Designers share favourite holiday traditions
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TV hosts Colin and Justin celebrate the New Year in cottage country
In a season full of excess, it’s about less fuss and more friends for designer Jane Lockhart, whose favourite holiday tradition is gathering close knit friends to enjoy food, treats and holiday décor together.
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“Of course, all surfaces are decorated, each displaying some type of greenery to signify the enduring evergreen of our northern climate,” she says. “This greenery is mixed with sparkly elements to capture the warm glow of reflected light, brightening our dark, long winter nights.”
Light finger foods are spread around the main room rather than at a formal dining table to allow for more socializing and better overall circulation among guests. After the celebration is over, her favourite tradition is to stroll the neighborhood streets and wander through High Park with dear old friends and with Baxter, her trusted beagle, in tow. They take in the fresh air, enjoying the natural beauty of this magnificent 100-year-old park and each other’s easy company.
Let’s look at the favourite holiday traditions of other renowned designers:
Jo Acorn, founder and principal designer of Alcorn Home / Design & Build
“Decorating for Christmas truly reaches its peak of joy and festivity in our home when the pink tree makes its grand appearance in the kids’ room. This isn’t just any tree: it’s a beacon of fun, whimsy and pure magic for them. Watching their little hands hang ornaments with gleeful abandon transforms the space into something out of a dream.
“There’s something so heartwarmingly magical about it all, especially when the lights are turned down and the soft glow of the pink tree lights up their room. It’s more than just a decoration; it’s a creator of memories, a keeper of laughter, and a gentle, glowing companion that lulls them into the sweetest of dreams. This tradition, so simple yet so profound, is a beautiful reminder of the joy and wonder that the holiday season brings into our lives.”
Colin and Justin, TV hosts, designers, authors, hoteliers and Postmedia columnists
“Before moving to Canada in 2007, we were based between London and Glasgow and lovers of all things concrete, hence our choice to live in downtown Toronto. Upon discovering cottage country when visiting friends over the holiday, however, we fell in love with the rustic idly, gobsmacked by how magical it is, especially in winter.
“Turning up the heat is easy in the city, but against the frozen tundra, we’re required to collect logs and invest a little physical effort to stay warm. Come on: man makes fire – it’s reassuringly primitive and indeed imprinted across our DNA.
“The ongoing adventure influences our holiday traditions to this day. We enjoy life in The Six (with Christmas in our 39th floor condo overlooking Lake Ontario, the CN Tower and the city’s impressive light show) but we always choose Haliburton for New Year and ensure there’s always a roaring fire to greet guests.
“In short, cottage country gives us a warm glow: imagine the video for Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ to get into the spirit. Check out our new cottage country reno show, coming this winter. It’s sure to warm you up!”
Kortney Wilson, Home Network
“Our holiday traditions have shifted over the years as our kids have grown. When they were younger, we’d rent a limo with our neighbourhood friends and spend an evening driving around, taking in the holiday lights and cleaning up spilled hot cocoa. It was a favourite tradition and we hope to bring it back one day, when our families grow (uh-um grandkids!)
“In recent years, we’ve started hosting a Christmas Day party that feels more relaxed and meaningful. Everyone shows up in their Christmas pajamas and instead of cooking, we keep it simple with Chinese takeout. The day is full of laughs, from the ridiculous games we play to the impromptu sing-along around the piano, led by our talented musician friends.
“I love looking around the room and seeing everyone truly enjoying themselves. It’s a reminder that the holidays aren’t about perfection; they’re about the connections we build and the memories we make. Whether it’s sharing a meal or belting out an off-key carol, these moments with our friends and family are the meat and potatoes of our holiday season. The ‘good stuff,’ as they say.”
Lindsay Mens, partner at TOM Design Collective
“I always approach the holidays with a blend of nostalgia and creativity. I love the charm of mixing lots of lights, greenery and understated materials to create something that feels soulful and timeless. One of my favourite traditions is heading to the country with my family to pick up fresh greenery and wreaths. Our go-to is The Watering Can in Vineland. It’s a simple ritual but it always feels like the true start of the holiday season.
“At TOM, I love when clients ask us to help with their holiday décor. We did a project in Muskoka where the vibe was all about cozy and natural elements. We used vintage decorations and fresh greenery to create a space that felt right at home in the cottage setting…I find the soft glow of candlelight always adds to the magic of holiday decorating. Ultimately, it’s really about accentuating spaces to add something special to your home and celebrate the season.”
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