VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE HOLIDAY 2016
684 South Pelham St, Welland 905 735 5744 www.vermeers.ca
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Contents 14
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Calendar of Events
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‘Tis the Season for Christmas Entertaining
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Decorating with Miniature Evergreens
12
The Great Cookie Exchange
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Dressed in Holiday Style - Christmas Wreaths
18
Top Fashion Trends for the Season
20
An Enchanting Christmas
22
Stealing The Show: Why it’s all about the Containers
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Holiday Gifts We Love
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Vermeer’s Garden Centre. 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. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trade mark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member. 4 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
at Vermeer’s, where we can be your destination store for all your Christmas garden centre and flower shop needs. Preparation, planning and growing of our Christmas Poinsettias has been long underway. New Varieties for 2016, including Christmas Beauty Princess and Christmas Beauty North Pole, are growing well, starting to colour and are a beautiful sight to see. Upon entering our gift store, you will be overwhelmed with the beautiful displays our talented staff have created. Christmas décor, garden gifts, fashion and accessories fill the store, while the scent of fresh pine and winter greens fill the air.
From the
Owners
Our team at Vermeer’s is eager to help you create a one-of-a-kind arrangement to suit your style and needs. Our calendar of events is full of hands-on workshops and seminars that are designed to bring family and friends together to learn and get creative in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We personally invite you to spend some time at Vermeer’s to discover and experience all that we have to offer. Best Wishes for this holiday season,
Welcome to the Christmas 2016 edition of Vermeer’s Home and Garden Showplace Magazine. As we take time to reflect on this past year, we are grateful to our valued customers who are a part of our lives. It is with this gratitude that we continue to be inspired to do what we love, providing a beautiful space
HOLIDAY 2016 • 5
Calender of Events
We’re thrilled to announce this year’s lineup of classes & seminars! Call us at 905-735-5744 to rsvp to any of our events. Payment required at time of signing up for workshops.
Holiday Hours October 31st – December 23rd Monday - Wednesday: 9am – 6pm Thursdays & Fridays: 9am – 8pm Saturdays: 9am – 5:30pm Sundays: Closed December 24th - January 2nd Dec 24th: 9am -4pm Dec 25th, 26th and 27th: closed Dec 28th – 31st: 10am – 4:30 pm Jan 2nd: Closed If you have a group of 6 or more and are interested in a private lesson, we’d be happy to host. Call us at 905-735-5744 to arrange your group class, or to rsvp to any of our events.
Christmas Open House 12pm – 9pm
Thursday, November 3th
Join us for our annual open house! We will be closed for the morning, opening at noon to reveal our Christmas wonderland! We’ll have mini demonstrations, snacks and refreshments throughout the afternoon and evening. Live music, open house specials and door prizes will run throughout the day. If you can’t make it for open house day, don’t worry - open house specials will continue throughout the weekend. For a list of our demonstrations and times please visit our website at Vermeers.ca and like us on our Facebook page. See you here!
Decorating a Christmas Tree Like Vermeer’s 2pm
Saturday, November 12th
Want to take your tree up a notch this season? This is the seminar for you! Learn the tips and tricks (yes, there are tricks) we use to create stunning themed Christmas trees. We’ll show you how to use sinamay, ribbon, picks, our new twinkle lights and incorporate your favourite existing ornaments into a tree that will light up your holiday season! No cost, please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744
Ladies Night – Décor Quick Fixes, Holiday Style & Gift Giving Greats 6pm – 8pm
Thursday, November 17th
What’s hot this season? This is the night to find out! Quick, fun and fabulous fixes for all your holiday needs. Learn about instant centrepieces, fun items for gifts (or yourself) and of course, new and exciting decor ideas. Door prizes, munchies, beverages & more, don’t miss out! Cost $15 per person Please sign up by phone 905 735 5744 as soon as possible, as our ladies night fill up quickly!
Designer Artificial Wreath Demonstration 2pm
Saturday, November 19th
Join Regina to learn the art of creating a custom wreath for your home. This demonstration will teach you techniques for using sinamay and ribbon effectively in your designs, as well as using clusters and groupings to create stunning accents. No cost, please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744
Come See Thirty Thousand Poinsettias In Bloom! Saturday, November 26th 9am – 12:30pm For one day only, we’re opening the doors of our growing area to let you see what a sea of poinsettias really is! Learn about the unique varieties we grow and how we do it. Gerry, Ryan and Reuben will be happy to walk you through this sea of poinsettias and answer any questions you might have! New this year, vote for your favourite variety! Help us pick our #1 poinsettia variety for 2016 and contestants will be entered in to a draw for a $100 Vermeer’s Gift Card. No charge, no need to RSVP
Fresh Holiday Wreath 10am
Using fresh magnolia, boxwood, pinecones, white pine and BC cedar, we will create a unique wreath to adorn your holiday door. A beautiful bow to match your décor (bow lessons included) will finish off a wreath that will dazzle you straight through til March. Please bring clippers if you have them. $50, please sign up by phone 905 735 5744
Kids Club –Poinsettia Planters 2pm
Help us celebrate our poinsettia day. This workshop will let your little ones create a planter full of fun! Come in, learn how to take care of a poinsettia and make a beautiful planter. Space at this seminar is limited, so sign up early! $20, please sign up by phone 905 735 5744
Holiday Euros 10am
Saturday, December 10th
A fun class that lets you walk away with three lovely, compact fresh floral Christmas arrangements. Feel free to create matching euros for a beautiful display down the middle of your holiday table or make them all unique to tuck in different areas and spread holiday cheer throughout your home. They make great hostess or teachers gifts too. Learn the art of Euro making here and keep on making them at home with fresh flowers from Vermeer’s! Containers will be supplied for this workshop, but please bring clippers! $50, please sign up by phone 905 735 5744
Fresh Centrepiece Arrangement 2pm Make a stunning arrangement with fresh Christmas greens, cut flowers and holiday decor to welcome in the season. Perfect as the crowning touch to your holiday tablescape, you can customize the size of this piece to fit your space. Set off with intertwining ribbon of your choice, this is a stunning way to bring the scents and sights of the season into your home. Container will be supplied for this workshop, please bring your clippers. $50, please sign up by phone 905 735 5744
Create a Stunning Porch Pot!
If you’ve always wanted to attend one of our amazing porch pot classes – here’s your chance! We’ve added more dates so you don’t miss out – but please sign up early as these classes sell out quickly every year. Fresh & Green – Decorating your Outdoor Container Workshop A fresh porch pot of Christmas greens is the perfect way to welcome holiday guests into your home. Learn from the pros to create a stunning arrangement of greens and finish your masterpiece off with ornaments, branches and bows that will match your personal décor. 10” urn insert containers will be provided at this seminar, but please bring clippers and gloves if you have them.
Workshop Dates: Thursday November 10th – 6pm Saturday November 12th – 9,11am, 2 & 4pm Saturday November 19th – 9,11am,2 & 4pm Thursday November 24th – 6pm Thursday December 1st – 6pm Saturday December 3th – 2 & 4pm $60, Please sign up by phone 905-735-5744
8 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
‘Tis the Season for
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINING! and create a pleasant glow that will fill the entire room. Decorating with ornaments organized in groupings has great impact: under cloches, on cake toppers or in vases and bowls. Depending on what colour you choose, you can decide to use all the same colour for an elegant touch or get creative by mixing it up a bit!
B
eautiful twinkling lights, the glow of candles, and Christmas music playing in the background are all part of setting the mood for your get together. Entertaining should be fun and with some preparation and planning, your evening get-together can come together beautifully and a wonderful time can be had by all, including you. While an evening spent with guests can be planned for weeks, a last minute get together also makes for a fabulous time of mingling and visiting. With just a few ideas, a well-stocked pantry or a stand-by for takeout, your guests will be talking about your hosted party for days. Entertaining guests is the perfect opportunity to use what you have on hand and reinvent some pieces from your home to add interest to your Christmas gatherings. Sometimes we have the time to complete our Christmas decorations and be ready well ahead of the holidays; however, with busy lives and working long hours, that doesn’t always happen. Don’t let that stop you from having a fun evening with friends! With a few quick tweaks, some appetizers, drinks and Christmas spirit, you have the makings of a fabulous night! It’s always a great idea to choose a theme. It will narrow down the direction of your decorations. Find inspiration in themes such as Christmas in the country, winter wonderland, traditional and so many more! With the Internet and free online resources available today, we have a whole world of decorating and entertaining ideas just a click away. Websites such as Pinterest are a great way to find much needed inspiration! Your tablescape can be instantly transformed with a tablecloth, runner, centerpiece and lighting. Add some greenery or branches and you are well on your way to being ready! Fresh flowers accenting your colour theme add an extra dimension that consistently stands out. If you have candles and mini lights, try filling lanterns, vases or glassware of various sizes
Furthermore, don’t be fooled into thinking that a great night has to include a full course meal! Your friends and family are there to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the season by being with the people most important in their lives, so don’t feel too pressured to pull off a gourmet meal! Some of the best evenings are spent sitting near the Christmas tree or gathered in front of the fireplace as you nibble away, have a drink and chat all evening long! When it comes to entertaining and food, don’t underestimate the power of simplicity! Pull together some quick appetizers, finger foods and a cheese or meat tray and you’re sure to please the crowd. You can quickly arrange crisp vegetables, fresh bread, chips and dips and be comforted knowing there will be more than enough food for everyone. Crave Dips are also available, and come in a number of different flavours! They’re the perfect addition to any veggie tray. When considering what beverages to place out for your guests, take advantage of the holiday season’s many tasteful beverages to share with friends and family. It’s always a great idea to have some favourite bottles of wine and beer on hand for last minute entertaining, as well as ensuring you also have non-alcoholic options available. A warm drink is always the perfect finishing touch to an evening spent mingling and laughing. Coffee, tea or warm apple cider is the perfect finishing touch to any partying in the Christmas season! For an extra kick to your cider and wine, add some mulling spices! Mulling spices offer the perfect blend for the holiday, making your drinks the perfect element to finish off your evening and warm your guests as they head out into the cold on their way home! As the host/hostess, remember to take the time to sit back and mingle with your company. After all, they came to see you. So, take a seat and have a wonderful night with all your fantastic guests! A last minute, impromptu evening can be an enormous success with minimal stress and worry. Christmas entertaining should be about enjoying the special moments and taking it all in. Cheers!
