If store displays are a barometer, Christmas is apparently already here! But the social season for many officially begins with the Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Tree Preview Party. More than 600 guests attend this festive event, which will be held Dec. 3 in the Hall of Architecture. That's where five towering Colorado spruce trees are mounted in giant stands and decorated by members of the Museum of Art Women's Committee using cranes to reach the top. A sixth tree, also 20 feet tall, will welcome visitors at the carriage entrance.

Each year the trees have a theme, and in honor of the new Ailsa Mellon Bruce Galleries, "Useful Beauty -- Celebrating the Decorative Arts" is the inspiration behind each tree. It also recognizes the Women's Committee's long tradition of raising funds to support the decorative arts, which have found a spectacular new home in the renovated galleries. Barbara Granito is chairing the tree committee, and Rebecca Greenleaf is the co-chair. Each tree also has a chair who oversees the design, gathering or making of ornaments and the decoration by the women who volunteer for the prickly job.

"Starting From Stone" (chaired by Mernie Berger and Lowrie Ebbert) will showcase chair design through the centuries. "Christmas Tea Tree" (chaired by Suzanne McLaughlin and Susie Parker) celebrates the art of tea. "Inspired by Nature" (chaired by Carole Kamin) takes naturalism in Rococo-era decorative arts as its subject. "Tapestry: Exquisite Craftsmanship, Powerful Allegory" (chaired by Brenda Roger) is inspired by the unicorn tapestries. "The Gilded Folio" (chaired by Nancy Lewis) explores the art of making books. The tree at the carriage entrance, "Sterling" (chaired by Mary Margaret Stamy), has the art of silver design as its theme.

The trees will be on display through Jan. 10, but many museum patrons prefer the fun first glimpse at the Preview Party. Laurie Bly will chair the evening, which begins at 5:30 and continues until 8 p.m. The party's appeal is simple. It's basically a huge cocktail bash, with hors d'oeuvres made by members of the Women's Committee, often from family recipes, and served by them throughout the evening. A convivial mood keeps the spirits high -- and flowing, as old friends catch up and exchange their first greetings of the season. Out come the Christmas jewelry and scarves, along with an abundance of Christmas ties making their seasonal debut. With the enormous twinkling trees as a backdrop, the party inspires everyone to go home, put on the carols and decorate!

Tickets in advance are $60 through carnegie­museums.org or at the door for $70. Call 412-622-3131 for information. Proceeds benefit the Museum of Art.