Organizing - Holiday Countdown
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Style at Home is here to make sure your holidays run smoothly. Our 50-Day Holiday Countdown provides you with all you need to survive the season, with 50 days of holiday decorating ideas, recipes, entertaining tips and gift suggestions. PLUS: Do you have a great Christmas decorating suggestion, entertaining tip or organizing tip? Check out our Holiday Countdown Contest and submit your best tips to qualify to win one of three amazing prizes.
December 25, 2009
Claus Port Box of 9 Soaps
Absolutely gorgeous, right? These soaps are as much of a treat to look at as they are to use. These nine soaps are produced in Europe and are made from natural ingredients (and milled seven times to ensure the ultimate in softness and smoothness.) We know that whoever you give this to won't want to open them up and use them right away because they're just so beautifully packaged. But when they're finally opened, each bar of soap offers up a wonderful fragrance. This is definitely a gift that will be ooh-ed and aah-ed over!
Available at: Teatro Verde
Price: $114.95
December 24, 2009
All Cakes Considered
All Cakes Considered (Chronicle, 2009) is a baker's delight. Featuring more than 50 recipes for the most gorgeous, decadent sweet treats, this book is an essential for any baker's library. With recipes for delights like: Peppermint and Chocolate Rum Marble Cake, Lord and Lady Baltimore Cakes and Dark-Chocolate Red Velvet Cake, this book is enough to inspire even the most timid baker. Hey, if you're lucky, you might be invited over to taste test!
Available at: amazon.ca
Price: $19.40
December 23, 2009
David Stark Gold Flower Candle Lanterns
Give the gift of ambience. These flower candle lanterns will cast a gorgeous glow around a room and create an instant sense of peace and calm. Gold metallic flowers add texture to these paraffin wax candles, giving them a subtle boost in the style department! And at these prices, we suggest stocking up!
Available at: West Elm
Price: $9 to $27
December 22, 2009
Beautiful Mornings - Coaster Collection
Unique. Original. We love gifts that are one of a kind, like the ones we find on etsy.com. This 'Beautiful Morning' coaster collection is a sure way to brighten someone's day. Each coaster is made with a real photograph, then sealed with a protective waterproof sealant to preserve the lovely colours. NOTE: Collections vary depending on the photographs that are available.
Available at: etsy.com
Price: $25
December 21, 2009
I Am Not A Paper Cup
If it looks like a paper cup and acts like a paper cup … that doesn't mean that it is a paper cup. This reusable 10 oz. thermal porcelain cup may look like something from (ahem!) a popular coffee shop but we love that it's a friend of the environment, too. Insulated to keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold, this gift is perfect for the java junkie who's on the go.
Available at: containerstore.com
Price: $14.99
December 20, 2009
Delightful Digital Mini Case
Perfect for the technophile on your shopping list, these digital cases are both adorable and affordable. What's not to love? They'll fit an iPod, iPhone, Blackberry or digital camera and keep them looking stylish while she's on the go. We love the bright and cheery candy colours and the assortment of available patterns.
Available at: delight.com
Price: $16.50
December 19, 2009
SUREvolution Frangipani Server Set
Handcrafted by the skilled artisans of SURevolution, an Indian workshop dedicated to creating eco- and socially conscious designs, this serving set is a simple and stylish gift for the person on your gift list who loves to entertain.
Available at: Pottery Barn
Price: $39
December 18, 2009
Personalized Orange Poppy Notepaper PLUS Chocolate Linen Box
Just like the paperweight we recommended yesterday, this beautiful note paper can be personalized for the gift recipient. Packaged in a beautiful chocolate linen box that can be reused, the note paper is made of post consumer recycled paper and comes with 250 loose sheets. We think this gift might help to revive the lost art of handwritten letters.
Available at: redstamp.com
Price: $28
December 17, 2009
British Flag Paperweight
Paperweights are one of those things that are totally handy but not necessarily something most of us have rushed out to buy. But they are a gorgeous desk accent, especially this one from iomoi.com. Proudly boasting the Union Jack, this paperweight can be monogrammed for the recipient, for a truly personal gift.
Available at: iomoi.com
Price: $42
December 16, 2009
Renaissance Library Bound Matted Albums Silk Shantung
OK, we admit that these albums are on the pricey side, which means that they're for someone really special. But their timeless elegance means that they'll be treasured for years -- and hopefully generations -- to come. Bound in luxe black or red shantung silk or platinum silk brocade, these albums will look gorgeous gracing any table and are perfect for preserving precious photographs.
