Van Belle - Holiday 2018

HOLIDAY 2018

VAN BELLE FLOWERS GARDEN HOME & FASHION

Van Belle Flowers & Gifts 1-800-263-8008 vanbelleflowers.com

Curly Willow Frosted Glitter Branches

Birch Pole

Milo Berries

Lata Star Jumbo Pinecone

Ornament Deer Birch Slices

Painted Pinecones

Sakai Pod

Mintolla Balls

Kambu Balls Buddha Nut

Available at

Van Belle Flowers

This winter season, create your own unique winter arrangements with the collection of accents, harvested from nature, available at our garden centre.

CONTENTS

10

4

Pre-Winter Garden Checklist

6

Experience Christmas Classes at Van Belle

9

Fashion Therapy to Cure the Winter Blues

10

It’s the Little Things That Count

12

Bring Back the Magic

14

Simply Elegant Decorating with Nature’s Finest

16

Holiday Cookie Exchange

22

Living Trends - Plant Trends for 2018

16

Joyful Gifts Acorn Shape Blackoil/Peanut Feeder

360 degree feeding allows more birds to feast simultaneously.

10072

Regal Style Trellis Tube Feeder - Copper colour polished roof.

- Modern regal design.

- Sturdy metal construction.

10030

22

14

feeding the birds with new ideas™

This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Van Belle Flowers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer.

HOLIDAY 2018 • 3

FERTILIZE GRASS

If you are a procrastinator like I am and have not yet applied a fall lawn food, do so in early winter. Within the next week or so, I will be feeding my lawn with a slow release lawn food that contains a high dose of nitrogen. A late fall fertilizer will give my lawn a healthy head start in spring.

PROTECT EVERGREENS FROM ICE AND SNOW DAMAGE

PRE-WINTER

If you have evergreens that are subject to damage from ice and snow build-up, it might be wise to tie them up. Use twine, burlap or any mesh material. Stay away from plastic that does not allow the plant to breathe. Cedars and upright growing junipers are especially vulnerable to ice and snow damage.

GARDEN CHECKLIST

By John DeGroot

DIVIDE PERENNIALS

Daylilies, hostas, irises, Shasta daisies and a host of other perennials will be reinvigorated if you dig up, split and re-plant them before winter sets in.

Add bone meal, organic fertilizer, manure or compost to enrich the soil.

Water thoroughly after planting. Roots will continue growing for the next month or so and will be ready to perform next spring.

MULCH YOUR ROSES

Early December is the time to think about hilling up your roses. Use any one or a mixture of the following mulches: manure, topsoil, leaves, shredded bark, or compost. Build a small hill, about eight to ten inches high, of mulch and put it at the base of your roses. This hill will prevent the rose graft from being exposed to too much alternating freezing and thawing. You may also want to prune your roses at this time. Cut them down to two feet in height and do the balance of the pruning next spring. Climbing roses need not be pruned or hilled.

PLANT BULBS

Late fall is a good time to plant fall bulbs.

You will thank yourself next spring when the bulbs bring forth a riot of colour. Plant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths about six to eight inches deep, and plant smaller bulbs such as crocuses and grape

hyacinths about three inches deep. Mix bone meal into the soil when planting.

Water thoroughly.

fall bulbs.

“Plant You will thank

WATER EVERGREENS

yourself next spring when they bring forth a riot of colour!

Your neighbours might think you are silly to be watering your evergreens before winter, but they will understand next spring when your landscape is greener than the rest. Winter desiccation is sure to be an issue in the coming months, because the soil has been unusually dry this summer. Evergreen foliage needs to build up moisture reserves to prevent dry winter winds from putting stress on landscapes in the coming cold. In particular, yews, boxwood and cedars will be grateful for the extra drink.

WINTER PROTECT YOUR TENDER PLANTS

Plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and Japanese maples will enjoy the added protection offered by mulch and winter wrap. A layer of compost, peat moss or leaves applied over the root zone of tender plants will provide extra insulation for cold roots. A makeshift tent of burlap will protect tender plants from drying winter winds.

4 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

CLEAN UP THE PERENNIAL GARDEN

Years ago, Cheryl and I would pick a nice day sometime between Halloween and American Thanksgiving and we’d chop off all the perennial plant stems. By the end of the day our garden would be whistle clean. But we’ve changed our tune. Perennials actually appreciate the insulation provided by the frozen plant stems, leaves and snow that remain in the garden through winter. We now cut off only the tallest stems in the fall and do another quick spring clean-up early in the next year.

”

TURN THE COMPOST HEAP

Mix all of your compost together a few times before Christmas. You might think that as you put your garden to bed before winter, microbial activity in the compost heap subsides. Not so. Your leaves, grass clippings, plant stems and banana peelings will continue to rot so you can apply a fresh layer of compost to your garden in spring.