HOLIDAY 2016 • 9
DECORATING WITH
MINIATURE EVERGREENS by Sylvia Van Hage
M
iniature evergreens are a growing trend in home décor, particularly with live trees like the Norfolk Island Pine or mini Cypress Cedars. These miniature trees are appealing in a number of different winter displays and it is always fun to decorate your tree with garland, lights and ornaments! Create unique displays, such as a DIY snow globe, by placing a Cypress Cedar in a glass jar with soil at its roots, or try creating a wintry display by placing large and small trees together. From displays and centerpieces to wall planters, they are the perfect finishing touch!
Norfolk Island Pine and Cypress Cedar
Norfolk Island Pines and Cypress Cedars are known for their soft flowing texture and slow growing habits when they are in a container. Being quite easy to maintain, Norfolk Island pines and Cypress Cedars have earned a reputation for preferring more neglect than nurture, requiring average amounts of water, and needing to be watered only when the top of the soil is dry. They require very little fertilization and using a water soluble fertilizer once a month during spring and summer is sufficient. They are tolerant of low light, and since they prefer to be a bit pot bound, repotting the tree to a slightly larger container every four years should be sufficient, so long as they are replanted with a well-drained commercial potting mix. Trim off the brown parts of the tree when necessary, and be sure to mist your tree. These evergreen varieties’ branches are not strong, so small or minimal ornaments are best and be sure to remove them after Christmas. 10
Fir / Spruce Trees and Cypress Trees
Typically planted and enjoyed as an outdoor plant, these coniferous trees can also be used indoors for Christmas displays and their strong branches offer great decorating benefits. If you’re looking to use these trees indoors, look for a tree about one metre in height. They will have to be gradually acclimatized before being brought indoors, so take your time conditioning them, beginning with two to three days in the garage before moving them into the house. Keep them away from direct heat sources and keep indoors for only 10 days. Once you’re ready to move your tree back outdoors, gradually condition it again with a few days in the garage first. To replant it back in the ground, you will need to have the hole dug in November, placing triple mix in the hole as you’re planting it and putting mulch at the base of the tree to help insulate it. If you’re living in an apartment, try giving your tree to someone who can replant it instead of just throwing it away.
Mini Cypress Trees
Mini Cypress trees are a terrific annual, but thrive indoors as well! You can decorate using different varieties, and some, such as the lemon Cypress, have an intense chartreuse foliage that works well as an accent colour and creates a wonderful and vibrant indoor holiday planter. For added character, you can find some mini Cypress Trees that come in topiary form! They are best grown in a sunny window. Be sure to keep them away from any drafts and to routinely turn plants to ensure even light exposure.
The compact needles and naturally symmetrical shape of miniature evergreens make them the ideal holiday tree for offices, apartments, or anywhere else where space does not allow for a larger tree! With battery operated lights and timer options, it is easier than ever to have a beautifully decorated tree in a hard-to-reach place! If decorating with lights, be sure to use cool burning lights as other types may provide too much heat to the tree. LED lights are great for this as they do not heat up and can provide a number of cooler colours. Small battery powered lights on a wire are also a great option, generally coming with various settings and timer options, and their wire is nearly unseen, providing a natural and elegant glow. Small lightweight ornaments such as homemade ornaments, keepsakes, bells, bows and miniature glass or crochet ornaments are perfect for both the Norfolk Island Pine and Cypress Cedar as they will not sag or weigh down the branches. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your decorations! Create your own garland with extra personality or use jute twine and mini ornaments for a rustic look. Or, you could always stick with the classic look and use beaded garlands and ornaments. And don’t forget about the base! Try wrapping the base of the pot with festive ribbon, burlap, or sparkly fabric and adding coloured stones or small Christmas balls to the soil at the base of the tree for the perfect finishing touch. HOLIDAY 2016 • 11
THE GREAT
COOKIE EXCHANGE
F
estive entertaining can be as simple as a holiday catch-up with an old friend over coffee, or a full-on open house with the entire neighbourhood popping by for a bit of cheer. Regardless of the occasion, a plate of holiday cookies always has a place. There’s something special about holiday cookies that goes beyond cut-outs of Christmas trees and candy canes. It’s the smaller size, the various colours, shapes, and distinctive tastes that set these little gems apart from your standard chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies. Here are two essential recipes for your holiday cookie tin or plate that are all perfect for the giving season. With each recipe, I share a few extra tips to make baking even more joyful.
Photo Credit to Mike McColl
One of the real plusses of these recipes is that they can all be made well ahead of time and frozen for later. As a general rule, I prefer freezing cookie doughs unbaked since they take up less space in the freezer, and then I can bake them as I need them. The shortbread and pfeffernusse cookies definitely suit this little trick, while the cantucci keep well for at least 2 weeks – the real challenge is keeping stray hands out of the cookie tin! ½ tsp
2 mL
EACH of ground cinnamon, cardamom, anise seed, allspice, clove, and black pepper ¼ tsp 1g salt icing sugar, for rolling the baked cookies 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C). Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
Photo Credit to Ryan Szulc and Mike McColl
PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES
These little gems have a lovely spicy character to them, not just from traditional baking spices, but also black pepper. These are a great addition to a cookie tin mix. Yield: About 3 ½ dozen Prep Time: 25 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes 6 Tbsp 6 Tbsp ¼ cup ¼ cup 1 1 2 cups ¾ tsp 12
110 g 75 g 50 g 60 g 300 g 4 mL
honey granulated sugar packed dark brown sugar unsalted butter, melted large egg egg yolk all-purpose flour baking soda
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the honey, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg and egg yolk. Sift the flour, baking soda, spices and salt over the sugar mixture and stir until evenly blended (the batter will be dense). Use a small ice cream scoop (#60 size), or 2 teaspoons to scoop the batter and then shape them into balls between the palms of your hands. Place them onto the prepared trays, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) between each. Bake for 14-16 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the tray and then roll them in icing sugar to coat them completely. The cookies will keep up to 7 days in an airtight container. Baking Tips: • I do love these cookies at holiday time, and they only improve as they sit in the cookie tin. • Ground anise seed really gives pfeffernusse cookies their distinctive taste and can usually be found at European food shops. If you don’t have ground anise seed, you can leave it out (I’ve tried using crushed fennel seed in its place, but I find it too strong.)
VANILLA BEAN SPRITZ SHORTBREAD
cookie press). Pipe cookies about 1 ½-inches (40 mm) across onto the prepared baking trays, leaving an inch between each cookie. If you want a flatter cookie that spreads, bake right away. For a cookie that sits up and holds its shape, chill the piped unbaked cookies for 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookies just begin to brown lightly on the bottom. Cool the cookies on the trays before storing in an airtight container. The cookies will keep up to a week. Baking Tips: • Beating the butter and sugar thoroughly ensures a cookie that holds together well once baked. It also gives a nice, fluffy batter that is easy to pipe. • I use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe my spritz cookies, but if you have a cookie piping kit (usually a plastic or metal tube dies or tips to push the batter through) it will work just as well. • Because shortbread cookies don’t have egg or leaveners (baking soda or powder) in the batter, the cookies will hold their piped shape nicely. The temperature of the butter is the only impact to the cookie shape, so it’s up to you whether you’d like to chill the cookies for a more defined shape or bake them right after piping and have them spread a little (like in the photo).
Photo Credit to Ryan Szulc and Mike McColl
Spritz cookies are piped into shapes, so require a relatively soft batter. This shortbread is fluffy, light, delicate and easy to pipe. Yield: 40 cookies Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 25 minutes 1 ¼ cups 1 cup 1 ½ tsp
285 g 130 g 7 mL
1 ½ cups 1/3 cup ¼ tsp
22 5g 40 g 1g
unsalted butter at room temperature icing sugar, sifted vanilla bean paste (or extract, if paste is not available) all-purpose flour cornstarch salt
1. Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C) and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. 2. Beat the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla bean paste (or extract). When making shortbread it’s important to beat the butter and sugar well together – this ensures the shortbread will hold together and when you take a bite it will ‘snap’ and then melt away. 3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch and salt and add to the butter, mixing until blended and soft. Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or into a HOLIDAY 2016 • 13
Dressed in Holiday Style CHRISTMAS WREATHS A
mongst this year’s holiday baking, Christmas party decorating, and memories of Christmases past, chances are a Christmas wreath is featured somewhere! Wreaths are a classic holiday tradition for many, adding that festive touch to any front door and giving you some creative liberty in how you decorate it! Not only are wreaths a terrific investment for yourself, they also make an excellent gift for anyone on your list!
Christmas wreaths have a long and rich history. In general, wreaths were used to symbolize victory and strength, and the Christmas wreath took on a holiday tradition of its own, symbolizing Christ and eternity. Its theme of no beginning and no end is represented in its circular shape, as well as the origins of the word itself: “to twist as in a circle”. Oftentimes, Advent wreaths would be decorated with four candles – three placed on the outside and one in the centre, individually lit in the weeks leading up to Christmas with the center one being lit on Christmas Eve. Since then, Christmas wreaths have continued to be used and for many are now a symbol of welcome for guests! Christmas wreaths come in all shapes and sizes and offer you a long list of possibilities for decorating your home! Finding the one that suits you best is just the beginning of your Christmas wreath fun!
Fresh Evergreen
Crafted from real evergreen branches, fresh wreaths stay green throughout the winter months, and their foliage can be recycled, letting you add new branches to maintain the fresh, fragrant pine needle scent. The list of evergreen
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options for your wreath is almost endless: Noble Fir, Princess or White Pine, Mixed Evergreen, Ontario Cedar, Oregonia, and Boxwood. Accent foliage can be anything from Seeded Eucalyptus and Variegated Holly to Ilex Berry, Blue Juniper Berry and Incense Cedar. Real Christmas wreaths are available for purchase from your local garden centre, or you can always try your hand at making your own. Purchase your own basic wreath and decorate it with your choice of accents. Using a preservation product such as Wilt-Pruf and misting your holiday greens will go a long way in reducing moisture loss and keeping your greenery fresh longer!
Life-like Artificial
An artificial wreath is always a good investment! Not only does it look real, but it will last for years to come. Purchasing a good quality wreath will help you get the most of your investment as it may be more weather-resistant, especially if it is exposed to the elements while hanging on the front door. Artificial wreaths made with realistic pinecones, twigs, and grapevines offer unique variety, and adding shimmering twigs will provide holiday colour and cheer! You can decorate your wreath in your own style, or stop by your garden centre where they will be happy to help you design your wreath just the way you want!
Ultimate Combination
A combination wreath brings together the real and artificial to deliver holiday beauty! You can tie in with your existing decorations and themes, going natural with twigs, pinecones, burlap and birch lollipops; going vintage with plaid ribbon; or avoiding a particular colour with metallic sprigs, neutral coloured ribbon, glittered berries or artificial flowers. Stringing lights through your wreath is also a great way to add a touch of enchantment and holiday light! Do something different to welcome your guests with a personalized message written on chalk ribbon or make your wreath even more unique by opting for different shapes - instead of sticking with the traditional circle, go with a heart, square or oval shape! Little Quick Fire®
The placement of your wreath can be totally up to you! Your front door is always a great place, welcoming people and tying in with your outdoor decorations. The mantle above your fireplace is also a great central spot for visibility. You can also try using it to frame your clocks or mirrors, placing your wreath under a chandelier and adding a bit of whimsy with little elves or fairies peeking out. For holiday dinner parties, place new evergreen tips or flowers in the wreath and move it to the table to sit around the base of the punch bowl. You can extend your wreath’s reach by placing it outdoors on a gate, adding giant velvet ribbon, or hanging a wreath from the tree for birds to perch on. The options are endless! So, with Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to find yourself or someone you know the perfect Christmas wreath! November is a great time to purchase your wreath, when the freshest selection of both wreaths and decorations is available! Your local garden centre will be filled with holiday-inspired ribbons, bows, picks, stems and of course the all-important wreath itself. Don’t let this season pass by without a beautiful, welcoming Christmas wreath!
HOLIDAY 2016 • 15
find your fun at crocs
Freesail Leopard Lined Women
Santa Cruz 2 Luxe Leather Men
Sarah Suede Clog
Blitzen II Clog
n o i h s a F FALL & WINTER
by Kim Burns – Art Knapp Port Coquitlam
D
ressing up for the colder weather doesn’t have to get you down. If you haven’t already noticed, layering is as much a part of the joy of the fall season as pumpkin spice lattes are! Why is layering so important? Layering adds depth to your outfit especially when you play with different textures. And it’s practical since the Canadian Fall season is notorious for switching between patio weather one day and parka weather the next.
One of our favourite accessories for this season: the oversized blanket style scarf. Unlike the skinny scarf, the blanket scarf is much more useful. It not only works well when used as a layering technique – a huge hit this fall, but it also serves an important purpose: keeping you warm when you are out and about in the cold weather. A few different ways to wear this winter must have: wear it as a cape, draping it over one shoulder for a super chic look or simply put your blanket scarf around your neck, leave the ends hanging down, and then belt it. You will almost look like you’re wearing a vest! 18
From leg warmers to boot socks, style starts from the bottom up. Cold temperatures call for drastic fashion measures. Socks are not only extremely cozy, but they’re also a surefire way to kick up your winter A-game. If you haven’t jumped on the boots + socks bandwagon yet, it’s time to hop on! This fall/winter we can be prepared to see a fusion in colours, materials and styles. For the everyday working girl, practical, functional, casual and comfortable are keywords. The trend is all about opposites: Sporty & Bohemian, Edgy Elegance, Wanderlust, Tailored Grunge and Elements of Nature, just to name a few. The Sporty & Bohemian look combines vintage inspiration and a cool urban vibe. Colours include a clean, compatible contrast between botanical tones – vibrant, woody or faded greens – and flesh colours, offset by deep purple. Accessories include fringed shawls, lots of suede detail, metal and wood jewellery and outsized 70s style glasses and flared jeans to take your style to the max! Edgy Elegance is teeming with a range of intense, mysterious shades of grey, pink and mauve. Textures clash and are enhanced by adding a blackish sheen. Influences are shared with rock, post-punk and gothic glam. Victorian romance meets edgy attitude with decorative cutouts, velvet, PU, sheer jerseys and bejeweled tapestry patterns. Accessorize this look with studded jewellery and bags. Wanderlust embraces an outdoorsy feeling with rustic and heavy structured fabrics. Look for shearling coats, corduroy, faux fur accents in natural colours and ponchos with heavy fringe. The focus is on neutrals and browns mixed with dark blue or burnt red tones. Tailored Grunge is a cool, young look with feminine tones of lace and a great mix of different prints like checks and ditsy flowers. Look for zipper details, asymmetric shapes, leather, and tweed and oil dye jersey. The palette is quite dark and edgy with solid white and grey softening the look. Elements of Nature focuses on simple styles with a graceful handcrafted look. Key qualities and details include wooden buttons, raw edges, tape yarns, crepe viscose and quilt and stitching details. There is lots of focus on warm brown, spots of yellow, red and dark denim blue. Feathers, arrows and dream catcher images will be a huge trend this fall/winter. You will find them as front prints on t-shirts and as strong jewellery themes.
So as the days get colder and the nights get longer, the snow falls quicker and our sweaters get thicker, just remember if we had no winter the spring would not be so
pleasant!
HOLIDAY 2016 • 19
Enchanting Christmas:
An
Add some Shimmer and Sparkle with Christmas Lights! by Ruth Van Belle
S
tring lights are among the numerous Christmas joys that make their way into our homes during the holiday season. Their twinkling, shimmery nature casts a warm, enchanting glow across the room as each little light winks at you and softens the distractions from the outside world. Whether used outside your home, on your mantle, or on your table, Christmas lights are the finishing touch that completes your decorations!
incandescent, they save you money in the long run and last much longer. A fun twist on the regular LED string lights is the LED Twinkle Cluster which offer the all the benefits of LED lights but have more bulbs per string, which results in a fuller and bigger (as well as brighter!) lighting impact.
LED Micro Lights
The most popular choice for decorators is the mini incandescent or LED lights. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, they come on strands and can be used within almost any display!
Incandescent Lights Incandescent lights are inexpensive and come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes! Their soft white gives a warm, enchanting glow which is always a holiday favourite. While they’re a classic choice, they come with their setbacks, which include the possibility that if one bulb is damaged, the entire string could no longer work; however, replacement bulbs are always available.
LED Lights If you think your lights might need to be a bit hardier and withstand a drop or two, LED may be the better way to go! LED lights offer more efficiency, do not heat up, and are incredibly durable – withstanding being dropped, stepped on, and other occasional bumps! While more expensive than 20
LED Micro Lights come on a wire string, are usually battery operated, and have a timer. They’re a great addition to wreaths, floral displays, and some varieties can even be submerged in water. They’re fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of colours that can be clustered in lanterns or terrariums for a more modern effect. Small enough to tuck in, they’re also a great addition to any front door wreath. One of the many great things about string lights is their versatility. They can be added to any Christmas decoration and display, including trees, bannisters, mantles, outdoor pots, and vases filled with silver and golden balls. You cannot go wrong with lights on your tree since they’re that finishing touch that adds shimmer and sparkle to your ornaments! When purchasing an artificial tree, check to see how many lights the tree has, keeping in mind that, as the base for all your ornaments, more is better. Once your tree is set up, do the ‘squint’ test to see how shimmery your lights are and add more if you feel it doesn’t pass the test! For an extra warm glow, use warm white, and for a cooler touch, try LED White that offers a slight blue tint. Once everything is in place, all that’s left is to turn off the main light and enjoy your magical tree!
Candles
If you’re looking to get away from artificial lighting, candles are always a great choice! They’re a peaceful and great way to create a relaxing mood you can enjoy after a long day at work or crazy time running those Christmas errands! Scented candles provide an additional way to fill your home with Christmas cheer, offering a variety of favourite scents including rich cinnamon, outdoorsy pine, and yummy candy cane! Jar candles provide safety and comfort while releasing fragrance, and pillar candles can be placed in lanterns or at the center of wreaths. Votive candles are perfect for adding accent lighting on dining or living room tables, and tapers are always a great choice for candelabras. If using candles, remember to stay safe and never leave a flame unattended!
decoration that you don’t have to worry about turning on and off. On your mantle indoors, you can set up a glass with a Mirage candle inside and place baubles around it for a festive look. Placing flameless candles in the tree is another unique touch! And finally, want to know the best thing about Christmas lights? They last all year long! Instead of packing them away when the holidays are over, keep them in outdoor displays, such as clear gazing balls in the garden, lanterns, and succulent or grapevine wreaths on garden walls. You can also try wrapping them around the trunk of a tree for enchanting backyard summer lighting or as a special decoration for weddings and anniversaries. Christmas lights are an essential for the holidays, and with the many options available, you’ll find the perfect variety to suit your style. Nothing beats wrapping your Christmas gifts beneath the enchanting glow of your tree. Happy Decorating!
Flameless Candles
Flameless candles add a Christmas glow without the worry of monitoring an open flame. They are equipped with a timer, so you can put them in hard-to-reach places and not worry about turning them on and off! Many are remote control ready (sold separately). Try setting them to turn on just before you arrive home from work to have them welcome you home. They hold up in a wreath, making them a great choice for an outdoor HOLIDAY 2016 • 21
things such as holding a fresh cut bouquet or a shimmering candle, or can it even serve a practical purpose like holding my utensils? Will I be able to use it all year round? We all know how cute that red pot with the Santa belt is, but it may not be the most flexible pot through the various seasons; however, don’t let this stop you either! If you’re looking to use seasonal pots all year, get your creative genius on and explore arrangement options, accents, and different types of plants to help you create a display that will properly show motifs without being strictly of one season or holiday!
STEALING THE
SHOW
Bottom: It is always a good idea to check the bottom of the pot as well. If it has holes, be sure to get a saucer to go with it. Check also for whether it has a smooth bottom or felt pads to minimize the risk of harming any furniture. Indoor or Outdoor: Many pots will be labelled as suited for indoor or outdoor use, or both. If you’re planning on putting your pot outdoors, you’ll want to make sure that it is weather protected. There have been several container trends sweeping through décor circles and homes the last few years. Here are some of those trends to inspire you!
Natural Birch
By Martha Vandepol
Why It’s All About the Containers!
I
LOVE pots! Any shape, size, texture or style is just perfect for me! Nothing gets me more excited than seeing a gorgeous orchid beautifully displayed in a modern, contemporary style container. In my home, I like to decorate using a number of styles so that the décor shifts and changes to reflect different seasons and events, ranging from rustic to modern, sleek lines. Containers are always a part of this décor, adding that perfect finishing touch when I need it. Investing in a beautiful, high-quality container can make any inexpensive plant or cut flower look great! When I see a container sitting on the store shelf that I particularly like, I’ll ask myself a few questions to determine whether it’s worth my investment: Size: The first thing I take note of is its size, deciding what kind of plant it will fit – a 4”, 6”, 8” or 10” plant. I choose container size according to the plant I have in mind, ensuring that it will have ample space to become my plant’s new home. Versatility: Next, I consider its decorative potential, to ensure it is multi-purpose. For example, can I use it for a multitude of
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Wood or birch themed pots are becoming all the rage. Any wood container fits in with this trend - from old apple crates for the bottom of the Christmas tree, to birch and any other natural wood containers. Wood is a terrific element, reflecting nature and bringing the outdoors inside, which is particularly pleasing when you’re stuck inside during the cold seasons! Try dressing up your wood display with a multitude of mason jars and holiday greens to create a sense of warmth and homey atmosphere.
Metallic Gold and Silver
Rustic Baskets
Gold and silver containers are always a holiday favourite! They’re the perfect piece to reflect and complement the extensive holiday use of candlelight! Add some metallic accents in your holiday plants, such as baubles and glitter sticks, and you’ll tie the container in perfectly with the entire display.
Clear, Painted or Mercury Glass
Rustic baskets are making a comeback. With the growing trend in reviving old décor pieces, baskets are the perfect fit! Modern design offers tighter basket weaves and modern colours – both perfect ingredients for a comeback you’re going to want to take note of. If you’re using coloured baskets, be sure they won’t ‘bleed’ over your furniture when you’re watering the plant. It’s time to go rifling through granny’s attic and bring back anything that’s old: jugs, tins, jars, lanterns, and everything in between. The more unusual the vessel is, the bigger the impact! So get creative, add some ribbons or burlap and (even more exciting) save some money by reusing old items!
Weather Resistant Outdoor Pots
These see-through treasures are a dynamic choice! They suit any season or occasion, making them more flexible than painted ceramic jars that appear much more seasonal. Not only that, they can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning (three cheers, anyone?). Glass is a terrific choice for all those candle lovers out there! Glass and candles make the perfect shimmering pair, kicking any display up a couple notches. Glass is also great for showing off your entire plant display, letting you see the soil or layers of coloured stone (which is all the rage!).
Lightweight plastic or fiberglass lets you move your outdoor displays with ease – which is particularly handy if you’d like to draw attention to different places outdoors! Bright colours are the popular trend, particularly the blues and reds. Of course, black is always a staple, followed by dark grey, graphite and stone textures. Invest in a good quality pot that can be used during all four seasons to welcome guests to your home! So, the next time you’re out on a shopping excursion or visiting your local garden centre and you find yourself falling in love with that beautiful bowl, ceramic pot, glass vase, or basket, take this one piece of advice: indulge yourself. You will be able to use it for so many seasons to come, have the perfect outlet for creative moods, and always have a timeless product that you not only love, but will also never go out of style!
HOLIDAY 2016 • 23
Christmas Gifts E
Love we
veryone loves receiving a beautifully wrapped gift, whether it is for a special occasion, birthday or for the holidays. Christmas is the time of year when we can show others how much we appreciate and love them, by giving them a gift that is personal, whimsical or decorative. Shopping for any gift should be a pleasant experience and will be so rewarding when you see the joy on the recipient’s face when the final gift is unwrapped.
So Versatile
A holiday lantern is so versatile for decorating – you can place them anywhere in your home – inside and out. Adding a flameless, timer candle, that turns on automatically, will add the soft glow of candlelight. Your local garden centre has a multitude of lanterns to choose from. Remember, don’t pack the lanterns away – they look fantastic in your summer garden as well.
Light it Up
Cute and Cuddly
What better way to add whimsy and decoration to any mantle, than with a light-up holiday house or church. Displaying these pieces in groupings can create a story book or streetscape that will be the attraction for any room. Watch the children be drawn to the tiny structures, miniature people, frosty snow and landscapes. Most of the fun will be in creating your streetscape.