Available at: jennibick.com
Price: $308
December 15, 2009
The Signature Bella Umbrella Pagoda
We love the idea of giving a gift that's … unexpected. We all know what it's like to be caught unprepared in a sudden rain shower. So why not give a gift that means being prepared? This pretty umbrella is as much a fashion accessory as it is just plain practical. Oh, and we love the dark chocolate brown colour of this particular model.
Available at: umbrellas.net
Price: $79
December 14, 2009
Refresh Charging Station
We love our gadgets here at Style at Home! From our iPhones and iPods to our Blackberries and digital video cameras, we are definitely a group of gadget girls and guys. But what we don't love is the messy look of chargers and cords that come with our favourite tech toys. That's why we're all over this stylish charging station from bluelounge.com. Charge an iPhone, iPod and Blackberry simultaneously, without all those ugly cords getting in the way.
Available at: bluelounge.com
Price: $89.95
December 13, 2009
Elephant Bookend
These fun and whimsical bookends from the MoMA store are so adorable we just had to add them to our list of fabulous holiday gift ideas. The perfect weight and size to hold a bookworm's beloved books in place, these bookends are a sweet addition to any bookshelf.
Available at: momastore.org
Price: $30
December 12, 2009
Winter Berries Scented De-icing Salt
Canadian winters can't be avoided, just like we can't avoid shoveling snow and salting our walkways. Let your holiday host make the best of it by giving them this 1 kg. bucket of scented de-icing salts from Fruits & Passion. With the delicate smell of frosted berries and cedar wood, this salt melts away ice and creates a lovely smelling porch for when the host's guests arrive.
Available at: Fruits & Passion
Price: $16
December 11, 2009
Zoku Quick Pop Maker
It really doesn't matter how chilly it is outside -- you can enjoy ice pops all year round within the comfort of your home. This instant popsicle maker from Williams-Sonoma creates frozen treats in just 7 minutes, thanks to a freezing agent surrounding the molds. We're definitely adding this to our wish lists this year because who doesn't love yummy frozen goodies?
Available at: Williams-Sonoma
Price: $75
December 10, 2009
Scrabble Diamond Anniversary Edition
The holidays are best for spending time with your family and loved ones, and what better way is there to enjoy each other's time than with a classic board game? Treat family and friends to the gift of the game with the Scrabble Diamond Anniversary Edition. It's a timeless (and ageless!) game that can be given as a gift on Christmas morning and be played after enjoying your holiday dinner.
Available at: Zellers
Price: $55
December 9, 2009
Chilewich Pressed Vinyl Dots Table Runner
For many of us, the thought of a tablecloth brings back too many memories of stuffy dinners growing up in our parents' house. A great alternative is a table runner, which is a fab gift idea for the friend that likes to entertain. We love this vinyl one from Chilewich, the masters of creating chic vinyl home goods. It's pretty and washable, which is also good for friends with children.
Available at: Velocity Art and Design
Price: $25 US
December 8, 2009
Made in Canada Ceramic Jars
Support Canadian artisans this holiday season with fab handmade goods from across the country. We love these slipcast porcelain 'Made in Canada' jars created by Vancouver-based ceramics and jewellery designer Claire Madill of Heyday Design. Her ceramics are made from molds of objects she finds aesthetically interesting (the porcelain jars come from a mold of the original glass version). Evoking a sense of nostalgia, these jars are the ideal gift for someone who appreciates art, design and and a vintage look.
Available at: Heyday Design
Price: From $58 each
December 7, 2009
Snowglobe Cocktail Shaker
Shake things up this season by giving a fabulous snowglobe cocktail shaker from Pottery Barn. Friends will love getting this fun gift and, although it has a certain holiday charm, it's neutral enough to be used throughout the year. Martinis, anyone?
Available at: Pottery Barn
Price: $35
December 6, 2009
Birkin Bag Cocktail Napkins
We would all love to own an Hermes Birkin bag, but let's be honest, it's a little out of most of our budgets. Cute cocktail napkins from Toronto designer Avril Loreti feature an imprint of the fashionista staple in a variety of colours. What a stylish gift idea for a fashion-forward pal!
Available at: Avril Loreti
Price: $26 US per set of 4
December 5, 2009
Personal Photo Book
Gone are the days of the photo album -- it's all going digital and we love it! Anyone on your holiday gift list will feel special receiving a printed photo book created by you on Blurb.com. With a ton of ways to personalize and a variety of affordable price points, you can act as publisher and create custom books for your friends and family. NOTE: Get creative and make a book of all your fave recipes for a foodie friend.