A.

Festive HOLIDAY PLANTS

B.

FROM VAN BELLE FLOWERS

Custom designed and always beautiful, our holiday planters, and flowering plants are always the perfect gift for the holidays, to send to family, friends, and business associates.

Stop in and select your own plant display, or let our floral designers create one for you.

VAN BELLE DELIVERS DAILY THROUGHOUT THE GTA!

A. HOLIDAY CYCLAMENS IN WOODEN CRATE VBXP-1701 Price Ranges: $65.00, 85.00 (shown), 105.00 & up

B. GORGEOUS ORCHID PLANTS – VB SPECIALTY ITEM VBXP-1875 Price Ranges: $45.00, 95.00 - 175.00 (shown)

C. WINTER BIRCH ORCHID PLANTER

VBXP-1874 Price Ranges: $90.00, 129.99 (shown), 130.00 & up

D. FESTIVE POINSETTIA PLANT C.

VBXP-1712 Price Ranges starting as low as $6.99.

SHOWN: $50.00 in 6" decorative container

Van Belle Flowers & Christmas Store COURTICE LOCATION

1979 Highway 2, Bowmanville, L1C 3K7

905-623-4441

WHITBY LOCATION

100 Dundas St. W, Whitby, L1N 2L9

905-668-1650

1-800-263-8008 • vanbelleflowers.com

D.

ORDER ONLINE HOLIDAY 2018 • 5

Experience s e s s s a a l tm C s i r h C

at Van Belle Flowers - Courtice Location

Christmas Open House

Christmas With My Friends

Friday, November 2 Hours: 9 am - 8 pm

Friday, November 9 House: 6 pm - 8 pm

See Page 19 for more information.

See Page 19 for more information.

Festive Outdoor Foliage Urn Class

Thursday, November 15 or Friday, November 16 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Cost: $55.00 plus taxes Create a festive, outdoor foliage planer with assorted foliage greens, berries, and accents.

NEW CLASS

Very Merry Christmas Tree Class Thursday, November 15 Thursday, November 29 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Saturday, November 17 Class Time: 3:00 pm RSVP

Grinch Christmas Tree Arrangement Class Saturday, November 17 Class Time: 1:00 pm RSVP

Cost: $65.00 One of our favourites – sign up soon as this class fills up quickly.

NEW CLASS

Cost: $80.00 plus taxes Design a modern Christmas tree stand that will accent home, office or great as a gift.

Birch & Pinecone Foliage Urn Class

Friday, November 16 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP

Cost: $125.00 plus taxes Birch poles, designer foliage, and large pine cones make this a statement piece. Add a cute bird feeder for $20.00 more.

6 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

Cardinal Christmas Bird House Thursday, November 22 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP

Cost: $80.00 In this class, you design the most adorable Cardinal bird house planter.

Modern Holiday Sphere with Flameless Candle

NEW CLASS

Festive Santa’s Reindeer

Thursday, November 29 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Saturday, December 1 Class Time: 1:00 pm RSVP

Thursday, November 22 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Saturday, December 8 Class Time: 1:00 pm RSVP

Cost: $60.00 Make Santa proud by designing a festive, holiday reindeer – great to place at front entry.

Cost: $80.00 plus taxes Cool and unique, this holiday orb can be hung outside or placed as a decorative centerpiece.

NEW CLASS

Christmas Centerpiece Class

Wooden Holiday Sled Class

Friday, November 30 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP

Friday, November 23 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Saturday, November 24 Class Time: 1:00 pm RSVP

Cost: $55.00 Long lasting holiday foliage, berries, and taper candles make this a wonderful display for the season.

Cost: $65.00 plus taxes A holiday favourite – a wooden sled adorned with Christmas foliage, festive accents, and ribbon.

Stunning Pillar Centrepiece Class

Friday, November 30 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP

Holiday Wreath Decorating Class

Friday, November 23 Class Time: 6:30 pm RSVP Saturday, November 24 Class Time: 3:00 pm RSVP

RSVP

Cost: $70.00 plus taxes Create the most exquisite outdoor Christmas wreath that is perfect for the front door or fireplace.

SIGN UP ONLINE!

OR CALL: Van Belle Flowers – Courtice Location 905-623-4441 or 1-800-263-8008 All classes are approximately 60 – 90 minutes.

Class sizes are limited, so call & register early.

VAN BELLE WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Cost: $100.00 A modern, sleek, festive centerpiece will enhance your holiday décor this Christmas.

You choose red or white candles.

