Design & Decor Blog

Well, it’s the first of December and that means the Christmas season has officially arrived. I love this time of year and the multitude of things to do across the country, that contribute to that feeling of holiday cheer. I scoured the Internet for a few events I thought were worth checking out, but feel free to leave a comment and tell us what’s going on in your corner of the country, too!

VANCOUVER
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical
When: Now until December 27
Make your days merry and bright by warming to this unforgettable musical about love and friendship. Based on the classic holiday film, this tap-dancing delight brims with tunes—including “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and the ever-popular “White Christmas”—that will fill you with the joy of the season.
Click here to buy tickets.

CALGARY
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
When: December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 2009
Celebrate the magic and wonder of Christmas Past. Tour the beautifully decorated Park on a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit Santa and his reindeer, and take a spin on the magical Town Square skating rink. Roving entertainment, hands-on Christmas activities and festive, holiday traditions will awaken your Christmas spirit. Celebrate the magic and wonder of Christmas Past. Tour the beautifully decorated Park on a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit Santa and his reindeer, and take a spin on the magical Town Square skating rink. Roving entertainment, hands-on Christmas activities and festive, holiday traditions will awaken your Christmas spirit. Click here for more information.

TORONTO
An evening with The Priests: Harmony
When: Friday, December 4, 2009, 8pm
Enjoy a very special musical evening with The Priests, the singing clergymen superstars who broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time. This celebration features songs from their second album entitled Harmony, released November 23rd, and conversations with Classical 96 FM Program Director John Van Driel. The event will assist in funding the St Paul’s Christmas Family Program, feeding local families in need this season. The evening is produced by Sony Music Entertainment Canada and will be recorded for broadcast on Classical 96 FM and Salt + Light Television. Performance takes place at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Powers Street, Toronto, M5A 3A8. Click here to buy tickets or call 1-866-9-GET-TIX; visit amazon.ca to buy their album.

MONTREAL
Christmas in the Park
When: Now until December 24, 2009
Christmas in the Park is a magical site where world music, opera, songs, storytellers, circus artists and street performers all come together in two festively decorated parks.
Click here for more information.

HALIFAX / DARTMOUTH
TD Bank Financial Group Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting
When: December 5, 2009, 4:30pm
This event features live entertainment, free hot chocolate and cookies (while quantities last), free Kiwanis Club “Santa Express Train Ride”, free Candy Canes (while quantities last), and a visit from Santa Claus at the HRM Fire Truck and fireworks. Nova Scotia Power is partnering with The Dartmouth Tree Lighting in order to promote energy efficient Christmas lighting and will be offering an exchange program during this event. Bring two sets of your old Christmas lights to the tree lighting ceremony. Nova Scotia Power will exchange your old Christmas lights for one set of energy efficient LED Christmas lights. Quantities are limited, and based on first come, first served.
Click here for more information or call (902) 490-6776.

I attended the Mirvish production of The Sound of Music last night at Toronto’s Princess of Wales theatre. To say that it was fantastic would be an enormous understatement. I loved it! The pressure was certainly on for this talented cast. It may have been a challenge to live up to the standards set by the incomparable cast of the classic, Oscar-winning 1965 film but everyone in last night’s performance rose admirably to the occasion.

I was excited to see how the film translated to the stage and all I can say is Wow! The set design was incredible, swiftly, almost imperceptibly, changing from one scene to the next. From the famous hills and mountains that steal Maria’s heart to the abbey and of course, Captain Von Trapp’s extravagant home, everything was pure perfection. The sweeping staircase, where the children sing So Long, Farewell, is grand and every detail is exquisite from the white silk sofa and chairs in the living room to the gorgeous fabric of the drapes hanging in Maria’s bedroom – you know the ones …

The set was so wonderful and intoxicating, I often forgot I was in a theatre, merely a spectator, but rather felt as though I’d pulled up a chair on the lavish Von Trapp estate. The voices of each cast member were distinct and beautiful. During the opening scene, the nuns of the abbey walk through the aisles of the theatre and as each one passed me, their voices became so clear and I heard each glorious one individually. It was a magical start to an incredible show.

I don’t want to reveal too much for those of you who’ve not seen it. But if you have the chance, do go. You will love it and will be transported back in time; not just to pre-war Austria but to the days of your childhood when you first watched this timeless and touching story on film.

Below are a few photos of the show. And if this gets you in the mood to catch a show, click here to buy tickets and learn more about the show.

Have you seen the show? Leave your comments! I’d love to know your thoughts!

The first annual Style at Home Show is really three shows in one. It will combine everything you love about your favourite magazines, Style at Home, Canadian Gardening and Canadian Home & Country. If you live life with style, this one unforgettable event will be your single source for everything that’s fresh and new for your home, inside and out! From the hottest colour palettes to the perfect perennials, The Style at Home Show brings style and the best shopping experience to life.

Explore the possibilities
This exciting new show is both an experience and an opportunity. You’ll be surrounded by new ideas, new products and new ways of achieving the perfect look for your home. Plus you will have an opportunity to meet the experts and receive one-on-one advice from design professionals such as Erin McLaughlin, Editor, Canadian Home & Country magazine and Margot Austin, Senior Design Editor, Style at Home. Stop by and meet the Master Gardeners including Aldona Satterthwaite, Editor, Canadian Gardening and participate in the hands-on activities. Get inspired and find the best decorating buys from the many unique and one-of-a-kind exhibitors.

And don’t forget to visit the Chef’s Kitchen where you can watch the live demonstrations from some of the best chefs including Elizabeth Baird, Food Editor, Canadian Living and meet Glen Peloso. Be sure to check out the celebrity speakers at the Main Stage, including Colin & Justin, Sarah Richardson, Kimberley Seldon, Lynn Spence and Samantha Pynn.

The Style at Home Show is the convergence of ideas, products and experts, everything you need to make a statement and bring your style home.

When: Oct 17 to 19, 2008
Where: Direct Energy Centre, Toronto
More information: Style at Home Show