Written by : Helen McIntyre

It was great to see all of your smiling, familiar faces at our open house on Saturday. It’s always such a fun day to share with our wonderful customers! Many thanks for coming out and enjoying the day with us!

I noticed that some people were shopping for gifts, others for holiday decorations, others for hostess (food) items and others maybe just for themselves (that’s okay too!) Not sure if any of  you were in the “stocking stuffer” mode yet??? It is Dec 1st today………so, I thought it would be a great idea to talk about some unique, fun and cost effective items to make the stockings that you stuff…the best ever! Lets see….what great ideas do I have??

I looked around the store and found a whole bunch of different items…..

First of all you want the items you choose to be useful to the person you are giving it to, cost effective (because you might have to put many items in the stocking) and also an appropriate size. Having all this in mind….lets get started!!

Soap leaves are a wonderful pick! Especially due to all the hype about germs and nasty flu’s going around. These soap leaves come in a very compact container that will fit in your purse and you can use them anywhere…You just need water! Great invention!

If you haven’t heard about table topics, then you need to!!! This is a really fun and interactive game. It’s not just any old game….. but  an amazing conversation starter, the perfect ice breaker and a wonderful gift!! The series of questions will enrich your relationships and connect you with family and friends. It’s great to play at dinner parties, around a roaring fire at the cottage, at a friend’s for drinks or with your children on the weekends! There are tons of different categories to choose from.

You should see these snowflake magnets we have in right now…They are acrylic and they have such a strong magnet on them. They can be adorned to just about anything! You will definitely want to put some of these in your loved ones stockings. They will be able to attach them to lamps shades, purses, jackets, sweaters etc……to add a really amazing decorative element!

You might think I’m crazy for suggesting the next stuffer? I think it’s a great idea….Cutlery. You are probably thinking …that’s kind of weird, but in fact its a great way to start some one off with a new set or add to their existing one. Maybe a few serving pieces would be nice. I love having different shapes and sizes of spoons and forks on hand…..They are a great size for the stocking.. Think about it. It’s really a great idea!

Holiday matches are always nice to have on hand when you are lighting candles or your big roaring fire in the family room! This is a great, inexpensive idea that most would find very handy!

For those of you that are stuffing a stocking for someone who is very into decorating…maybe you’ll want to put some small ornaments in their stocking. We have lots of little, really beautiful ones in the store that would be great for that. You could also choose one, bigger, show stopper ornament.

The whimsical kitchen gadgets are always a “stocking stuffer” hit! They are so colourful and fun to give as a small gift. It’s also a very practical gift as most people would use this item many, many times! To name a few there are…..mouse cheese graters, turkey basters, monkey peelers, shark knifes, bird zesters etc….

Candles are a great idea too! Everyone loves candles. I would suggest to buy for the stockings -  packs of votives, tea lights or small floaters. This way the size is kept small and the price is also kept small! Great idea to combine the candles with the holiday matches!!

I would love to open up my stocking on Christmas morning and find some Thymes products inside. The smaller items to consider, available in all the fragrances, are the 2 oz bottles of body wash and body lotion, bath salt envelopes, roller ball perfumes and the bars of soap. Lady’s….maybe you need to hint at your husband for this one!

Tea!!…I always come back to the Tea Forte…but it really is just a very versatile product, great for so many occasions. I really think the little packets of 2 tea infusers is the perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone. There is also a very cute little package of “sampler” teas. Also great for anyone!!

You have to have some kind of food to be a part of the stocking!! Wildly Delicious comes out with these great small packages of stuffing mix, turkey rub, potato seasoning, salmon rub etc…..! They are really good!! They are also so light…..great for stuffing! The men will like this one!

The last idea I have is a “House Dressing” gift card. If you are in a rush and don’t have the time to look around, then a GC is a wonderful choice for a stocking stuffer! You can purchase them in any denomination you wish! I love getting gift cards! It’s such a nice treat!

I think I’m ready to go out and get all my stocking stuffers! I hope you are too! Happy Stuffing!

Have a great week!

Written by : Helen McIntyre

Today is all about decorating  Trees and Wreaths! Time is ticking away till Christmas and some of you, I have talked to in the store are already putting out or are all finished decorating! Good for you! It’s great when you can enjoy your wonderfully decorated home for as long as you can during the holidays!