Available at: Blurb
Price: custom prices
December 4, 2009
Single Cup Brewer
There's nothing more relaxing than enjoying a hot brew on a winter's day, and nobody makes coffee machines quite like Breville does. The java junkie on your list will love the Gourmet Single Cup Brewer, which brews the perfect cup of fresh coffee every time. It uses Keurig technology and is compatible with the company's pre-measured K-Cups, but you can also use your own brand (and it makes tea and hot chocolate as well). With 5 cup sizes and temperature control, this brewer has all the ingredients for that perfect cup of joe.
Available at: Breville
Price: $400
December 3, 2009
Noel Large Poured Candle
The holidays often remind us of certain smells like cinnamon, cranberry and pine trees. This large poured candle from scent specialists Crabtree & Evelyn combines the aromas of the season with a medley of fresh balsam, mulling spices, cranberry and orange. Did we mention the beautiful etched glass holder it comes in? With stylish details like this, the Noel fragranced candle is a great pick for a hostess gift or seasonal housewarming.
Available at: Crabtree & Evelyn
Price: $28
December 2, 2009
Flip UltraHD
The Flip UltraHD is at the top of all of our lists, and is the go-to video camera for behind-the-scenes filming at Style at Home. It's pretty, portable and fits right in your pocket but doesn't skip out on the goods -- this handy cam has HD quality and the software is built in. This truly is a prezzie that everyone on your gift list can enjoy.
Available at: Flip Video
Price: $230
December 1, 2009
Her Words Notebook
Give the gift of inspiration and creativity this holiday with a fab series of 'Her Words' notebooks from Compendium. In large and small formats, the notebooks feature colourful designs on the covers and inspirational phrases from poet Monique Duval. Our faves include "He offered her the world. She said she had her own" and "She opened it: a burst of light, a forgotten memory, a new beginning".
Available at: Compendium
Price: From $4 US each
November 30, 2009
Fruity Foaming Bath Collection
Do you know someone who hates bubble baths? Yeah, neither do we. These festive lights hold deliciously scented foam bath from Fruits & Passion, fab for a friend who needs some relaxation time.
Available at: Fruits & Passion
Price: $24
November 29, 2009
Holiday DVDs
Scrooge, Frosty, Rudolph, oh my! What better way to say 'Merry Christmas' than with fun and festive holiday films? If you can't decide between giving a classic or a modern blockbuster, just give both! We'll always love the holiday magic of Miracle on 34th Street and the charmingly cute Elf.
Available at: amazon.ca
Price: Elf $12, Miracle on 34th St. $15
November 28, 2009
Natural Linen Bird Tea cozy
A hot cup of tea is the best way to get through the holidays without losing your sanity -- it's warm, relaxing and tasty. This bird tea cozy will keep friends' teapots nice and toasty throughout the winter season. Even better? The natural linen cozy is made by a Canadian artisan.
Available at: Bookhou
Price: $45 each
November 27, 2009
Chrysanthemum Personalized Notecards, pack of 10
If you're the kind of holiday shopper who thinks gift cards lack originality and thought, a personalized prezzie is perfect for you to give. Check out these fabulous chrysanthemum notecards we found at PinkLilyPress on Etsy -- they're a great way to make your gift pretty and personal without spending a fortune.
Available at: Pink Lily Press on etsy
Price: $15 US
November 26, 2009
Hammered Servingware
Everyone deserves a bit of bling for the holidays and West Elm delivers with their hammered metal serveware. Wrap it up as a set, as single pieces or bring it to your holiday hostess' party with yummy treats on the tray.
Available at: West Elm
Price: $5-$99 US each
November 25, 2009
Josh Groban 'Noel' CD, Sarah McLachlan 'Wintersong' CD
It's the most wonderful time of the year for buying CDs. Everyone loves a Christmas carol, whether it's the newest hit this holiday season or a childhood favourite. Give your friends the best of both worlds with traditional and contemporary CD picks. 'Wintersong' by Sarah McLachlan, 'A Jolly Christmas' by Frank Sinatra, 'Noel' by Josh Groban.
