01:00 AM EST on Sunday, December 5, 2004

You can hire Christmas carolers to surprise a loved one or to perk up a party through the VERY MERRY DICKENS CAROLERS, based in Attleboro. For $50, two costumed Victorian carolers will sing to your recipient for 5 to 10 minutes and present them with a card. For $200, four carolers arrive bearing cookies, hot chocolate and a gift while singing in four-part harmony or leading sing-alongs for 30 minutes. For $350, four costumed carolers will stroll through your party for 60 minutes of songs. Call (877) 572-7792 or email carolers [at] comcast.net. The Web site is www.merrydickens.com.

Today, SAKONNET VINEYARDS in Little Compton is hosting its annual Open House to benefit Child and Family Services of Newport from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the season with a complimentary wine tasting along with samples from Newport Storm beer, Sampsons Nuts, Ocean State Chocolate, organic soups from The Good Earth and more. Sakonnet wine and other gift items, as well as holiday greenery from nearby Peckham's Greenhouse, will be available for purchase. Child and Family Services will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for children 3 months to 5 years.

The popular RISD ALUMNI HOLIDAY SALE, featuring the work of more than 200 artisans around the country who have graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (50 new ones this year), is Saturday from 10 to 5 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Shoppers will find an amazing variety of wares, from candlesticks to custom rugs. The $5 admission supports the school scholarships.

One of the jewelry makers who will be at the RISD Alumni Sale is Mary Salvadore, whose Providence company LINEA M produces affordable necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are sold in such venues as Bloomingdale's. There's a special emphasis on brooches, which are hot this year. You'll find her at the sale at Booth 327. See the Web site www.lineam.com.

Apparel and gifts made from llamas is stocking a store at the LLADYLLOVE LLAMA FARM, 82 Cucumber Hill Rd., Foster, during its Open Barn Weekends from 10 to 5 Saturday and Sundays until Christmas. Owners Bonnie and Don Lambert educate people about llamas (a baby was born last month!) and their usefulness. Look for gloves, sweaters and baby clothing as well as some wreaths and dried floral arrangements made on the farm. Call (401) 397-4355 or see www.lladyllove.com

BEST FRIENDS BOOKSTORE, one of the many shops at TIVERTON FOUR CORNERS, is hosting an Open House Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with refreshments, free gift wrapping and visits with Santa for children. Next Sunday, GALLERY 4, which offers regional and international architectural pieces, decorative objects, jewelry and other gifts, will have an Open House from noon to 5 with refreshments from Sakonnet Vineyards and Provender Fine Foods. At the same time, MILK & HONEY BAZAAR will have a Custom Gift Basket Day with materials such as Wisconsin cheddar boxes available for shoppers to put together their own gifts. On Dec. 18, PROVENDER FINE FOODS will have an Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. with Garrison Confections providing free artisan chocolates as well as other gourmet delectables from the store. All month long the merchants will be accepting food donations for local animal shelters.

The merchants of WAYLAND SQUARE in Providence will host a traditional Holiday Stroll Saturday 10 to 6 and next Sunday 11 to 4. All stores will be collecting canned good for the Rhode Island Food Bank.

Custom party invitations and greeting cards are available from POTENTIAL of Warwick for $2 to $5 each. Owner Bethany Mascena Tracy says invitations can be matched to a party theme, or they will simply help you create what you need. Three-dimensional pieces are extra fun. View samples online at www.PotentialRI.com. Children's birthday cards are available online or at stores throughout New England. Call (401) 383-0582.

Those on the hunt for jeweled gifts might note two trunk shows at FIELD AND ROSE. Friday and Saturday, Marya Dabrowski will bring her Etruscan collection of jewelry -- combining elements of ancient Roman gold granulation with modern gem cuts -- to the store, 139 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. On Dec. 16 and 17, Daniel K brings a glittering collection of bracelets, necklaces, pins, earrings and rings set with diamonds. Call (401) 331-LEAF.

It's Men's Night on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE ALL SEASON'S GIFTS, 1557 Ten Rod Rd., Exeter. The evening will feature personalized assistance and gift wrapping of presents. The store carries gifts for all seasons, but especially the holidays, including collectibles such as Department 56, Byers' Choice and Russian Santas, as well as handmade ornaments and prelighted trees. You can even buy a themed tree with ornaments and have the whole thing shipped to someone (maybe yourself). Call (401) 397-0097.

A HOLIDAY BOOK, ART AND CRAFTS FAIR is being held next Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Armory on Main Street in East Greenwich by the New England Alliance for Self-Published Authors. Browse the works of writers, artists and artisans while listening to Christmas music and seeing craft demonstrations. Face painting for kids. See www.neaspa.com.

Wickford Village in miniature is available at THE WOOD LOFT, 7706 Post Rd., North Kingstown. There are 25 different wooden pieces depicting the stores and historic homes and buildings in Wickford, including Ryan's Market, Old Narragansett Church and Smith's Castle. Call (401) 295-1363.

This column rounds up local news involving stores, services and products. Send items three weeks in advance to LIFEstyles, What's In Store, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.

and stations that offer salads, Asian noodles and stir-fry items, soups and sandwiches. It seats 120, has a lounge and does catering.

Wickford Village in miniature is available at THE WOOD LOFT, 7706 Post Rd., North Kingstown. There are 25 different wooden pieces depicting the stores and historic homes and buildings in Wickford, including Ryan's Market, Old Narragansett Church and Smith's Castle. Call (401) 295-1363.

This column rounds up local news involving stores, services and products. Send items three weeks in advance to LIFEstyles, What's In Store, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.