I have been busy busy busy at the store making it look fabulous for Christmas! A huge part of decorating is all the trees and wreaths. I have talked with some customers that put up multiple trees in their home. I think that’s great……especially if you are partial to a whole bunch of different looks. You can create a different theme for each tree! That is so much fun! I have done the same at the store. We have so many different looks that we want to showcase……….so what better way to do that, than decorate a tree! Some of them include:

In one window I have a rustic, cottage like look. This includes, big red “Santa I can Explain” signs, ice skates, wooden tags, dried brown leaf garlands, woven red birds and some woven ornaments. Its really important to try and use different materials when decorating your tree and also varying the scale. The big red signs are a great element in amongst all the smaller items! It really makes a great statement! I love the way garland looks in a tree! Especially when it is something really different and textured like the dried brown leafy one that I used in this particular tree! It may not be absolutely noticeable, but if I were to remove it……..the tree definitely would not look quite so finished!

The other window in the store showcases a very shimmery, elegant cream and glass look. I have chosen lots of really big glass balls with shimmery patterns on them! They make the tree look so sparkly! Its also nice to add sprays! They don’t just have to be for a vase or wreath…put them in your tree. They create a whole other element that is very interesting. You don’t need many. The ones I chose for this tree are elegant looking with a matte cream berry. This completely is a contrast to the other shimmery decorations on the tree, however they work and provide another layer of interest. In conjunction with the sprays and balls are lots of really really shimmery items such as: ice skates, snowflakes, pine cones (they are fantastic) and birds.

Right as you walk in the front door you will see a great tall tree that is filled with pewter, silver and gold! I absolutely love this combination! I have never really mixed these colours before, but it works so well! Again, I have chosen to add big scale by using the gold and silver traditional signs that say: Joy, Noel and Peace. If you decide you don’t want them on your tree you can always hang them on a door knob, on a wall or on your front door! I have also put in sparkly gold feathers! They are just so effective, you wouldn’t believe it! …..and very inexpensive! Ohhh and one of my favourites is these big over sized wiry gold flowers. You simply just stick the stems right in the tree and manipulate the flower top until you have it just right! So, in order to balance out the interesting shapes and sizes of some of the decorations, it’s a great idea to also have some traditional balls. In this case, I used large mercury, pewter balls with a slight diamond pattern on them! They are so fabulous! For the smaller items there are: small acorns, birds and mistletoe! I love the way this tree is so shiny and glamorous!

Towards the back, by the big rug rack…..I placed a big flocked tree up on a table. It is adorned with red and white! Its such a classic look and really bright and cheerful! This tree has a combination of matte white acorns and walnuts (which I think are my favourite thing in the whole store) flocked mittens and toques, red glass hearts and balls and some really fun balls with red and white tiny pom poms! Oh, and also some really classic white balls with a little bit of ribbing on them. I choose mostly ball shaped ornaments for this tree of varying sizes, but  it’s important to remember to use different textures as well!! I really like the way the glass looks with the flocked, matte element of the tree. You could also add some larger “sign” like ornaments to this type of tree or a great red matte or textured garland! The sky is the limit! Just use your imagination!

Also, really important: when decorating your tree at home, make sure you stand back from it every so often. Its a great way to really know if the tree is balanced with ornaments and if you like the placement of everything!

I have also done up some wreaths around the store. What I usually do is take a really great simple bare green wreath and add lots of different items to it. This completely transforms the wreath and you can really personalize it to be your own style. I have decorated one really big wreath that is already pre-lit (which is a big plus). I used red orchid clips. I have to say…..using clips is so great, simple and easy! I also used silver sparkly feathers and these great pics that have a cluster of really glamorous silver balls. The wreath was completely transformed into a show stopper! Great for above your mantle or sideboard..etc…..Same tips apply to wreaths as they do to trees…use different sizes, shapes, textures and colours!

Other clips I used in some wreaths are the silver and gold dragonflies! They are very effective! A couple of wreaths I did also include weaving a garland throughout the outside greenery to add more bulk and texture and also using sprays to get the same effect! We also have wonderful berry wreaths that I altered with some green sprays! They look great with or without the greenery!

