Holiday style . . . what is it? This is a question I posed to myself as I opened up my own home for our Designer at Home feature in this holiday issue.
I have always been aware that my personal style avoids any unnecessary trappings to allow the things that I treasure to stand out. I love luxury and quality, and loathe clutter in every aspect of life. So, when I reviewed the photos of my home decorated for the season, I recognized my signature style. While there are no elaborately decorated rooms, there is an air of holiday spirit felt throughout which becomes enhanced as the doors open to host gatherings of family and friends.
With this issue we showcase the six grand homes that are part of the charitable tour Homes for the Holidays to support The Hospice at May Court. However, we feature them devoid of the elaborate seasonal decorations to show off the architectural detailing in some of Ottawa's most interesting and stunning homes.
The holiday season really is all about celebrating and the quest to do it in style is never ending. To understand how the business of partying really works, we have tapped into some of the city's busiest event planners - which is just so much fun!
Combing fun with style is how the "Moggit" girls roll. Araina Bond had the pleasure of getting to know these rock stars of the design world, who are gaining in popularity more and more every day; they rule on the social networking scene as well as all forms of media. Check them out in our Living In Style section.
In the spirit of giving, both Melissa Shabinsky and Korey Kealey tap into their inner generosity and offer up fab tips on what to bring to a holiday hostess.
But, let's not forget the importance of cooking for the ones we love. If you find yourself catering to someone with special health needs, be sure to take note of Paula Roy's feature to see what Chef Duane Keats is cooking up inside the Maplesoft Cancer Survivorship Centre kitchen. And, just to round things out, we're revealing the city's best donuts. Yes, donuts are said to be the new cupcake!
Wishing you the luxury of a holiday that brings just the right mix of style and celebration.
In Spirit
Mary Taggart, Editor in Chief
Mary's Must Haves
Nature provides what is needed for festive décor. Florists carry both faux and real to help strike a balance.
- Find holly where fresh flowers are sold starting in early December.
- www.michellevandenbosch.com carries a variety of faux and real floral décor; the IIlex berries are a long lasting festive symbol.
- Find Noma's 9' pre-lit self shaping tree at Canadian Tire.