-
11 tips for stress-free holidays
11 tips for stress-free holidays ofTips 1-5 Holidays are meant to be fun. Especially the Christmas season. But more often than not, juggling home, work and holiday preparation is a mountain most people would rather not climb. And every year, these same people probably vow that next year will be different. Well, believe it or not, the holidays can be stress-free. But even that requires a little work. Here are some tips to help you cruise into Christmas.1 Be organized Make lists for groceries, people to shop for, cards to write, decorations to buy. Sit down with a calendar and give yourself target dates for getting things done. It will make a manic month more sane. To make sure you don't forget anything or anyone, you can even find suggested holiday planning guides online. 2 Less is moreThis doesn't mean skimp. But simple decorations can speak volumes more than a room crowded with all kinds of knick-knacks. When it comes to menu-planning, don't get too ambitious. Choose recipes that are tried and true to avoid the stress of an uncertain outcome. And given that most people complain about overeating during the holidays, a small selection of quality eats will likely be perfect.3 Leave the cooking to someone elseWhen you're cooking for a crowd, it's not only time-consuming, but often pretty pricey. Alternatively, look into catering services. A caterer may cost the same as buying all the ingredients yourself. And even if it's a little more expensive, it may be worth the time and headache you save.4 Share hosting responsibilitiesGiven the abundance of holiday parties and the inevitable conflicts in peoples' schedules, cohost a party with a friend. It's one engagement for your friends instead of two, and it'll cut your stress in half.5 Make things ahead of timeChoose menu items that can be frozen until the day you need them. This will cut down on the number of things you need to do on the day of your event. Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma Tips 6-11 6 Ye olde cookie exchangeOrganize a group of friends and have everyone make two to three dozen of their favourite holiday cookie, bar or square. Then get together and swap so everyone has a little of each. It saves you hours in the kitchen and comes in handy when people drop by unexpectedly. A few samples wrapped in cellophane also make great hostess gifts. 7 Festive-coloured potpourri It's an easy design accent and can make the house smell like someone's always baking. If you're not into potpourri, scented candles, oils or incense will do the same. And when you feel the holiday stress taking hold, stop and take a deep breath. Warm scents like lavender or cinnamon will relax you.8 Easy decorationsYou'll find an abundance of Christmas decorations in the stores. But often the most elegant and effective are those you make yourself. And you can get the kids to help. Use branches, leaves, acorns and berries from your backyard to create centrepieces or festive confetti that can be strewn across mantles and tables. 9 Colourful creationsBuy a few yards of fabric in rich colours or textures and use them as table runners or chair covers. Patterned ribbons are also an inexpensive way to dress up candle holders and serving utensils. Or use them as festive napkin holders. 10 Get help with the houseworkIf you haven't got one already, the holiday season is a good time for a cleaning service. If you do have one, you may want to book them for an extra visit.11 Involve the kidsThey can help decorate -- everything from rooms to cookies. So even if they're in the way, they're helping you get the job done.Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma- Credit
- Cindy Jacobelli
11 tips for stress-free holidays
11 simple ways to take it easy and enjoy the season. more
-
Holiday project: Miniature berry wreath
Holiday project: Miniature berry wreath ofProject: Miniature pepper berry wreath The understated beauty of clusters of red berries accented with a snowy white ribbon makes this sweet little wreath a timeless addition to your collection of treasured keepsake ornaments. Holly or canella berries may be substituted for the pepper berries.You will need:Floral tape in green3 inch diameter Styrofoam ringPepper berry branches1/2 inch floral pinsHot glue gun and glue sticks1/3 yard of 5/8 inch wide wire-edged organdy ribbon in whiteScissorsOrnament hook To make:1 Wrap floral tape around entire surface area of ring. Lay flat on clean work surface, wrong-side up.2 Break branches into small lengths and attach to styrofoam ring, using floral pins. Cover pins with berries, attaching them with glue gun. Repeat until ring and pins are covered.3 Gently turn wreath over and repeat step 2. Berries are delicate; do not press down on wreath. If berries come loose, reattach using glue gun.4 Tie organdy ribbon to a floral pin, making knot at midpoint of ribbon. Tie a bow and trim edges with scissors if necessary. 5 Push floral pin to secure if necessary. Arrange bow and berries to cover insertion site of hook.Excerpted from Instant Gratification Ornaments by Genevieve A. Sterbenz. Copyright 2001 by Chronicle Books. Excerpted with permission by Chronicle Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.- Credit