Holiday Inspiration Classes Van Belle would be honoured to facilitate a “private event” for groups of 15 or more. Customizable to suit your style, time frame, and budget. We would be thrilled to accommodate your party at our Courtice location.

Van Belle Flowers & Gifts COURTICE CHRISTMAS STORE

1979 Highway 2, Bowmanville, ON

905-623-4441

1-800-263-8008 vanbelleflowers.com HOLIDAY 2018 • 7

Van Belle’s Seasonal Container Club OUTDOOR DECORATING MADE EASY

Summer Spring

Winter

Fall Wouldn’t it be nice to arrive home and see a beautifully designed outdoor planter adorning your front entry way?

When you join the VB Seasonal Container Club, we deliver a seasonal container right to your door – four times a year.

You select the size and value of the container, and we look after the rest. It couldn’t be easier.

To receive or view information, please go to www.vanbelleflowers.com or give us a call at 1-800-263-8008.

8 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

Jackets and sweater coats as well as tunics in geometric prints, florals, plaids, checks and houndstooth will make your decision difficult, because you will just want them all. Try adding printed leggings to any of your solid coloured tops for an eye-catching look, or wear solid-coloured bamboo leggings with printed tops.

You are going to notice cozy chenille, cashmere, cotton blends, viscose and rayon in a large number of our styles. It is so nice to see natural fabrics making a comeback.

Boots, boots, boots... What more do we need to say. You will find a generous number of boots in various heights, colours and styles. Both leathers and manmades will excite the most seasoned footwear veteran.

The most important thing is to find the style that compliments your body and stick to it. You can always change up your jeans, leggings, boots, scarves, handbags and jewellery so you never feel ho-hum about your look.

Walk tall and proud this winter with all the confidence you possess and the winter will fly right by.

Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village

Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village

FASHION THERAPY

to Cure the Winter Blues

By Donna Moss

O

ur Canadian winters are long and cold. Most of us struggle with feeling our best through these arduous months, which is why we are here to help you look your best. In news that should excite both fashionistas and health enthusiasts everywhere, studies have even shown that looking great and feeling great go hand in hand!

Our fall and winter fashion collections for 2018 are looking fabulous.

Cinnamon and various shades of blue will be strong colours this winter along with pale shades of rose and mauve. Classic blacks, greys and creams remain a strong choice.

Try adding colour to your winter wardrobe with a great scarf or a piece of jewellery.

Cozy sweaters, capes and ponchos still have a strong showing. They are easy to wear and easy to add to any outfit.

most “The important thing is to find the style that compliments your body and stick to it.

”

Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village

HOLIDAY 2018 • 9

I

t is that wonderful time of the year when holiday preparations are in full swing. You can easily make the festivities extra special with a few simple additions to your decorating, gift giving and holiday party plans.

When planning try not to become overwhelmed and take each phase step by step. After each step, take a few minutes to assess how a few “extra special touches” can take your Christmas festivities to the next level.

Decorating your home is often one of the first tasks of the holiday season.

When decorating, assess each room and visualize where you may need more flickering or twinkling lights. Place a few strands of LED micro lights in lanterns, apothecary jars or amongst Christmas baubles or pinecones in a decorative metallic container.

Adding a flameless candle in a dim corner creates a soft, illuminating glow that will enhance the holiday atmosphere. Use battery operated lights, or electrical ones with a timer, to ensure that they come on at a certain time each day and turn off prior to your going to bed. Scented candles, in holiday fragrances, will greet your senses when you enter your entertaining spaces.

IT’S THE

Little Things

THAT COUNT

By Martha Vandepol

Try gift-wrapping in paper that is colour coordinated, or that matches your décor, to make a decorating statement under the Christmas tree. Adding a touch of fresh evergreen foliage to the packages or a homemade Christmas card will show that you put extra thought into your gift and its presentation.

The addition of fresh flowers to your home is always a welcome touch. Fresh evergreen foliage will last for many weeks and you can later add fresh flowers to live centrepieces on Christmas Eve, which will last through 10

to New Year’s Eve. All of the small flower and fresh berry stems that are left over can be artfully arranged in tiny art deco vases, which you can place in powder rooms, guest bedrooms or tuck into corners on your kitchen counter.

Add some special touches to your Christmas dining room table by scattering glittery stars, snowflakes, pinecones or ornaments through the centre amidst your candlesticks and vases of flowers. These can be saved for use the next season, or placed in different rooms to vary your décor from year to year.

You can make gift-giving extra special by including thoughtful finishing touches, such as adding the appropriate batteries for toys given to children, including extra taper candles for a gifted holiday centrepiece, or tucking travel sized hand cream into a purse for the special woman in your life. You can also follow a timeless tradition by placing a coin in that purse, bestowing good luck to the recipient.

