Ideas for your holiday table

Holiday table à la Homesense. Note the china

in alternating colours, the varied heights of

vases and decorations, and the sparkles from

candles and glass balls.

Preparing your holiday table can be very enjoyable, especially if you have plenty of time and a few helpers. Here are ten tips on how to add interest and personal touches to your arrangements:

1) Think layers. Start with charger plates or placemats atop a table cloth and work your way up with  plates of different sizes. Mix patterned and solid-coloured china.
2) Throw in vintage pieces. Scout thrift stores for unique serving bowls or, if you're lucky, simply open your cupboards and take out grandma's old porcelain.
3) Bring in something from nature. 
Small spruce tree branches don't just look pretty, they also spread a lovely holiday scent. Pine cones and grey, dry moss look authentic in a centrepiece arrangement.
4) Personalize your guests' place cards. Handmade paper has a nice texture. Add layers of paper in complementary colours and varied thicknesses.
5) Think beyond red and green. There are so many other nice colour combinations for Christmas; light blue and silver, gold and purple, red and turquoise.
6) Prepare a feast for all the senses. No need for artificial fragrances with all the wonderful natural scents from food, beverages, pine trees...  Cloves in mandarins look and smell wonderful. Textured table cloths and napkins feel good to the touch.

7) Make sure the vases, candles and other decorations on your holiday table are of different heights.
8) Add some sparkle. Whether it's a mirrored tray or glass balls in a bowl, reflective surfaces on your table will make the light bounce around and spread interest.
9) Think beyond poinsettias! Why? Because they are so predictable! Surprise your guests with a more unexpected flower on the table.
10) Want more drama? Dim the lights and add yet another candle.



Light blue and silver make an elegant colour

combination for Christmas. These trees

are from the Green Store in North Bay.

Include something green, complementary scents,

layers and textures... Your personalized place cards

will be a hit!

So are you going with the real thing this Christmas, or

are you also a fan of the "real lite" battery-operated

candles, as seen at the Green Store?

Sudbury design treasures

A visit to Bouclair Home, Homesense and Pier1 Imports is mandatory whenever I go to Sudbury. These stores have an easy, contemporary approach to design which I like. They are especially good places to visit if you are looking for accessories, dinnerware, towels and linen. Here you often also find interesting and well-priced accent chairs, occasional tables and rugs. Below are a few highlights from my latest trip to our neighbouring city. The next time I go, I'd love to include some smaller stores with unique furniture and design. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

I like the colour combination and simple motif

of this pillow from Bouclair.

A shell ceiling fixture makes a room

sparkle. Bouclair.

Another nice ceiling fixture from Bouclair.

Glass tables in various sizes from Bouclair. 

Transparent tables are great for tight spaces. 

These nestle tables have a contemporary, 

cascading design.

      A bench with built-in storage is a clever choice for an

      entrance. Bouclair.  

               Occasional chairs are a great way to add life 

               and interest to a living room that feels too 

               "matchy". They are your chance to introduce 

               pattern, colour and have some fun. This piece 

               is from Homesense.

White-painted and subtly adorned, this table has a 

Scandinavian, Gustavian vibe. Add a mirror and a 

pair of wall sconces above it, and it'll be perfect 

for an entrance or a dining room. Homesense.

Nice curves on this table from Homesense.

This pedestal table doesn't take

up much room and can serve

as an extra surface for your

guests to place their drinks or

snacks on.