- Genevieve A. Sterbenz
Holiday project: Miniature berry wreath
Red berries and a snowy white ribbon make this holiday decoration a timeless classic. more
-
Recipe: Cranberry pistachio biscotti
Recipe: Cranberry pistachio biscotti ofrecipe The fruit and nut combination of dried cranberries and pistachios is often chosen for its Christmas colors. But it’s also the duo’s complementary flavors and textures-the cranberries add a chewy, sweet-tartness and the pistachios are rich and buttery tasting-that really entice.Ingredients3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 orange) 1¼ cups shelled unsalted pistachios1 cup dried cranberries Preparation1 Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Line a large cookie or baking sheet with parchment paper.2 Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.3 Using an electric mixer, beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add the granulated and brown sugars and beat until fully blended. Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla and orange zest. With the beaters on low speed, mix in the flour mixture just until the dough starts to clump together. Mix in the pistachios and cranberries. Using your hands or a rubber spatula, gather the dough into a ball, and then divide it in half.4 With lightly floured hands, place each half of the dough lengthwise on one side of the prepared sheet. Shape the dough into rectangular loaves about 13 inches long and 2½ inches wide. Make sure the loaves are at least 3 inches apart on the sheet.5 Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the sheet from front to back about halfway through baking, or until the loaves are nicely golden and the tops feel mostly firm when gently pressed. Transfer the sheet to a rack to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.6 Peel the loaves off the parchment paper and transfer them, one at a time, to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife in a long sawing motion, cut the loaves on a slight diagonal into ¾-inch-thick slices. Discard the parchment and place the biscotti, cut side down, on the sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn the biscotti over to the other cut side and bake for about 10 minutes longer or until lightly toasted. Transfer the biscotti to a rack to cool. 7 Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; or freeze for up to 2 months. (You can perk up the biscotti by toasting them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.)Makes about 34 biscottiBUY THIS BOOK From Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Copyright © 2008 by Lisa B. Zwirn. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.- Credit
- Lisa B. Zwirn
Recipe: Cranberry pistachio biscotti
The fruit and nut combination of dried cranberries and pistachios are a perfect duo. The cranberries add a chewy, sweet, tartness and the pistachios are rich... more
More Articles
-
8 gifts for under $50 8 gifts for under $50
8 gifts for under $50 ofpage 1 As everyone knows, the hardest renovation is a low-budget renovation. Likewise, the hardest decor gifts to find are lovely low-cost ones. But, good news! It can be done. Here are 10 fabulous finds that clock in at under $50 each.1 Print charmingWe love e-tailer Three Potato Four for its beautifully shot images of original, one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Unfortunately, if you move too slowly, you (or your intended giftee) can miss out on this mom ‘n' pop shop's best collector's items. Luckily, they recently commissioned a series of prints by illustrator Matt Cipov, including Gnatcatcher With Nest Eggs, printed on archival cardstock and ready for your frame. $30 USD (frame not included), threepotatofourshop.com 2 White hotThese pretty ceramic pieces with their elegant bisque finish are just the thing for host and hostess gifts this holiday season. Tuck a set of tea lights into the lattice votives, or fresh blooms into the vase for bonus points! Grill votives, $9.99/pair; leaf plates from $14.99; short slate vase, $19.99; tall slate cylinder vase, $24.99; all available at Chapters and Indigo stores or online at chapters.indigo.ca. 3 Scents & sensibilityUnlike lesser products using petroleum-based waxes, heavy perfumes and synthetic wicks (some of which contain lead!), Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations votives are crafted from natural vegetable oils and feature pure essential oil blends and clean-burning cotton wicks. Three scent blends promote relaxation, revitalization or purification. Each votive has 40 hours of burn time and the sturdy metal lids double as stylish paperweights (each is engraved with an inspirational message.) $29.50 each, Crabtree & Evelyn stores or online at crabtree-evelyn.com 4 Earthly goodEco-conscious design lovers will thank you daily for this superbly sustainable 2009 desk calendar. Designed by San Francisco artist Cat Seto, the 100% recycled paper rests on a stand made from reclaimed lumber. If you send your pages back next year, the artist will recycle them and send you a coupon for 2010 refill pages. $23 US, seejanework.com page 2 5 Hold it!This Adler-esque jewelry stand is a quirky accent for any bright young thing's bedroom or bath. The painted-aluminum owls put your favourite bling on display, so you can enjoy gazing at it even when you're not wearing it. $14 US, urbanoutfitters.com 7 Old world viewVintage maps and globes are perennially hot design memorabilia. If you know someone who loves mid-century design or who's a big traveler, get them started on the road to collecting with a petite globe. This circa-1950s model features countries that have disappeared and political lines that have shifted in the decades since it was manufactured, offering a glimpse of an era long past. Scour online for finds, or hit the flea market circuit. This beauty came from the Etsy shop (etsy.com) White Elephant, which recently opened a sticks and bricks shop in Hamilton, Ont. $45, etsy.com. 6 FlybraryAvid readers and (ahem) avid coffee-table-book browsers alike will adore Umbra's Flybrary shelf. It fits anywhere a sleek floating look is desired: by the bed, in the living room, or in the kitchen where it can hold heavy-rotation cookbooks. $31.50, umbra.com 8 Jolt of styleGive the gift of caffeine to the die-hard java hound. President's Choice Home's digital 10-cup coffeemaker combines can't-live-without-it utilitarian virtue with oodles of contemporary style. The sleek "open" design and black-and-stainless-steel finish make it an artful addition to a kitchen island. It looks designer-y, but can be had for a mere $40, and -- best part -- you can pick it up while grocery shopping, rather than trekking out to the mall during the holiday rush! $39.99, Real Canadian Superstores across Canada. For locations, visit pc.ca- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
-
Recipe: Walnut stars Recipe: Walnut stars
Recipe: Walnut stars ofrecipe This cookie dough is conveniently made in a food processor, just as you might make pastry dough. The stars have a delicate crunch and lovely earthy-nutty flavour from toasted walnuts. (Using toasted nuts is important, so don’t skip this step!) The chocolate drizzle is icing on the cake . . . I mean cookie.Ingredients1 cup (about 4 ounces) walnuts¼ cup granulated sugar1½ cups all-purpose flour½ cup confectioners’ sugar½ teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon salt8 tablespoons (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 8 slices1 large egg yolk1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water Chocolate drizzle3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped PreparationCookie cutters needed: star shapes that measure from about 1¾ to 2½ inches across the “arms”1 Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a small baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 8 minutes or just until you start to smell them. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Turn off the oven.2 Pulse the cooled, toasted walnuts and the granulated sugar in a food processor until the nuts are finely chopped (not quite finely ground). Transfer the mixture to a small bowl.3 Add the flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt to the food processor. Pulse once to combine. Add the butter and pulse a few times until it’s chopped into tiny bits. Add the walnut mixture and pulse twice to combine. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of water and process just until the dough feels moist when pinched. Add ½ to 1 tablespoon more water, as needed, and pulse a few more times until the dough just starts to clump together. Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and gather into a ball. Press into a disk shape, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm enough to roll out, at least 1 hour.4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.5 Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a ¼-inch thickness. Use star cutters to stamp out cookies, arranging them about 1½ inch apart on the prepared sheet. Re-roll the scraps. Bake the cookies for 11 to 12 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.6 For the chocolate drizzle: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl in the microwave in 20 to 30-second bursts on medium power, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth. Let cool at room temperature for a few minutes. Place the cookies close together, but not touching, on racks set over wax paper. Pour the chocolate into a small plastic bag or squeeze bottle. If using a bag, seal it and make a tiny cut in one corner. Working quickly, drizzle the chocolate in a zigzag pattern to make diagonal lines over the stars. Let the chocolate set completely before storing the cookies.7 Store, layered between sheets of wax paper, in an airtight container for up to one week.Makes about 36 cookies (depending on the size of the cookie cutters) BUY THIS BOOK From Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Copyright © 2008 by Lisa B. Zwirn. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.- Credit
- Lisa B. Zwirn
-
Favourite holiday traditions Favourite holiday traditions
Favourite holiday traditions ofpage 1 As you prepare to unwrap those cherished ornaments and plan your holiday feast, we asked designers and decorators from across the country to give readers a glimpse at what they do each year in their homes. Some stick to their tried and true family traditions while integrating new elements to spice things up. For others, nature is a prominent guest. But as some will admit, some of the best ideas are those inspired by others. On trimming the tree: Three years ago while travelling through the English countryside, I came upon a store with decorated Christmas trees hanging upside down. In Victorian times, trees were often too tall to fit in houses. The tops would be cut off and the trees hung upside down. It fit our company's Victorian theme for a Christmas home in Saskatoon and was a huge success. It has become a tradition in our home to feature this tree each year with a different theme. It will either stand upside down on a weighted base or hang from the ceiling. We place the star at the bottom. -- Arlene Olson, owner, Art of Interior Re-Design, Saskatoon (Fave holiday food: A prairie dessert -- carrot pudding with caramel sauce) On decorating: I love to use fresh greens, magnolia, berries, boxwood and ribbon every year. The beauty of using naturals and ribbon is that you can easily change up the colour scheme from year to year. Last year I mixed oversized bamboo trunks with birch trunks to frame the outside of my front door. I used a stunning fresh magnolia wreath on the front door and then used acid green and orange accents in my outdoor urns and throughout the interior of the house. On entertaining: Being half Danish, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. The herring is a must-have. -- Meredith Heron, principal, Red Heron Essentials Design Inc., Toronto ("This year I am leaning toward deep red, royal purple and acid green. Think Russia in St. Petersburg.") On decorating: I'm not so much into the trends as I see things I like and I incorporate them. One year I went to a client's place and she had the whole banister covered in cedar boughs. I used that idea. When I first moved out, I thought, "I love nature," so I bought ornaments that had to do with it. My favourites are these long quartz crystals. Every year, I can't wait to put those on. On food: Every Christmas morning my family all gets together and opens the gifts and we have a brunch of sautéed mushrooms in butter, toast, bacon and eggnog. Ever since I was little we've never had anything else. -- Rob Everitt, owner, Everitt Design Associates Limited, Winnipeg ("I have always been fascinated by shimmering things.") On holiday memories: When we lived in Halifax, which has a small Jewish community, there were Christmas trees everywhere. Our neighbour asked if I could go to the woods. I brought home a tiny tree and my father said "No way." We were allowed to string blue and white paper ribbon around the living room. That was our concession. And we hung stockings. On entertaining: I have quite a few friends who like to try new recipes and we pass them back and forth. We'll go to a friend's house and we'll reciprocate. You get to see different parts of everyone's traditions. -- Linda Camlot, interior decorator, Interiors by Design LC, 514.488.6285, Montreal (Fave holiday food: "I love brisket and potato latkes -- anything with fat in it.") On decorating: I like to have (artificial) trees in different rooms, all lit with white lights. I double what you would normally use, so you have this beautiful glow of light. Then I disperse bits of flowers, greenery and twigs to accent, so it becomes more than your traditional shape. Favourite ornament: It would be the handmade decorations from my kids from way back. They're primitive, but they're sweet and special. -- Cathy Souch, general manager and buyer, Settlement House Shops, Port Perry, Ont. ("I like the glitter of glass and mirror decorations.")Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Five more designers share their holiday home designs On decorating: Our home is traditionally done in very outdoorsy-type themes, meaning we use a lot of pine cones and things from the outdoors that are beautiful when brought inside.On entertaining: We try a lot of unique recipes. One year we made what they have for Christmas in Quebec, another year we made Ukrainian food. Favourite ornament: It's an angel for the top of the tree that I can remember from the time I was four. She is about 60 years old and has a bisque face and arms. I have remade the wings and dress over the years. -- Bonie Conrad, interior decorator, Tower Interiors Ltd., Halifax("I take old decorations apart and use them to make new ones.")On decorating: When I lived in the country, we had acres in the backyard and I remember bringing in my own greenery. I always use it in the entrance, the bathrooms and through the hallways. I mix fresh flowers, such as white or red amaryllis, white roses, white lilies and red berries. I always have lots of candles outside and inside.On entertaining: I love my guests to take a memory home. I'll give parting gifts, such as edible treats or a candle.-- Armine Nielsen, owner, AT Design Group, Toronto("I love the smell of the evergreens.")On decorating: I feel very traditional at Christmas, but I like to change [the decor] every year. I change the ribbons and bows at home to whatever colour will match. Last year it was gold, the year before, burgundy. This year, I might sway more to younger children. I have a two-year-old grandson. On entertaining: We still do the turkey and the stuffing and serve eggnog with the cinnamon sticks.-- Kathy Love, owner and interior designer, K interiors, Vancouver("At my store, I will have twiggy 'Charlie Brown' trees with decorations made locally: little red birds and little RCMP officers.") On entertaining: One year we had a "musical chair Christmas." If your family lives in the same city, you can do this. We went for breakfast at one house, lunch at another, dinner and dessert at another. I think it's fun if you stay in your pyjamas to go for breakfast. My sister-in-law put on pearls with her PJs.On decorating: I do a different thing every year. I have lots of decorations, but will probably buy a few new things and I go on what strikes me that year. One year it was all birds.-- Elaine Wolfe, owner & residential/commercial interior designer, Elements Interior Design, Calgary("This year, I'll probably do really bright colours for the tree –- pink and green and blue.")On decorating: The one thing that I carried through year to year was I let the kids have their own tree in their bedroom. I started the tradition when my kids were small and now they do it with their children. When my daughter was five, she made a whole bunch of paper bells with black tissue paper on them.Now I have seven trees spread throughout the house, including one on the deck near the hot tub. They are all different and they all have a particular theme.-- Connie Jackson, owner, Alterity Interiors Inc., Edmonton(Fave holiday food: "My cranberry sausage stuffing.")Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Tara Nolan
-
12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating 12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating
12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating ofHoliday decorating tips 1 - 10 We love to entertain, particularly during the holidays. And for us, creating atmosphere is a critical starting point for everything that comes thereafter -- just try getting into the party mood if you haven't properly decked your halls. Try these 12 seasonal styling tips. Simple, but, hey, even at Christmas less is more!1 Nothing sets the scene better than sweet aromas wafting through the air. Try scented candles -- these days, even supermarkets sell an assortment of fabulous olfactory delights. Or, back in bonny Scotland, we have an old but favourite trick: chuck a couple of vanilla pods into your log fire to promote mood.2 As an alternative to standard name cards, tie Christmas gift tags displaying guests' names around the stems of wineglasses.3 Wrap oranges with a cross of red ribbon and stud the flesh with cloves. Instantly gorgeous, and they smell better each day. After Christmas, once the oranges are completely dry, pop some into the back of your wardrobe to freshen your clothes.4 Forget tradition -- indulge your senses with whatever colour combos you like. We're currently working on a festive aqua and silver living room and a marshmallow pink and duck-egg blue dining room.5 Use gold- or silver-ink pens to write guests' names on extra-large leaves like those from a castor oil plant, and use as chargers under side plates.6 Slip lottery tickets inside store-bought Christmas crackers as an extra surprise.7 Arrange a snaking line of brightly coloured votive holders (with flickering candles in each) down the centre of your dining table. Simple but very effective. 