I hope you are all eager and ready to tackle some of your decorating! …and maybe even try some new decorations on your tree this year? I am always available to help decorate your home or offer some advice at the store.  Remember to enter your creations in our “Ultimate Decorating Contest” and win up to $1000 just for submitting a photo of your decorating.  There are 16 categories to enter- check it out here if you haven’t already.  You have until Dec 24th to enter!

Happy decorating! Don’t forget our Open House on Sat Nov 28. Starts at 9:30….live music, delicious food and great prizes! The Sidney Parade is also on the same day! Be sure to come out and see us!

Written by : Helen McIntyre

Hello everyone

Today I wanted to share some great “must haves” for the Holiday Season. These 6 picks are all about pampering yourself and entertaining with family and friends!

We have already had many many people in the store to stock up on the popular holiday fragrance – Frasier Fir by Thymes. Every year around Christmas we have it…..and it is amazing. It is a combination of Siberian Fir needles, heartening Cedarwood and relaxing Sandlewood. The Thyme’s Company refer to it as “Mountain Fresh, yet cozy and comforting” ……and it really is! You will love it if you haven’t already tried it. This wonderful scent is definitely a must have for the holidays! Your house would not be complete without it. The candles are always the favourite amongst everyone, however there is also hand soap, dish washing liquid, sink sets, hanging sachets and room spray. You and your guests will be sure to enjoy this aromatic fragrance throughout your home.

Tea is next on my list of “must have’s”. It’s just extremely great to have on hand for yourself, your family or for when your friends pop over so you can brew them up a cup! Maybe even share a pot! The small packs are also great as a hostess gift! We carry the Tea Forte all year round, however during this festive time of year, new fabulous flavours and items come out all with wonderful holiday packaging! The limited edition holiday teas include: Sweet Orange Spice & Winter Chai. A warm cup of tea is definitely a must have for myself during the cool holiday season.

Food, I think should be next on the list. The holiday season is never complete without really good food. Wildly Delicious products are a fast, convenient, affordable way to have tasty, flavourful  appy’s at any time! The Compotes are amazing with cheese and the warm dips are so flavourful! My favourite is the squash with white bean! So yummy. There are many different products to choose from. Its great to stock up……as you never know when you will need some. A friend might pop over unexpectedly or you might be invited out to a friends for dinner and need a hostess gift in a hurry!

So, after talking about food….you probably will need some kind of platter to arrange it on! Serving Platters are next on my list! I can’t get enough of these!!! I love that they come in so many different shapes and sizes. You can have so much fun with them. Maxwell & Williams offer a great selection and very affordable prices! Serving platters are great for displaying your carved turkey on at Christmas, arranging your appy’s, an antipasto platter or a baked whole salmon…etc…..I would strongly suggest building up a selection of platters for yourself! You will find them very useful!

Bamboo cutting boards are next on my list. I love the texture, pattern and durability that they have. Not to mention their very fun shapes and sizes. The great thing about these cutting boards is you can leave them out on your counter because they look so nice and they are eco friendly. They become a decorative element as well as having a great use. If you are doing up some cheese, grapes and crackers for guests coming over, you may even want to serve the cheese right on the cutting board! Its so simple and looks great! Some of them also have handles to make carrying them a breeze. I love the long one we have in the store that looks like a wine bottle……..very fun!

The next item(s) on my list will most likely be a favourite……..candles! The warm glow and cozy ambiance they create is truly amazing. There is nothing like them. Candles are great for all year round, but they are particularly suiting for the holiday season. You probably don’t realize how much you use them. Candles are perfect for setting a mood or just adding a warm, comfortable element to any room. You can use them when you eat dinner, have a bath, while you are relaxing at the end of a busy day etc… you can also have them placed all over your home: on your mantle, sideboard, coffee table, around your fireplace hearth, dining table, window sill etc……There are lots of choices when it comes to candles……I prefer plain white pillars myself. They look so fabulous when they are lit! We have them in 3×3, 3×6, 3×9, 3×12 and also some 4×4’s and 4×6’s. It’s fun to mix the different heights on a candle tray! You can also try floating candles! They are very effective….in a glass bowl filled with water. Try putting some different materials in the bottom (glass stones, coloured rocks, greens etc) for some sparkle!

