[PRESENTED BY JO ALCORN - WHITEWASH & CO]

I love to decorate for the holidays. While red and green are traditional, a white theme is a nice switch. Try including some white antlers, white pillows, and things from nature; items like a stunning stool from reclaimed wood or mugs with animals on them. My go-to store for winter accents is Bouclair, and you cannot beat Artemano for all things nature inspired.  

I think everyone should have a fireplace to cuddle up in front of during the chilly winter months. But what if you don’t have a fireplace? No problem! Consider the new electric units from Dimplex. They come in a wide range of sizes – some can be moved from room to room, can plug in anywhere, and have all the beauty and sounds of a real fire. 

In front of that fireplace you need a great chair, one that you can snuggle right up in. And that chair screams for a cozy throw blanket. I highly recommend the new Sunbeam throws that have faux fur with a Sherpa reverse – they go perfectly with the winter animal accents, keep you warm, and offer a perfect spot to settle in with a good book when you’re not entertaining. 

I always decorate with art; no room is complete without some great pieces. One of my favourite sources for artwork is  Posterjack. You upload your photo on their site and they turn it into beautiful artwork on canvas or in gallery frames or unique table décor, like acrylic blocks. When you decorate, remember to go vertical, and change up your images to reflect the time of year.

For entertaining, there are a few must haves I cannot live without. The Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender allows you to make fancy blender drinks in a jiffy, without a deafening roar that would stop any party. Plus, the stylish design works into any kitchen. 

I also keep the Kuraidori Rechargeable Stainless Steel Corkscrew on hand which can be found at Home Hardware – it allows you to remove corks effortlessly and the infrared technology ensures your wine is served at the correct temperature. Who doesn’t love products that make you look like an expert hostess! 

If you entertain a ton and want to ensure you always have the perfect wine on hand for your guests I highly recommend investing in a Thermador Under-Counter refrigerator. These refrigerators mount under your counter and will work well in any space, whether it is a compact city condo or a large suburban kitchen. They have a unit that holds up to 42 bottles of wine – that makes entertaining easier!

When heading out to a holiday party I love to bring a hostess gift. I like to make it meaningful and impactful at the same time. Plan International Canada’s Gifts of Hope are unique gifts that support real projects in developing countries. One I particularly love is Buzzing Bees that you can donate on someone else’s behalf – providing all the essentials for pollinating a buzzing family business. You can pair your recipient’s donation card with a honey pot or a beeswax candle.

These are a few tips for great holiday décor and festive entertaining. One last tip: Enjoy! The holidays are over before you know it, so make each moment and celebration count!