Love it all (except the gold-silver combo)

 

 

 

 

Checking out holiday décor is especially fun this year, in part because there is so much to choose from. I love the hand-spun artisanal touches that are showing up. Perhaps the prettiest examples are those I found at westlem, where I dropped by yesterday. I saw (and loved) for example, David Stark’s beautiful flower garlands, made out of newsprint and silver foil veneer. They would look lovely gathered into a bouquet, threaded into a garland of pine cones, or nestled among tree branches on a mantle. I also loved the funny little penguin-shaped felt ornaments, which are hand-made in Nepal. The store looked gorgeous and had a wonderful selection of small gifts and stocking stuffers. My first new year’s resolution is to get my up-town butt down to their downtown location more often.

I also love the bold and unexpected colour combos I found at others retailers and the drama that ornaments and accessories drenched in either white or black sparkly sequins added. The only trend I’ve heard bandied about that I don’t go for – the mixing of silver and gold. I prefer either as an accent – mixing too much of these shiny shades gives me a tummy-ache.

Other faves this year, which I’ve shown in pics above (starting at the top)

The cool-but-not-chilly black, white and silver themes shown at Ikea and Bouclair(as shown above, along with Bouclair's nutcrackers)

The non-trad aqua and silver holiday theme from HomeSense

The mix of warm brown and golden metallic ornaments from Urban Barn, as well as the glam holiday table setting they’re showing