Tuesday, December 21, 2010

BT Calgary Segment: Holiday Entertaining




I did a segment today on our local morning show, Breakfast Television (City TV). The segment was based on holiday entertaining. How to do it with style and on a budget. All items were sourced at PC Home, one of my most fave places to shop at when I am entertaining at home. I did a post on their stylish holiday wares earlier this month, but this shows you how you can creating stunning table settings with everything sourced from PC Home.

Here are a few of my tips for entertaining during the holidays:

1. Keep it simple and chic. Make sure to have a delicious colour palette in mind. I did 2 settings: Modern and Traditional.
2. Dishes should be kept simple and white, play up the colour palette with chargers, side plates, and place mats.
3. Use decorative gift wrap as a table runner to play up on pattern and colour.
4. Create your own flower arrangements. I took a simple $20 arrangement and split it up to create 3 and mixed in some Christmas greens.
5. Instead of wine, think about giving a hostess gift that will come in handy over time. Plates, desert cups, fondue sets, etc.
6. Use trays as charger plates, this can be something your guest can take home with them. The gorgeous hammered tray in the modern setting is fab!


Check Out:

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Anthropologie











Last Thursday marked the grand opening of Anthropologie in Calgary. We were asked to view the shop before it opened its doors to the public. I have visited quite a few locations across the states and am so glad there is finally one in Calgary.

I love the vintage vibe of Anthropologie home wares and don't even get me started on my love affair with their candles. Everything has a handmade quality with a mix of vibrant prints and patterns. I could have purchased everything in the store! One of my fave things were there lamp shades and bases, a must for any stylish home.

Check Out:

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Louis Vuitton Maison


Last week Jason Krell and I were invited to go the launch of the new Louis Vuitton Maison at the Hotel Vancouver. The original store had expanded to now become a 2 level, 10,000 square foot space that was bright, airy, and carrying the most up to date in men's and women's LV wares. This store is the fourth of it's kind in North America What struck me was the gorgeous 20' high feature bag wall, it was just perfect!

The invite that was sent said that we would be taken on a journey, and that we did. After a few glasses of champagne and mingling at the store, all 500 guests were whisked away in black SUV's right to the entrance of a long train where we were then taken off to another secret location. That being a warehouse that was converted to into a Parisian themed train station (with everything from a DJ, dance floor, bar stations, the works!). The party is rumored to have have cost LV over $1 Million and to be quite frank, worth every penny! We had an amazing time and met some fabulous people.

Leave it up to Louis to throw the most perfect party.

Check Out:

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Crazy for Headdresses!







While in Toronto a few years back, I came across a store carrying these unique and fabulous items made of feathers. I was instantly intrigued and had to inquire what they were. These are Bamileke Feather Headdresses hand made in Cameroon. I had never seen anything like this used in home decor before. I am a huge fan of incorporating ethnic elements into interiors and these are just perfect! From the photos you can see them used in dining, living, and even bedrooms. The perfect addition to a bare wall and a fantastic conversation piece!

Check Out:

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Holiday Entertaining: PC Home

It's holiday party season and who doesn't like a fabulous party! It is great to attend but if you are throwing one, there are quite a few things to consider: food, music, bevies, and of course, decor. One of my fave places to go to when shopping for a party is Superstore. The PC Home line is affordable, chic, and oh so stylish. This holiday season they have come out with some amazing new pieces that are perfect for for hosting a party or even great hostess/host gifts. Here are a few that I loved:


White Berry Wreath- a perfect modern touch to any party decor


Mingling Plates- a drink and an appy, what a wonderful combo!


Heat Resistant Pitcher- the perfect vessel for mulled wine

Hammered 3 Tier Tray- A great way to put out those tasty nibbles for your guests
Winter Scene Sliver Plates


Check Out:


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Cushy Life





I popped into a store that I am quite familiar with called Cushy Life yesterday. They recently moved locations and are now located on trendy Kensington Rd in Calgary. I remember going into the shop when it was a tiny little space with creaky wooden floors and when they just specialized in bedding. Now it is a huge, 2 level space filled with not only bedding, but furniture, accessories, and art work.

The space is modern, filled with light, and best of all COLOUR!!! Carrying amazing modern, traditional, and transitional lines of furniture, this is going to be a must stop for me when it comes to sourcing for clients. Now, don't forget their bedding, carrying lines such as Designers Guild, Dwell, and Revelle. Best of all, they are launching a new website where you can purchase online!!!

Check out: