The House Dressing Company

Written by : Julie Cove

If you managed to drop in this past Saturday for our Open House we “Thank you ever so much” for making the effort even on such a rainy day!  You would have probably heard the voices of the girls pictured here.

These girls, Charlotte, Desi and Gussie sang their hearts out and entertained hundreds of people in our shop for most of the day!  Fantastic job girls!  They are for hire just so you know!  Call me if you need their info.

Wasn’t the Sidney Sparkles parade fantastic?  I love how it gets you in the mood!  Seeing the kids with rosy cheeks all lined up on the curb with excitement as they await the festive sights and yes…… the candy canes & Santa of course!!

Wouldn’t it be fun to be less frantic about the season and all that there is “to do” and just take time to enjoy these kinds of happenings in our community?  That’s my plan and I’m stickin’ to it!  Instead of running around like a chicken-no head- trying to get everything done I plan on enjoying the process and doing lots of “Fun Chirstmas Stuff” along the way.  I have started early and am excited about “finishing early” which would be such a great feeling.  As a family we plan to be more organized and really take time for some enjoyable holiday happenings.  This weekend coming up we will take a carriage ride in Saanichton with the community event that Jim Townley of Fresh Cup Roastery & The Saanichton Village Assoc are promoting – see the poster here-Saanichton Community Christmas.  It is sure to be a fantastic time for young and old with free Santa photos too!   After this event, for a fantastic collection of hand crafted gifts I plan to check out the Touch of Salt Spring Craft Fair at Panorama Rec Center- see the poster here .  It runs Friday-Sunday.

I may even fit in the Fashion Show being held at the Mary Winspear Center this Saturday afternoon with styles from many Sidney boutiques.  It is bound to get you in the mood to fluff your wardrobe for any holiday gatherings you may have!  I love seeing the way they put the outfits together and the local models strutting their stuff down the runway!  For tickets and more info call the Sidney Business Association (250) 655-6417.

Every Thursday evening leading up to Christmas you can enjoy complimentary appy’s and Christmas carols with Hark the Haro’s Angels Sing down at the Sidney Pier Hotel in Haro’s lounge.  This is a musical evening of Christmas Cheer just for you after a long days work or after getting some shopping checked off the list – this is a great way to reward yourself for doing so!

You might even want to take in some talented performances for an evening out with your family or friends.  The Peninsula Players are presenting “I suppose you think that’s funny” from Dec 10-20th.  Sounds like it would be good for a belly laugh!  We all need one of those every once in a while:)

Another wonderful performance here on the Peninsula called An Irrational Christmas -A Christmas Musical Drama -the poster is here- that is bursting with incredible talent.  This exciting play is written and directed by Karen Elgersma of Shaw TV.  She’s been diligently casting, rehearsing and fine tuning this magnificent array of unique talents that all comes together in celebration of the season.  It runs December 13th at 2 and 7pm.  For tickets call 250-652-2723.

These are just a few of the many, many wonderful events that people all over the Saanich Peninsula and Victoria have spent countless hours planning for our enjoyment or to raise awareness and much need funding for non-profit organizations.  If you can take the time to participate and support these and any others you hear of it will greatly add to your enjoyment of this holiday season.  Should you know of an event that you would like to share please leave a comment for our readers so they too can partake.

And don’t forget…. do your best to make the most of this season by trying not to get overwhelmed and panicked.  Get started now, enjoy the process and take in the best that this wonderful season has to offer.

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 : Julie Cove

Bring your photos in to The House Dressing Company for any one of the 16 categories starting today thru December 24th- details are right here .  We are so excited to see what you have created for your submission!  Did you happen to catch our inspirational decorating tips on Shaw TV last night?  If not I hope to be able to post the video segment within the week to share some of the ideas Karen Elgersma and Myself put together.  It may inspire some new decorating themes that you can incorporate!

I have a post that will be ready for you tomorrow but had to make this announcement about the contest!  Have fun:)