When hosting a festive party, a few special touches will go a long way towards making your celebration fabulous. Serve your guests their favourite beverages, wines or local craft beers while playing popular, current holiday music. Create a Facebook group for the party, where you can post changes to time or location in case of inclement weather, where photos can be added by guests after the event to keep the memories going, or where recipes can be posted for that appetizer that everyone was raving about. A phone call to your guests who do not use Social Media will be greatly appreciated.

Do not hold back, use your special china and silverware rather than paper plates and napkins. Have a holiday game planned, but don’t push this on party

guests who are already having a wonderful time. You will be sure to use it later for another family get together or New Year’s Eve celebration. A parting gift will be the talk of the town and if it is something your guests can use in their own decorating, like an ornament, it will be enjoyed for many Christmases to come. And of course, remember to do something personal for yourself before you start to entertain. Treating yourself to a new fragrance, outfit or trip to the salon will make you feel special for your holiday party.

Don’t forget about your furry friends – they love the holidays and all the excitement of extra guests and Christmas lights. Clothe them in an ugly Christmas sweater, reindeer antlers

or glittery bow tie, and they will be overjoyed with all the extra attention.

Outdoor decorations can be enhanced with twinkle lights added to holiday wreaths and garlands, or by placing bright red decorative pillows on your outside patio chairs. Adorn your willow reindeer with a red velvet ribbon and include some on the lamp posts, ensuring that all who arrive at your home feel the holiday spirit.

These little touches take very little time to implement, but they certainly can add to the holiday atmosphere in your home. It is important to remember that the holidays are about getting together with family and friends, and cherishing the wonderful memories that are made throughout the Christmas celebrations.

HOLIDAY 2018 • 11

Magic

BRING BACK the

By Leah Ruelicke

W

hen I was a child Christmas was, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year.

On Christmas Eve I’d set the alarm for 7 AM on my clock radio, knowing I’d wake up to a holiday jingle. I’d lie there when it happened with a dumb smile on my face, thinking to myself “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!”. Then I’d bolt out of bed, wake up my family by turning that thought into loud hollers of “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!” and we’d all traipse into the living room to open gifts.

When you’re a child, Christmas is magical. I mean, c’mon: New toys! Cookies for every meal! There’s a man named Santa Claus, who exists solely to make people happy and bring presents. When you’re a child, you get to believe in all of that magic.

Many, many, many years have passed since then. I still set an alarm for Christmas morning, albeit for a few hours later. I still wake up to a Christmas tune and lie there with a dumb smile on my face, thinking to myself, “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!”. In that moment, it feels magical.

But apart from that morning wakeup, Christmas, for most adults, can often feel a little more routine and a little less magical. You’re less concerned with waking up to toys under the tree (or maybe you’re the one putting them 12

there), and more concerned with finding the perfect gift for the kids, your partner, or the hosts of your annual neighbourhood gathering. Your mind is on finding an outfit for your holiday work party, about hosting your family for dinner, or about finding the perfect table runner and putting up lights that will make every passerby jealous.

But perhaps that magic we all felt when we were children doesn’t need to seem quite so lost. Rather than worrying about how Christmas looks, maybe we can remember how Christmas feels. Here are a few ideas to help bring back the magic:

Decorate the Tree

This is, hands down, the thing that gets me in the holiday spirit more than anything. I’ll head home for a weekend, my dad will put on the Boney M Christmas CD, and we’ll dig through the boxes of ornaments that we’ve been adding to for the past 20+ years without ever taking anything out. We’ve got the pinecone my sister painted in Grade 1, a construction paper candy cane I cut out in Kindergarten, and the family favourite “tin can lid on a string.” Why not turn decorating the tree into a fun opportunity to dig through some family memories while making some new ones!

Participate in a Cookie Exchange

This doesn’t have to be a recipe contest, but rather a fun reason to crank the Christmas tunes, dance in the kitchen, and end up with some tasty treats to share with your pals afterwards. And hey, it’s kind of a win/win. Even if you wind up baking the worst batch, you still get to EAT the best one!

Organize a Holiday Potluck

Ease yourself off hosting duties and opt to put on a potluck instead. My girlfriends and I do this every year, and what started as an excuse for a group of 19-year-olds to open endless bottles of wine has turned into a civilized dinner party with husbands, babies, Chatelaine-inspired dishes and yes, a bottle of wine or two. It’s low-key, stress-free, and allows us to enjoy our rare, quality time together rather than in the kitchen.

Rewatch Your Favourite Christmas Movies

I like to start in early December, as I have a laundry list of films I absolutely NEED to watch, year after year, before the big day arrives. Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, The Santa Clause, and the list goes on.

