER. The top three charities will be announced during LN’s annual Charity Award reception in June. Stay tuned!

Jackie O., Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly: All are style icons who embodied late 50’s/early 60’s fashion effortlessly. They wore full-skirted dresses, pearls, capri pants, flats—pieces that any stylish woman’s closet should not be without. Their look was timeless then, and is still as relevant as ever today.