Available at: chapters.indigo.ca
Price: $19 Groban, McLachlan $18
November 24, 2009
Snowflake Bowls Set
Festive, fabulous and wrapped up in a bow, these earthenware snowflake bowls are all ready to give to anyone on your list. The nested bowls are great as a hostess gift or to bring into the office and fill with Christmas baked goods.
Available at: Crate & Barrel
Price: $20 US
November 23, 2009
Style at Home/Elle Subscription
Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long! Magazine subscriptions are fab gifts as they usually come once a month and are delivered right to the doorstep. Of course Style at Home is a perfect choice for decorating lovers -- or give Canadian Living to the foodies on your list or Elle Canada to your fashionista friends.
Available at: SAH
Price: Elle Canada $12 for 12 issues, Style at Home $24 for 12 issues, Canadian Living $24 for 12 issues
November 22, 2009
Snow Globes
Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow! You may not always get your wish for a white Christmas, but you can certainly give one as a gift. Snowglobes are still in style and these modern beauties from West Elm would fit well on anyone's wish list.
Available at: West Elm
Price: $30 US each
November 21, 2009
4 Calling Birds Salad Plate Set
Glamorously dressed in gold is how we like our holidays to be! This year, delight the entertaining fiend on your gift list with this set of four luxe salad plates from the tabletop experts at Rosanna. Did we mention they're made of refined porcelain and decorated in 24 karat gold?
Available at: Rosanna Inc.
Price: $40 US for 4
November 20, 2009
Sony e-Reader
Wondering what to get for the book-loving techie? Look no further than Sony's newest touchscreen e-reader. The hot 10" model lets you access 350 of your fave downloaded books -- pretty impressive! What we love even more is the spicy red colour that's perfect for Christmas gifting (also available in other colours).
Available at: Sony
Price: $400
November 19, 2009
Luxury Plush Blanket
If the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing better than curling up beside the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and the perfect throw. We adore this luxury plush one from Restoration Hardware, perfect for anyone on your list.
Available at: Restoration Hardware
Price: $40 US
November 18, 2009
Polaroid Pocket Printer
The world is turning totally wireless and we're not one to dismiss a growing trend! This Polaroid POGO pocket printer is the ultimate in portable gadget accessories. Just plug in your cell phone or digital camera and print off your pics using zero-ink technology. It's the perfect prezzie for the person on the go.
Available at: Home Outfitters
Price: $70
November 17, 2009
Bookworm Bookmarks
We just know you have a bookworm on your shopping list this holiday season. While wrapping up the latest bestseller is definitely a good idea, we like the idea of a gift that can be used over and over again. This package of 20 bookmarks won't go to waste in a reader's home. Fun and colourful, they're just a darned good idea!
Available at: fredflare.com
Price: $7
November 16, 2009
Kate Spade Belle Boulevard Hurricane Lamp
This delicately designed hurricane candleholder is by veritable style icon Kate Spade. So it’s no wonder this stunning piece is such a work of art. The glass cylinder sleeve is perched inside a silver-plated base but the real beauty is the silver plated etching of the beautiful Belle Boulevard bow. This gift comes complete with a candle and will cast a cozy, atmospheric glow when lit. Warning: The lucky recipient of this gorgeous gift may be rendered speechless but we think the words they’re looking for are thank you, thank you, thank you!
Available at: teatroverde.com
Price: $100
November 15, 2009
Eco Chic Shopper
No more on-the-road emergencies! This gift is perfect for the woman who travels a lot. The Eco-Chic Shopper from The Laundress includes: The Laundress Delicate Wash, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, Fabric Fresh Classic, Classic Dryer Sheets, Stain Solution and the Laundress’ Signature Detergent. Products are non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen free. The trendy black and white striped tote is perfect for doing laundry at home, when she’s not on the go.
Available at: thelaundress.com
Price: $80
November 14, 2009
Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Hot Chocolate
If the way to his heart is through his stomach, this gift guarantees instant access. Rich and delicious, this sweet treat is always a hit. Warm up cold winter nights from the inside out. Described as "intensely chocolatey", this hot bevvie is for someone who's got a bona fide sweet tooth. Plus, the stylish canisters can be reused year after year -- an ongoing reminder of your thoughtful gift!
Available at: Williams-Sonoma
Price: $19.50 each
November 13, 2009
Laurie Cake Stand
This cake stand is so simple and pretty; we adore the inverted scalloped edges and the handpainted red eyelet detail along the rim. Even when standing empty, this piece will look elegant on the kitchen counter. But to show it off at its best, gift it with a gorgeous cake on top. The effort of baking something special will say how much you care.