Very few things make me happier than cozying up with my family beneath the Christmas lights, and watching a holiday flick I’ve seen approximately 378 times before.

Drive Around to Look at the Lights

This has been a family tradition since before I can remember. We go see the

same light displays every year, and yes, the tradition itself has changed a bit. We’ve lost some family members and gained new ones. Our lives have changed in a lot of ways, but every year we still bundle up, drive to the park, and face the biting cold wind to see that snowball-turning-into-a-snowman light display that, although it is old news now, was mind-blowing as a child. And every year, in this moment, I feel grateful. I feel peaceful. And for a second, I let that snowball-turning-into-asnowman light display blow my mind all over again.

Donate to a Toy Drive

It’s not hard to find ways to give back during this time of year, and it’s a great way to remind yourself of what really matters.

Fill a shoebox with toys and necessities for kids in need.

Donate to a food drive or a toy drive. Focus your time and energy on bringing magic to others and I think you just might find some for yourself along the way.

So, maybe this year we can all try to relax. Dinner doesn’t have to be perfect. Your lights don’t need to make the neighbours stop and stare. And you sure don’t need to hand-knit stockings for every single family member solely because you’ve done it every year prior.

Instead, spend time with your family. Enjoy your holiday brunch rather than stressing over it. Remember that magic you felt as a kid. And who knows, maybe this year, for a brief moment, you’ll even let yourself believe in Santa Claus.

HOLIDAY 2018 • 13

Simply Elegant A Fresh Take on Decorating with Nature’s Finest Elements

By Erin Robbins (Van Raay)

W

hen we think of decorating the outside of our homes for the holidays, natural elements are the first to come to mind. The fresh, clean, crisp characteristics of handcut evergreens, birch poles, berries and pinecones create an elegant holiday welcome that evokes the feeling of a traditional Canadian Christmas. Urns, wreaths, window boxes and bows arranged with accents of pine needles and sprigs of berries are great ways to decorate outdoors. When turning your focus to the inside of your home, these natural elements can lend a similar warmth and elegance.

inspires you to get crafty.

For example, adding a few branches of seeded eucalyptus or fir to the corner of a family photo frame or the top of a clock creates a stunning impact that blends flawlessly with all of your other holiday decorations, in any theme.

Have you ever found yourself becoming attached to the pile of wood that you stacked beside the fireplace to burn? You’re not alone. Wood evokes a feeling of comfort and warmth. Its serenity beside a crackling fire can cause you to reminisce about family time, adventure and the great outdoors.

The simple act of throwing an armful of birch logs into a wire basket with a few pinecones and a white ribbon is an easy way to add a naturally festive feel to any corner of the room with minimal effort.

Try creating a florist inspired evergreen collection. For starters, find a collection of glass vases. You can go for a symmetrical look or feel free to mix and match shapes and sizes. Tall cylinders, mason jars and oval vases are some of my favourites for these projects. Head outside to your backyard or to your local florist or garden centre and pick up a few small bunches of yew, white pine, cedar, fir, boxwood, seeded eucalyptus or holly. These are all perfect fillers, so pick your favourite. As a bonus, the more fragrant evergreens will fill your home with the scent of a real Christmas tree. Add a little bit of water to your vases and insert 1-3 sprigs in each. They are easy to create, so if you like how they look, feel free to keep making more! Place

Accenting your nature infused theme with crisp whites and creams creates a very simple yet elegant look. You can easily continue to add accents to your home if something new 14

them around your home in groupings of one, three or five, depending on space.

Do you find you want to get more creative? Try making a small evergreen bouquet with white roses and thin twigs as accents. Creating a focal point centrepiece for a mantle, buffet or dining room table simply means adding more vases! Create a collage of large and small glass vessels. Fill some with If your fresh floating white tea lights or pine cones and lay large greenery isn’t sprigs of fir, cedar or yew in water, make on the mantle around them. sure you spritz it To top it off, incorporate a down a few times few white or cream festive a week. ‘Wilt figurines, birds or ornaments, Pruf’ also helps pinecones or white berries to preserve fresh as accents. The contrast of greenery, wreaths fresh green foliage against and garlands! clean whites and creams is the perfect blend of the natural and the elegant. Keep in mind that fresh cut evergreens can produce sticky sap. To avoid getting it on your furniture, make your arrangement in a large serving tray or place a thin hidden sheet of plastic underneath as a barrier. Sprinkling a fresh coat of artificial snow around the base is a great way to hide the plastic and add a beautiful finishing touch.

