Home Decor: Preparing for the Holidays

One of the pleasures of December is creating a connection to the wonder of childhood as you decorate your home for the holiday season. Whether you want to recreate a traditional family cottage Christmas or prefer a minimalist décor gem that Philippe Starck would approve of, the merchants and stallholders of the ByWard Market area can provide everything you need.

Begin with a visit the Outdoor Stalls on ByWard Market and purchase freshly made wreaths from local woodsmen and crafters. Choose from a variety of evergreens that include heavenly scented balsam, red cedar, or elegant blue spruce, interwoven with red velvet ribbons and gilded pine cones. Or pick up some unadorned boughs and then visit Paper Papier for luxurious decorative ribbons in a rainbow of colours. Have your family and friends help make the wreath. Pierre suggests that, if you hang your fresh greenery indoors, don’t put it directly over a heating vent and keep it fresh over the holidays by misting it occasionally. $4.95 and up

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, look no further than the elegantly charming White Shop (223 Dalhousie). Ornaments made from mirrors, cut into petite faceted ovals and teardrop shapes are sparingly etched in 50’s style floral patterns that sparkle and reflect light. Beautiful seashells in creamy ivory and browns are suspended on white satin ribbons. Or pay a restrained tribute to the Russian court with exquisite matte porcelain eggs with all-white bas-relief rococo floral designs. Satin-glass spindles ornaments are topped with white down and there are decorative white feather wreaths that will complement any decor. $2.95-$20

Trudel Home Hardware (140 George) offers ornaments that may remind you of childhood Christmas trees; boxes of glass balls in blue, silver, gold, and red and pine cones painted gold and threaded to hang from trees and ceilings. Here is where you can find tinsel strands and shiny garlands. You can also get a stand for a live tree or pick an artificial tree that will never require you to vacuum up shed needles! There is an assortment of LED Christmas lights (they take less than 10% of the electricity of conventional bulbs) and they now come in strings of warm greens, reds, and yellows, as well as the more familiar white and blue. Or pick up a holly and berry decorated golf ball tree ornament to give the family golfer a thrill. $1.95-$25.95

Warm up your Holidays with ornaments from Masala (17 ‘B’ York). Folksy balsa wood and Paper Mache bells, stars, angels, and Father Christmas hanging ornaments are to be found here. For something different, choose from tiny wood, beaded, or mirrored boxes, place a chocolate truffle or small gift inside, and then nestle them in your tree branches to delight lucky recipients. $4.95 and up

Finally, for a full assortment of beautiful ornaments and whimsical Christmas candles, it’s hard to beat Zone, Les Concepts (471 Sussex). Instead of a wreath, hang a giant see-through snowflake at your door. Or pick up several different sizes and use them to create an entry feature in your hallway. Look for cleverly designed packages of six candles in the shape of Christmas trees (in green or silver glitter) and snowmen with top hats that will fit into your existing tea-light holders. Or arrange a collection of silvered or natural dried botanicals around red or silver candles that look like they are made out of corrugated satin. Mini wreaths are made to frame pillar candles and there is a plentiful supply of well-priced glass pedestal holders that will help make your dinner party a luminous affair.

Once you’re taken care of your lighting needs, you can choose from a dizzying assortment of tree ornaments. Dye-stamped metal birds, painted in matte antique red and ivory are both charming and elegant. Red or silver elaborate glass spirals recall an Edwardian Christmas. Clear tubes hold 15 classic balls, in satin or shiny red and greens. Further, everything needed to set the table for a holiday feast can be found. White square dinnerware sets with red snowflakes or vice versa. Napkins printed with contemporary holiday designs or classic Christmas motifs. Match a chromed napkin holder in the shape of a geometric snowflake with salad servers with the same snowflake ornamentation. Conical table ornaments are swirled in metallic satin greens and reds, reminiscent of 1960’s space inspired design. $3-$30

Of course, these are only a few of the shops that carry ornaments, candles, and other Holiday décor items. Take the time to explore the ByWard Market area and you will find whatever you need to create your dream Holiday home.