Available at: Crate & Barrel
Price: $29.95
November 12, 2009
Crystal Carafe
Water bottles aren't exactly a thing of the past yet but more and more people are ditching their environmental enemies for more eco-friendly alternatives like glass (or in this case, crystal) bottles. This year, give a gift that saves our planet's landfills one bottle at a time. Not to mention, this crystal carafe is a real stunner for the home or the office and comes with five colourful cups for sipping. Being a friend of the environment (and being healthier, too!) never looked so good.
Available at: clio-home.com
Price: $65
November 11, 2009
Projection Alarm Clock
Waking up in the morning is hard enough as it is, but a jazzed up alarm clock can make things a little less painful. The Projection Alarm Clock from Sharper Image is full of fab features, our favourite, of course, being the time projection, which can be angled to appear on the ceiling or wall. No need to roll over to check the time in the middle of the night -- just open your eyes! Other features: AM/FM radio, dual alarms and touch buttons.
Available at: The Bay, The Source
Price: $69.99
November 10, 2009
Bone Boxes
Give the gift of organization this Christmas! Let's face it; everyone could use a little help and these decorative boxes from West Elm make getting organized simple and stylish. Constructed with wood and covered with natural bone, these boxes are the perfect place to stash stuff, out of sight from prying eyes. Not just practical, these boxes will add a lovely decorative element to any space, too.
Available at: West Elm
Price: $29 to $49
November 9, 2009
Feathered Glass Bird Ornament
A Christmas ornament makes the perfect host/hostess gift when you're attending a holiday dinner party. Each year when the gift recipient decorates their tree, they'll think of you. This feathered glass bird ornament is a little bit different, we admit, but it's oh-so-memorable. Dark and delicate, this bird ornament will be sitting pretty on an effortlessly elegant tree.
Available at: HomeSense
Price: $5.99/set of 3
November 8, 2009
Raspberry Cream Cupcake Gift Set, Goat's Milk Soap
Combining bath time and baked goods -- divine! These miniature soaps look positively good enough to eat. Packaged in a paper bakery bag, we find them simply irresistible. With fragrance top notes of raspberry, pear and apple (with a healthy dose of vanilla), these soaps will keep the bathroom smelling yummy until she's ready to use them. Available in a variety of colours and fragrances.
Available at: etsy.com
Price: $4.25
November 7, 2009
Bib Chef's Cream and Black Damask Apron
This gift is just meant for the domestic goddess on your shopping list. Even if she spends hours in the kitchen, preparing the perfect repast for friends and family, there's no reason she shouldn't look sensational while she's doing it. We just love the black and white damask pattern; it's so classic. She'll love it. Trust us.
Available at: jessiesteele.com
Price: $32.95
November 6, 2009
HP Dream Screen
High tech living just got totally hot. HP's new DreamScreen is the ultimate at-home tech treat for the consummately connected person on your gift list. Its slim, slick design makes it a gorgeous addition to any home. More than a digital picture frame, but not quite a full-out computer, the DreamScreen is a handsome hybrid that offers all kinds of digital entertainment (access to Pandora Internet Radio, Facebook and Snapfish) as well as provides the perfect interactive way to enjoy photos and videos.
Available at: hpshopping.ca
Price: $279.99
November 5, 2009
Limited Edition Lemongrass Cardamom Holiday Collection: Luxury Bath and Body Cream
Pretty and practical; just what we like! This limited edition collection of aromatherapy products from Bath & Body Works is not only the perfect antidote for stress (and who couldn't use a little of that?), but the pretty packaging makes these products perfect for putting on display in the bathroom. This aromatherapeutic blend is made to calm nerves and promote relaxation and features calming ingredients that lift the spirit and energize the skin.
Available at: Bath & Body Works
Price: Luxury Bath: $18 - Body Cream: $18
November 4, 2009
Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family and Friends
The holidays are a busy time for entertaining and who couldn't use some help from the queen of the kitchen? Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home (Clarkson Potter, 2009) is the domestic goddess' latest cookbook, featuring hundreds of pages of the most delightful, delectable recipes. The stunning, full-page photography is enough to inspire even the most harried hostess. We find the desserts particularly drool-worthy. Offering 52 quick meals to cook for family and friends, this cookbook is bound to become a kitchen staple, not just for the holidays, but year-round, too. (You might want to pick up a copy for yourself while you're at it!)
Available at: randomhouse.ca
Price: $43
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