Last but not least are the snowflake earrings. They are so pretty and sparkly! Every woman needs a pair during the holiday season. They are the best to wear at Christmas parties, New Year’s or just around town! There are 3 different styles. You will get so many compliments when you wear them…they are definitely a must have. We at The House Dressing all have a pair and we love to wear them this time of year! Hurry and come get a pair……they sell fast! One lady came in and bought some for all the bridesmaids in a winter wedding! How fun!

I really hope that I have got you all excited about all the wonderful “essential” items for the holiday season. It was so fun coming up with this list…..as you can imagine there was lots to choose from!

Next week I will be sharing some great Christmas tree and wreath decorating ideas……lots of fun!

Written by : Helen McIntyre

Happy Tuesday!

How many of you read BC Home Magazine?? It’s free and you can pick it up at your local paint stores, supermarkets, decorating stores, home reno stores etc…..

Just thought you would be interested to know that,  The House Dressing Company is featured in October’s issue!!! We are very excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our decorating story with the community! The condo that is featured is a vacation getaway for out-of-town owners and we had complete free rein to create a cozy, contemporary and comfortable living space. This condo has a breathtaking view of the water, the sky and mount baker and we wanted to completely capture this in the decor. Some of you might know already…….this condo is at The Pier in Sidney. We were so fortunate to have an amazing space to work with that had simple, clean lines, an open floor plan, over sized windows and neutral finishes. This is a designer’s dream!

I have uploaded the entire article for you to see, however the print may be a bit small to read – so you may want to refer to this link for the complete online digital edition. It’s very fun to use…Give it a try!

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/BCHome/bchome_oct09_cwm54518/2009102801/

We had such an amazing time furnishing and decorating this beautiful condo. I hope that you have enjoyed reading the article and are inspired as well as have learned some great design tips! Don’t forget, we are always here to help with your own design challenges. No project is too big or too small!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy week and a wonderful day tomorrow celebrating Remembrance Day.

Written by : Helen McIntyre

Does everyone reading this know that we, at The House Dressing Co. carry Maxwell & Williams dishes??? We have been carrying the line for a while now and I have to say it’s an amazing product! We are so happy and honoured to be the only retailer in Sidney to have it.

The holiday season is when you may entertain more than usual and require lots of bake-ware, serving platters, dip bowls, wine glasses, serving bowls, serving utensils, tableware sets, tea and coffee service etc……… Well look no further! We just got in a huge amount of stock, just for you!!

We have 4 wonderful tableware collections in stock right now: Piazza, East meets West, Cirque and Cashmere Coupe (which is bone china) They are all very different and great in their own way! Some are square in shape and some are more traditional!

The RED bake-ware came out this year and it is so great for the holidays! We also have lots of white and brown bake-ware as well! I did up a feature table with a combination of the red and white bake ware………..Lots of choice….mini round, medium round, large round, with lids/without lids, large ovals, large and small square, small ramekins, rectangular, etc….

All the pieces are dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe. The mini casserole dishes with the lids would be ideal for individual servings of: french onion soup, baked pasta, souffle, chocolate dessert, shepherds pie etc……I am eyeing a large one myself to make a big lasagna in! Hmmmmm, my favourite!

In addition to the tableware and bake-ware there are also so many different serving platters, small appetizer type pieces, tiny sauce bowls……I could go on and on….Its really a lot of fun looking through it all and finding your favourite piece!

Glassware and cutlery are also a very important part of your entertaining collection. We have open stock cutlery available…and also some boxed wine glass sets! These make great gifts!

We, at The House Dressing, are all very knowledgeable regarding the Maxwell Williams products and we love helping customers choose great pieces that work with their lifestyle! We can offer some great ideas for entertaining pieces, gifts, tableware sets etc…….

Many of you may already know about or are a part of The Maxwell & William’s Club…but for those of you that don’t…allow me to explain -  Every time you spend $40 on M&W products, you receive a stamp on your card.(which you can leave at the store) Once you have 10 stamps filled in you get a FREE $40 M&W piece of your choose! Doesn’t that sound great. A number of people I have seen in the store often pop in to buy an item to add to their collection. The CLUB program would be great for you! Really its great for everyone! Who doesn’t want FREE stuff!

Have a great week……..I’m still busy at the store putting out Christmas! There are new items coming out of the back room everyday!

Helen