The Portland Fall Home and Garden Show hits the Expo Center from October 3rd through October 6th. Been planning some home improvement projects, or perhaps your yard could use a make over? This is the place for you.

Twenty-four "designer rooms" will get your creative juices flowing, and there will be plenty of info available on how to make your own rooms have that custom designed look. Many of the regions top contractors, remodelers, designers and garden architects will be in attendance to help inform your decisions and offer tips and tricks.

And, of course, if you need an expert to actually do the work, you can meet some of the most qualified folks and get all the info you'll need.

The show runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m on Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, and kids under 12 years old get in free. There's also a $2 coupon available for Thursday's and Friday's shows.

Serving Up Style!

Many of Portland's best designers will divide up into 24 teams, and each team decks out a 12x16-foot dining room space. Attend the show and your vote will help to decide the winner. Serving Up Style also features design workshops, and there's a gala event from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th.

Tickets for the gala are $125, and proceeds benefit the non-profit Molly's Fund Fighting Lupus. Mingle with some of the Northwest's top designers at the cocktail hour and over dinner, and participate in both the live and silent auctions, if you choose.

$6,000 Hot Tub Giveaway

When it's cold and wet outside, a hot tub sounds pretty darned nice.

The Portland Fall Home and Garden Show does a good job of playing on our chilliness with their drawing for a hot tub giveaway. If I win, you're all invited, promise. Hope you'll reciprocate!

What: Fall Home & Garden Show
When: Thursday, October 3rd & Friday, October 4th, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, October 5th 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, October 6th 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr Portland, OR 97217
Cost: $10, children under 12 free. There's also a $2 coupon available for Thursday and Friday. NOTE: Parking is $8, or $7 for carpools of three or more. Or take the MAX Light Rail Yellow Line to the Expo stop.
More info:homeshowpdx.com