“

”

Boxwood wreaths are wonderful accents to display in windows or on glass-pane cabinets. You can easily hang them with a heavy duty suction cup but to really create an effect, use a long

cream-coloured ribbon or rope. It will add a stunning edge and tie the wreath in with the other cream accents you have incorporated.

If you’re excited to start decorating and would like to begin earlier in the season, think about using artificial products. Your displays will last much longer and still reveal that natural look you are going for. Artificial greens are great for wreaths, mantles and garlands but don’t be afraid to add in natural accents such as birch poles, white berries, grapevine balls, wooden disks and white painted or natural pine cones. If you like to use ribbon in your decorating, white or cream burlap will blend beautifully with this theme. Burlap adds focal interest without taking away from the natural feel.

If you’re looking for more pizzazz, sneak in metal tones such as copper, silver or gold. This can be a useful way to incorporate your favourite bowls, vases, candlesticks, and sentimental figurines. If you have a bowl you would like to incorporate, try making a small evergreen arrangement to place inside. Secure a piece of wet floral foam in the base, fill with water and add sprigs of fresh evergreens, seeded eucalyptus, white or green berries, pinecones and a few beautiful white roses. Do you still want more colour? Add a deep red accent.

It can be a beautiful touch but keep it minimal.

Feel free to mix these natural elements in with a theme you already have. One of my favourite things about bringing in the outdoors to decorate is how flawlessly natural elements harmonize with almost anything. Add just a hint, or go nuts with nature’s finest elements this Holiday season for a simple yet elegant look.

HOLIDAY 2018 • 15

Holiday Cookie Exchange One Santa Cookie Recipe courtesy of Jaclyn Belle, creator of www.cookingclassy.com

Ingredients 2 Tbsp (29g) salted butter 3 Tbsp (42g) packed light-brown sugar 1 pinch salt 1 Tbsp whisked egg* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure) 1/8 tsp baking soda 1/4 cup (60g) red and green M&Ms** 1/2 tsp Christmas jimmies (optional)

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet (half or quarter sheet) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Place butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl.

3. Heat in microwave until about 2/3 of the way melted (it should take roughly 20 seconds), remove and stir to melt fully.

recipe... is the easiest “This and fastest Christmas cookie you can make! ” - Jaclyn Belle

4. To melted butter, add brown sugar, salt, 1 tbsp egg, vanilla, flour and baking soda. Stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until well combined.

5. Mix in about 3/4 of the M&Ms. Shape dough into a disk about 3 1/2-inches on a prepared baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 of the M&Ms over top along with sprinkles if using. Bake in preheated oven 11 14 minutes, until edges are just golden brown (cookie should appear slightly under-baked in center).

7. Serve warm or allow to cool on a wire rack then store in an airtight container.

Helpful Tips: *To get 1 Tbsp egg crack egg into a small bowl, whisk until yolk and white are blended, then measure out 1 Tbsp. Reserve remainder for another use. **I’ve also made this using a 1.77 oz tube of red and green Mini M&Ms, which is equal to 1/4 cup.

16

White Chocolate Dipped Lofthouse Style Snowman Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Sugar Cookies Find these and more great recipes at www.cookingclassy.com

Wreaths&Garlands

DECORATE WITH FESTIVE HOLIDAY A festive, artificial, holiday wreath and garland make a great addition to your home, fireplace, or entrance way.

Investing in a good quality piece will ensure that it will look fantastic this year, and for many years to come.

Van Belle’s makes decorating easy this year, with a great selection on all artificial wreaths, swags, garlands, and trees.

60” Iced Waterproof Berry Boxwood Garland

$29.99

OUR BERRY SPRAYS ARE WATERPROOF

22” Pinecone and Holly Berry Wreath

Modern, Flocked Berry and Bauble Wreath

Reg. $59.99

Reg. $59.99

$39.99

$39.99

Reg. $44.99

The Finishing Touch… VAN BELLE’S for the Holidays. FASHION BOUTIQUE Trendy Tops, & Dresses

Fashion Jewelry & Purses Assorted Scarves for All Seasons Bamboo Leggings & Skirt Leggings

HOLIDAY 2018 • 17

MAKE THE SEASON

BRIGHT

And their table a delight with a stunning Christmas flower display, designed with holiday foliage, and beautiful fresh flowers.

Tis the Season Cut Flower Bouquets Enticing bouquets are professionally arranged for your giftgiving this holiday season. Fragrant blooms and fresh-cut evergreens are sure to make their Christmas merry and bright.

VBX-1830 Price Ranges: $40.00, 60.00, 90.00, 160.00 (shown) & up

Holiday Shimmer Centerpiece Make the season bright - and their table a delight - with the glowing tapers, radiant red roses, and fresh Christmas greens in this stunning seasonal centerpiece.