8 Arrange white Christmas lights in a favourite glass vase as an instant conversation starter. Simply switch on and let the twinkling begin!9 IKEA sells gorgeous glass prisms that will add sparkle to pretty much anything you like. Using fishing line, hang them from your tree or a light fixture, or arrange in an artistic grouping at your window. 10 To create a minimalist display, spray dried flowers white and silver, and arrange inside a large, clear tank vase filled with white pebbles. More holiday decorating tips 11 Fireplaces should make a statement when Santa's on his way. Cram your mantel with pinecones, greenery and flickering tea lights. Dress with clementines and cinnamon-stick bundles tied with ribbon.12 Our top Christmas shopping decor source? Dollar stores. We go wild in the aisles during the run up to the 25th. Candles, doilies, glassware -- the lot. Maybe it's the Scottish in us, but we love a bargain. Colin and Justin in the kitchen The boys share two recipes that are sure to fill your noses and tummies with Christmas cheer.Homemade potpourri Evoke mood and memories in even the most Scrooge-like guests with your own potpourri. It couldn't be easier. First, cut two oranges into thin slices and arrange on a broiling pan. Bake in a medium hot oven, turning occasionally until bone dry. Allow to cool and pop into a freezer bag. Break a couple of cinnamon sticks into the mix and add a few drops of rose oil or your favourite aromatic essence. Close the bag, shake lightly and leave overnight. Finally, arrange in an attractive bowl.Mulled wine For a good party, make sure you get the alcohol balance right. We're not saying you should get sloshed (mind you, it is Christmas!), but a wee, ahem, tincture makes all the difference. As guests arrive, serve them mulled wine in sparkly Moroccan tea glasses. Here's a tried- and- tested Colin and Justin recipe to bring even the dullest bottle of vin rouge to life: In a saucepan, bring a cup of lemonade to a boil. Stir in two tablespoons of honey, the juice of two oranges, six whole cloves and a couple of crumbled cinnamon sticks. Boil for five minutes. Add the wine, then simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve, pour into glasses and be merry! -
Holiday project: Glitter ornament Holiday project: Glitter ornament
Holiday project: Glitter ornament ofProject: Glitter ornament Applying glitter is a great way to revive ordinary colored ball ornaments you already own. All you need is glue, along with glitter, and a little imagination to create any design you like. You can also personalize an ornament by writing someone's name on the side. Use the nozzle of the glue bottle to write the name, then apply glitter. Date the other side using the same method, and you've created a holiday keepsake.You will needCookie sheetKitchen aluminum foil3 inch diameter pink glass ball ornament with removable metal cap6 inch spqare styrofoam blockDrinking strawHigh tack white glueMicro glitter in coordinating color To make:1 Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Remove cap from glass ball and set aside. 2 To facilitate decorating, place styrofoam block on cookie sheet and stick straw in center. Insert cap end of glass ball on straw.3 Make swirl design or other desired design on surface of ball with nozzle of glue bottle.4 Sprinkle glitter over glued are. Let dry completely. Shake off excess glitter. Replace cap.Excerpted from Instant Gratification: Ornaments by Genevieve A. Sterbenz. Copyright 2004 by Chronicle Books. Excerpted with permission by Chronicle Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.- Credit
- Genevieve A. Sterbenz
-
Holiday decorating on a budget Holiday decorating on a budget
