"Be creative," is Mitchell's philosophy. "The fun part of baking is that you can use things that are around you. Don't think that if it's not a kitchen item you can't use it," she says.
The exhibit, shuttered in sugarplums and furnished in chocolate, incorporates caroling bears, a snowball family, grand piano, candelabra and parquet floors.
Other features of the New England-style brownstone designed by architect Alex Cho:
14 square feet of gingerbread.
Furnishings and trim made from 20 to 30 pounds of chocolate.
Five rooms, including living room, kitchen/dining room, foyer, master bedroom and second bedroom.
Handmade furniture pieces, including fireplace, rocking chairs, Christmas trees and a dining room hutch with dishes.
Hours for wide-eyed viewing are from 7:00 a.m. daily in the Sears wing, second level. Closing times are 9 p.m. today through Saturday, and Monday through Dec. 9; 5 p.m. Sunday and Christmas Eve; 10 p.m. Dec. 10 to 16; and 11 p.m. Dec. 17 to 23. It's free.
For information, call 235-1143.