TWR12-5A Price Ranges: $85.00, $110.00 (shown), 130.00 & up

Hearts and Home Holiday Vase Arrangement A modern display of stately red roses, long lasting carnations, festive holiday foliage and Christmas accents will add beauty to any home or office.

Van Belle Flowers & Christmas Store

VBX-1835 Price Ranges: $90.00, $120.00 (shown), 130.00 & up

COURTICE LOCATION 1979 Highway 2, Bowmanville, L1C 3K7 905-623-4441 or 1-800-263-8008

18 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

WHITBY LOCATION 100 Dundas St. W, Whitby, L1N 2L9 905-668-1650

WHEELING in the Holiday Season AT VAN BELLE CHRISTMAS STORE

MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR! Starlit Kisses Centerpiece Wish upon a star, but seal the deal with the pure white perfection of this luxurious bouquet. Arranged in a shimmering silver cube for a stylish contrast, these fresh and fragrant flowers will make you the star of their heart!

TEV16-2B Price Ranges: $80.00, 95.00 (shown), 110.00 & up

Christmas Open House FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Experience the wonders of the holidays at Van Belle’s Annual Christmas Open House. Enjoy gourmet food tastings, in store savings throughout the day, wine sampling during the evening.

Christmas With my Friends FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 6:00 – 8:00 PM

An informative night of festivities, fun, food, and fashion. Come with your girlfriends to celebrate the season and learn some decorating tips. This night is a great evening to kick off the holiday season!

Yuletide Blessings Arrangement A modern, sophisticated bouquet of white hydrangeas, roses, and holiday greens are skillfully designed in a lovely keepsake metallic container, accented with pinecones and festive baubles. This is a Van Belle specialty arrangement.

Tickets are $40.00 plus tax.

Limit to 100 People.

RSVP: SIGN UP ONLINE

VBX-1840 Price ranges: $95.00, 110.00 (shown), 135.00 & up

1-800-263-8008

vanbelleflowers.com

ORDER ONLINE HOLIDAY 2018 • 19

HOLIDAY GIFTS

We Love

1.

From Van Belle’s Christmas Store

2.

3.

1. A Very Merry Christmas Tree

A festive, wire Christmas tree is adorned with holiday ribbons, berries, and baubles. $85.00, with lights $110.00

2. 6” Lit Embossed Cardinal Holiday Ball

A Cardinal Christmas decorative lit glass ornament ball is sure to be a holiday favourite. $34.99

3. Swirling LED Lit Christmas Tree

A beautiful gift to cherish for many years, this swirling lit tree will add sparkle and glamour to any room. $69.99

4. Holiday Scented Candles

Appeal to the senses, and give the gift of a Holiday Fragrance Candle. Handcrafted and produced in Ontario, these lovely 16 oz. candles will burn approximately 75 hours. $29.99

4.

5.

Van Belle Flowers & Christmas Store

5. Van Belle Gift Card

A gift that keeps on giving – all year long on any Van Belle items. Price ranges start at $30.00 & up.

COURTICE LOCATION 1979 Highway 2, Bowmanville, L1C 3K7 905-623-4441 or 1-800-263-8008

20 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

WHITBY LOCATION 100 Dundas St. W, Whitby, L1N 2L9 905-668-1650

7.

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6. Stylish & Trend Setting Rose Tunic

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9.

This stylish, flared tunic with matching scarf, is a favourite among our clientele – we just can’t keep them in stock. $59.99

7. Van Belle Holiday Class

Invite a friend or family member, and start a yearly tradition of creating a beautiful holiday display.

8. Deluxe Gourmet Baskets

Overflowing with delicious, gourmet items, Van Belle creates unique and custom baskets to accommodate any foodies palette. Prices range from $60.00, 90.00, 120.00 & up.

9. Thomas Kinkade’s Snowfall Dreams Bouquet

A warmly lit covered bridge, joyful skaters, and nostalgic horse-drawn carriage evoke the cheerful spirit of the season. T18X200A $109.99, 129.99, 149.99 & up

10. Flowers for a Year

A lovely bouquet is personally delivered by Van Belle staff, each and every month, making this holiday gift a VB specialty item. Order online at www.vanbelleflowers.com or give us a call to arrange this wonderful gift.

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1-800-263-8008 • vanbelleflowers.com

ORDER ONLINE HOLIDAY 2018 • 21

Living

Trends

By Tanya Olsen

tropical plant to “Use a living space into

O

ver the last few years, tropical plants have skyrocketed in popularity. The plant choices we make indoors compliment our personality and design style, just like the trees and shrubs we use outdoors, as well as providing a cleaner and healthier living environment. Tropicals are not simply part of the trendy accessory list for 2019, they are the trend. When we decorate our living spaces with any accessory, it is important to think about colour, texture, shape (or overall form) and other not so physical benefits such as environmental impact, health benefits and design aesthetic

With tropicals you’re not limited to greens.