Holiday decorating on a budget ofTips 1 to 5 Whether you're planning the Christmas party of the century, or burning the Yule log on your own, holiday decorating does not have to break the bank-or your festive spirit.Your creativity can take you far. Try these tips and projects to make your home a holiday haven, while only spending a Dickens' halfpenny. 1 Christmas close-outsCheck local newspapers often for special ‘close-out' sales. Often lasting only two or three days, close-out sales are gold mines for everything from kitschy candles to bushels of tree lights, at prices lower than wholesale. 2 Festive foragingGather nature's ornaments, such as pinecones, acorns and balsam fir tips from the backyard or local park. Add a touch of silver or gold spray paint to your gatherings and arrange in a glass bowl surrounded by votive candles. 3 Christmas aromatherapyDelight houseguests with the warm scent of a mulling spice bag. Combine whole cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg with dried orange and lemon peel in a small piece of cheesecloth secured with elastic. Simmer the spice bag in a pot filled with 3-4 cups of water, and enjoy the aroma. 4 Merry memoriesGather a collection of favourite family and childhood Christmas amaryllis plant is a holiday favourite, and should be potted six weeks before Christmas to yield large, stunning blooms. Pot two or three of the festive ‘Peppermint Stick' variety, which are white, swirled with red.Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma Tips 6 to 10 6 Christmas by candlelightNothing creates a festive ambiance like the glow of candles. For a dining or coffee table centrepiece, group three pillar candles of various heights in holiday colours on a ceramic or other non-flammable dish. Scatter several tea lights in small glass holders along a mantel, bookshelf or buffet table.7 Charlie Brown-styleAt half the price of big trees, one to three-foot high mini evergreen trees make adorable desktop or table decorations. Perfect for apartments and other small spaces, ‘Charlie Brown' mini trees are available at many garden centres and Christmas tree lots. 8 How fairy festive!Add a twinkly, romantic effect with white fairy lights. String lights along the length of a window curtain rod to brighten a room. Arrange a strand of lights along a mantelpiece, weaving lights among Christmas cards and ornaments. 9 Deck the halls and doors …Fallen evergreen boughs and small pieces of greenery can be collected outdoors or purchased cheaply in surplus from Christmas tree lots. Natural boughs add a traditional Christmas look and scent and they can adorn banisters, doors and mantels.10 Fragrant fireplaceDress up a bare hearth by decorating a small wood log with flammable, decorative, scented accents, including sheet moss, pinecones, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. When burned, this Yule log will make a glowing fire with a festive fragrance. (Use non-toxic white glue to decorate log rather than hot glue.) See below for instructions.Scented Yule logWith this decorative, burnable Yule log, the open hearth or top of a woodstove will always look and smell festive:Supplies:• 1 sheet moss (from florist or craft store)• small wood log• white craft glue• pine cones• cinnamon sticks• whole cloves• pot pourri (Christmas blend)• essential oils (pine, cinnamon, balsam frankincense)Instructions:Glue the moss to the top of the log. Glue potpourri pine cones, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks onto the moss. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oils to the moss and spices. Add a festive bow to the top of the log (to be removed before burning). Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma- Credit
- Trish Sinclair
Site sections Overview
-
From the Editor
Embrace the changing seasons
Every change of season has its silver lining, and transitioning from warm weather to cold is no exception. Warm, cosy fabrics and textured throws beckon and the glow of candlelight in early evening helps soften the shorter daylight hours. Embrace the fall and rediscover the joys of entertaining friends and family in the comforts of your home.
-
Latest issue
The holiday issue
In this issue
Happy holidays!
Gift guide: We shopped till we dropped to find the best gifts for all the home lovers on your list; Going green: Make your home look freshly festive with do-it-yourself projects featuring lush greenery like moss, silver sage, myrtle and ferns; Decor... more -
Featured Blog
Favourite Things
Latest Posts
-
Poll
-
Quiz
Quiz: Does your home have curb appeal?
Is your home's exterior picture-perfect or a house of horrors? Take our fun quiz and find out.
Forum Buzz
-
Quiz
Quiz: What's your decorating style?
Find out if you're a country charmer or an urban sophisticate!
-
MY H&G Store
Build Like A Pro Remodeling A Kitchen
This book covers the process of remodeling a kitchen from start to finish, including design, carpentry, mechanical systems and cabinet installation. Illustrated with hundreds of photos, drawings and step-by-step information.more
-
Editor's Picks
- How to: Make a bed
- What today's windows are wearing
- Up close and personal with Jamie Kennedy
- Buying guide: Pillows, sheets and duvets
- Wine & spirits: Summer sipping
- Video: Decorating for small spaces
- A beautiful beach cottage
- How to: Bring summer into your home
- 5 lessons for mixing colour and pattern
- Eco-friendly design
- Design secrets: Where the pros shop