Holiday plush toys, nested in a comfy chair or tucked under the Christmas tree, will bring out the inner child in everyone. You can display your grandmothers heirloom treasures, child’s teddy bear, or the cute cuddly gnome you purchased this year. Add a bright red or plaid ribbon to match your decorating décor for the finishing touch.
Great Stocking Stuffer or Hostess Gift Finding a delicious stocking stuffer for the foodie in your family will be easy this year. Pick up a package of mulling spices, dip mix, holiday candy, jams or chutney. Bundle a group of items together for teacher gifts, or create a huge basket overflowing with delicious delights to present as a corporate gift.
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For the Trend-Setter Boot socks, or comfy socks or slippers are sure to keep their feet warm on a cold winter’s day. Another great stocking stuffer, these stylish pieces aren’t like the “typical” socks you used to get for Christmas.
Capes, Wraps & Scarves Take the WOW factor up a notch. Explore the latest trends this holiday season, with beautiful capes and wraps in the latest bold colours, fabrics and patterns. These pieces are a great way to add drama to any outfit and look wonderful on women of all ages.
Touch of Class Every woman loves to have a little bling for the holidays. Sparkling necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry will finish off your holiday gift purchasing.
150th Birthday of Canada Let’s celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday this coming year. Start the celebration by giving a patriotic Canadian themed item for this holiday season. Our country is rich in history and nostalgia, and there are so many gift items that reflect our nation’s pride. Oh Canada – Happy 150th Birthday.
Everyone Wants One Sparkling, festive, elegant and bright. Sometimes you have that special piece that everyone wants – for themselves and to give as a gift. When you see that decorative holiday décor that you absolutely have to have, you might as well pick up two….or three….or more. If you love it that much, you know that they will too.
Items Shown in Article: Holiday Lantern - $99.99 & $129.99 Light-Up Village - $69.99 Gnome - $29.99 & up Crave Mulling Spices - $7.99 or 2 for $15.00 Capes, Wraps & Scarves - Prices Vary Jewellery - Prices Vary Memories of Canada Mug Set - $29.99 Boot Socks - $14.99 & up Swirling Christmas Tree - $59.99 These items available at:
Holiday Must Everyone loves to shop! A gift card is a wonderful gift for the person who has everything. Tuck a few of these in your wallet for last minute gift giving.
684 South Pelham St, Welland, Ontario L3C 3C8
905-735-5744
WWW.VERMEERS.CA (While supplies last.) HOLIDAY 2016 • 25
26 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
HOLIDAY 2016 • 27
THE
ULTIMATE
POINSETTIA
T
a Holiday Tradition
he poinsettia plant is one of the most popular Christmas houseplants in Canada, as they add a wonderful display of colour throughout the holidays and winter months. Placing these plants in beautiful ceramic or mirrored containers, or by adding them into mixed plant holiday displays, the poinsettia plant will add a great touch of warmth and style to your home or office. With so many new varieties available, selecting a poinsettia style can be a challenge. You can now choose a designer variety such as Winter Rose, where the curvy bracts make it look like a rose or geranium; red and while jingle bells; or as painted plant in purple or blue. Enhancing the leaves with a touch of glitter or adding some festive ribbon or decoration will transform your poinsettia plant into a show stopper. When purchasing your poinsettia plant, choose one where the bracts, (the coloured leaves that give poinsettias their signature look) look strong and healthy. Check to see if there are small
yellow flowers (cyathis) still on in the centre of the plant, as these are an indication of the freshness of the poinsettia. Try to avoid purchasing poinsettias that are stored in a plastic or paper sleeve that is tight to the plant, as the leaves may turn yellow if they have been packaged too long. Protect your plant when transporting it for the journey home, as a chilled plant will drop its leaves very quickly. With proper care, your poinsettia will last through the holiday season and well into late winter. Place in a room where there is bright natural light, but that the sun does not shine directly on the plant. Keep the plant away from any location where it will be exposed to hot or cold drafts. Set the plant in a beautiful, water-proof decorative container, so that it is aesthetically pleasing and protective of your furniture. Water your poinsettia thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch, and discard any excess water that remains in the bottom of the container. Place the plant high enough so that it is out of reach of unmonitored children and pets. Although the poinsettia plant is not considered poisonous, it does produce varying degrees of discomfort if plant parts are ingested. Bright and colourful poinsettias are a perfect festive plant that is ideal for corporate, hostess or holiday gift giving. Every home should have a wonderful, joyful poinsettia to complete any holiday décor.
28 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
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Now Only
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Add your own decorations to dress it up or keep it simple. Decorate your fireplace mantle, dining room table or even over a doorway. This beautiful 48” mantle piece will add fragrance to your home décor.
Spruce up your bannister, fence or doorway with 25’ Mixed Evergreen Roping. Designed with 5 types of evergreen, this is the perfect size for your front door or staircase.
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684 South Pelham St Welland, Ontario L3C 3C8
905-735-5744
WWW.VERMEERS.CA