Tivoli Florist

It's Monday, so as promised, here are some photos of the most beautifully decorated shop I have ever seen -- Tivoli Florist on Richmond Road in Ottawa. It took a full week to decorate the shop completely, and wow, does it ever show! I hope you enjoy this enchanted space as much as I do, and feel like you've stepped into a little piece of heaven.

A different kind of gingerbread

I was browsing through Etsy the other day, and I came across Jennywren, who just happens to be from Ottawa. And, you all know how much I like to profile Ottawa artists and crafters! Here are a few photos of some absolutely beautiful ornaments that Jenny's made for the holiday season. All are knit from 100% merino wool, felted, and then fashioned into these great ornaments with a wool string for hanging. If you're interested in ordering, you can get them though Jenny's etsy shop http://www.myjennywren.etsy.com/ -- just in time to put on your tree or on presents as gift tags.

The Spirit of Christmas

Each year, the May Court Club of Ottawa -- an organization dedicated to community service and fundraising for those in need --holds a raffle of Christmas trees and other treasures created by members or donated by sponsors. All proceeds go towards local organizations. Here are a few photos of this year's trees and treasures (unfortunately, there was just way too much light and I'm no photo expert!, but you do get the idea). My favourite is definitely the first tree by Christine Beelen, "All Wound up for Christmas", which is absolutely perfect for a more contemporary interior. Each of the ornaments is hand-made and Christine told me she started making them in the summer -- probably spending close to 150 hours making her creation! I also really love "Seaside Christmas" created by the Crossland Family and Sleepy Hollow. It just has a really lovely feel to it, and makes me feel like I'm by the ocean. Check out the way the branches are wound in material to make them look like palm trees! If you live in Ottawa, there's still a chance to head on down to the Rideau Centre to check them out and buy a ticket or two -- they're on display until Saturday. Otherwise, here they are for inspiration as we decorate our homes. Have a great weekend everyone!

Holiday greenery

We're hosting a Christmas open house in a couple of weeks, and I'm starting to think about decorating our house for the big day. Here are a few creative ideas I picked up from Virginia Vince at Ottawa's Bloomfield's Flowers.

Bring in lots of greenery, berries and flowers, she suggests. Nothing makes a home feel more festive than fresh floral arrangements and scented pine and cedar boughs on a cold, crisp night. Or, for a beautiful centerpiece, fill a bowl with green pears, ornaments, and sprigs of pine and cedar. Or, take a clear glass vase, and pack it with holly and distilled water – magnifying the berries and making the colours clear and vibrant through the glass.

And, here's a neat idea. Apparently, loaf pans also come in handy when making centerpieces! Fill one up with water, sprigs of holly with red berries, and put it in the freezer. Once the pan is set, remove the ice block and place it on a tray covered with greenery and pine cones. A couple of candles placed close – but not too close to the ice - will add some sparkle.

There, this all sounds pretty easy. I think I'm all set -- or closer to it, anyways! If you have ideas to share, please send them my way!


Photo by Erik98122, on Flickr

Advent candles

Tomorrow is December 1st - the first day of Advent. And, for those like me, who grew up in a quasi-Scandinavian family (one side Danish, the other side Irish), this means lighting the Advent candle and starting our countdown to Christmas. Here's a photo of some terrific Advent candles that would make a fun centrepiece for the kitchen table - or anywhere else, for that matter. My kids, husband, and I will be lighting ours tomorrow night -along with hot chocolate and cookies, of course! So, if you haven't got your's yet, there's still time to pick one up tomorrow, and start a new tradition, too. Have a lovely weekend, everyone!


Photo by Gertrud K, on Flickr

I'll have a blue Christmas

I'm absolutely loving blue Christmas trees this year! I can't get enough of them! Forget white, forget red -- blue is clearly where it's at. Here are some blue creations I love. And, if you want to see some more, go to Neutral Dwelling's blog www.neutraldwelling.blogspot.com, and check out her selection. She's found some beautiful images, too. BTW, if you decorate in blue this year, please send me your photos, and I'll post them up, so we can all take a look. That way, we can all enjoy our blue Christmases together!


Photo by OiMax, Flickr


Photo by OiMax, Flickr


Photo by Shutter.chick, Flickr


Photo by OiMax, Flickr


Photo by OiMax, Flickr