Your choice in plants can add a real POP OF COLOUR to your room. Plants like the Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) feature leaves striped with white Oyster Plant and green, while Crotons (also called a Joseph’s Coat) have leaves splashed with reds, yellows and oranges. The unique Oyster Plant (Moses in the Cradle) brings stripes of purple and cream into play. The leaves, brightly spotted with colours, will provide focus and interest to any brightly lit space.

We use TEXTURE in design to evoke a specific feeling.

Smooth textures are visually interpreted as soft, while bumpy textures provide visual depth and interest. Cactus (or Cacti) can be prickly when the spikes are further apart like on a Barrel Cactus or can appear soft like the Old Man Cactus. Cacti are easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance other than very bright light and water once every two to three weeks.

Incorporating a Snake Plant into a dark room will provide a spiky texture (similar to a large iris) without the prickles.

Remember, when placing a heavily textured plant be sure to plant it in a smooth and neutral coloured pot so the plant remains the focus.

Textured tropicals need not be relegated to a pot on the floor!

Boston Ferns provide a soft, graceful look in a bathroom or modern dining room while Pothos can soften even the largest book case as the green and whitespotted heart shaped leaves spiral downward.

Our next trend, PATTERN is created with colour, texture or any other building block in design.

By contrasting different patterns in

22 • VAN BELLE FLOWERS - 800-263-8008 - VANBELLEFLOWERS.COM

Snake Plant

a room, we create a more interesting place to live. Incorporate pattern by choosing the bold patterns of the Prayer Plant or the Rattlesnake Plant. Both of these choices offer a beautiful contrast of dark green vs. light green leaves, incredible foliage and easy-care opportunities for your home.

EDIBLES do not need to be relegated to the outdoors any longer. The luxury of picking citrus can be as close as your living room, with Meyer Lemon, Calamondin, Limes and even Oranges, normally available at your local garden centre in the spring. Citrus flowers smell amazing and a dwarf tree will add height and texture to a bright room.

We all know plants are HEALING and offer environmental benefits, however the Janet Craig Dracaena, Spider Plant, English Ivy and Peace Lily are the queens of the jungle when it comes to filtering out the toxins that occur in our homes, making it easier to sleep. Studies suggest that having three plants, in a 10” pot, for every 100 square feet of floor space will provide a substantial benefit.

Placing the plants near where you sit or work will provide the most benefit. Incorporating Aloe Vera, Lavender and other edible herbs into your kitchen gardens brings home the true healing effects!

transform your a peaceful retreat.

”

When we think about overall design – the two most common choices are the modern, or the more traditional style of design with a combination of colours and comfortable shapes. In modern design, we focus on the basics such as line, shape and form to create an artistically sophisticated, clean look.

Plants such as Phalaenopsis Orchids, and Fiddle Leaf Figs work in modern design situations because of the understated complexity of the flower or the big bold leaf and strong colours.

Go ahead! Use a tropical plant to transform your Prayer Plant home and your living space into a peaceful retreat. The science says we need plants, but as gardeners, we all know tropical plants are more than therapeutic, they bring a living trend to life as you express your creativity and design style and have a healthier room and a healthier you at the same time!

Sugar Pine Cones

Traditional Christmas

Swag

$9.99 Reg. $14.99 Add your own decorations to dress it up or keep it simple with a festive Christmas Ribbon. Our Traditional Swag measures 20” long and is available at participating local garden centres.

4 for $10.00

BACK BY

POPULAR DEMAND

Cleaned and all natural Sugar Pine Cones are perfect for Holiday decorating, craft projects, bird feeders and displays.

Measuring between 8-10”, these pine cones are a fantastic addition to your fall and holiday décor.

Available at

Van Belle Flowers

HOLIDAY 2018 • 23

quality tree

Come see what a

looks like.

Classic, Traditional, Country or Formal.

Compliment your décor with one of our many artificial trees. Available in different varieties, sizes and styles.

FEAT UR ED

NEW Slim Canterbury with LED lights 1401 tips, 760 lights, 7.5' (41” in diameter) $399.99

Regular Price $599.99

VAN BELLE FLOWERS TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

COURTICE LOCATION

WHITBY LOCATION

1979 Highway 2, Bowmanville, L1C 3K7

100 Dundas St. W, Whitby, L1N 2L9

905-623-4441 or 1-800-263-8008

905-668-1650

ORDER ONLINE at vanbelleflowers.com