by Paula Kully –
There is no doubt: Christmas is a magical time of year that brings light and life to the season, warming our hearts and filling our days with family, friends, food and celebration. It’s no wonder we spend time and money decorating our homes to set the stage for entertaining during this treasured season. Although Christmas is about tradition, that doesn’t mean we can’t weave new, exciting ideas into old customs.
One of this year’s Christmas decorating trends finds us going back to the basics, highlighting the natural, rustic, charm and atmosphere of northern climates. Colours are clean white, soft grey, and muted, neutral tones mixed with accents such as pinecones, bark and seashells. Instead of gold and silver, sparkle is provided by copper and rose gold.
Wreaths this year are oversized, made of cedar, pine or even willow branches with a simple, neutral bow or sprig of holly. They’re not just outside but are coming indoors on a feature wall to bring together a room.
Local businesses such as the Saanichton Christmas Tree Farm and Brown’s The Florist have talented staff eager to provide you with ideas and materials to create your own personalized wreath or build you a custom creation. Their designs focus on multiple-use decorations by incorporating air plants, shells or other items so that after the wreath is finished, you are left with a lasting memento.
Alina from Brown’s advises that “Artists and craftspeople are foraging local material and creating a scene from the natural environment. The theme is mid-century West Coast boho, incorporating items such as shells, driftwood and sea glass.” Take for example their glass globe ornaments strung with rustic rope and filled with moss, pinecones, bits of bark and white sand.
The Peninsula’s boutique shopping is especially alluring this time of year with trendy new decorations or traditional classics. Cameron Rose and the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium are filled with textured and tactile ornaments such as unusual paper cutouts and snow covered pinecone hedgehogs. Alternately, you will even find pink flamingos and other decorations with a retro flavour, which seem to be popping up everywhere!
For people who love collectibles, Muffet & Louisa brings in Patience Brewster’s whimsical, hand-crafted figurines and ornaments. These truly unique creatures include the “Dash Away Reindeer” collection featuring the likes of “Dancer” on pointe in her ballet slippers and with candles in her antlers or Prancer in his lime green top hat, tails and tap shoes. If you are one of the many people who have the Christmas custom of selecting a new ornament each year, these darling reindeer could become part of that collection.
Then there is the tree – the Christmas decorating centre of the universe, the main attraction, the pièce de résistance! Whether you choose artificial or real, store bought or U-Cut, a creative masterpiece or a simple “Charlie Brown” tree – it is the project that brings a family together at Christmas.
Pinterest and Instagram have an abundance of photos and ideas to get anyone started on their tree, but a few themes that are emerging this year consider the practicality of space and natural design. With many people opting for smaller living spaces these days, rather than a grand, six-foot tree, you can use a series of small trees grouped together or placed throughout your home.
A truly West Coast option is a driftwood Christmas tree. Many people want traditional red and green and the nostalgic experience of unpacking familiar decorations, yet the driftwood tree still fits right in. There is even a great website that provides step-by-step instructions to build your tree: www.diydriftwood.com.
Finally, what says Christmas more than holiday baking? The tradition of a Christmas cookie exchange has continued to grow in popularity, but why not bring a new twist to some classic recipes?
Maureen Wingerter of the London Chef is passionate about baking and has perfected the art of incorporating decorating into her creations. What makes her goodies extra special and gift worthy is the packaging. When gift wrapping, she seeks out beautiful little bowls, mugs or cute boxes that will hold her treats. Then with a little cellophane, ribbon and a handmade tag, the gift is so beautifully wrapped no one would want to open it! This year, try something unusual when you parcel up your baking – think outside the “box” and look to your favourite stores for unique packaging options.
Maureen’s philosophy is to give consumable gifts because: “We all have way too much stuff. It’s easy to go out to the store and buy a gift, but to take the time, decide on the perfect recipe, and bake something as a gift, I think is more appreciated.”
However you choose to decorate your home this year, whether traditionally or on trend, it all comes down to embracing the spirit of the season and what that means in your household.
