ST YLE
NFDI
C H R I S T M A S
2 0 2 0
! s a m t s i r h C
MERRY
Volume two I S S U E . 0 5
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NOT E from the EDITOR
There’s an undeniable magic in the air this time of year. Sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures, Christmas really does appeal to all the senses. The best part is, you don’t have to go far to enjoy each one; they can all be part of celebrating the season, in your very own home. I love Christmas. It’s always been a special time of year for my family. From the time I was little, the memories of Christmas live from year to year, and while we have traditions, no two years have ever been the same. While this year will certainly be different, I find myself more excited about it than in years past. Perhaps it’s the notion that we’ve slowed down, in more ways than one. I’m looking forward to being more intentional, taking my time and enjoying the process. Feeling rushed is never fun, and this year I’m excited to embrace the season to its fullest. This issue is full of ideas to help you do the same. From inspiration from our own homes in our staff picks, to styling your dinner table with seasonal items found at the grocery store, to a how-to guide for wrapping and adorning presents, we’ve got ideas to inspire and encourage you to create a beautiful Christmas, and one for the memory books. Home has been a common theme this year, and it sure is where our hearts are. From our NFDI family to you and yours, we wish you all the warmth and love this season holds. Merry Christmas!
Nyla
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www.nylafreedesigns.com | @nylafreedesigns
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CHRIST MAS W I T H
N F D I
Our team at NFDI is sharing our personal Christmas style for this issue’s staff picks. From traditional to vintage, quirky to all white, our personalities certainly shine through the holiday season. Enjoy getting to know our Christmas aesthetics and some memories surrounding each style.
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NYLA N E U T R A L N O E L
Truth be known, I don’t have a recurring colour scheme with respect to holiday decor. In fact, it changes each year and it drives my family crazy. As Christmas approaches, I decide on the colour scheme, pull from our “household inventory” of decorations and also plan our wrapping paper accordingly. Admittedly it’s a little over the top. I love Christmas so much, and as a designer, every year I can’t help but try a new colour combination. This year, I’ll definitely be focused on more of a neutral scheme. Wrapping paper TBD :)
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BRI
H O L I D AY H Y G G E I’m a sucker for a good neutral palette, and despite the colourful nature of the season, Christmas is no exception for me. Using a monochromatic scheme, I like to let the fresh green tones of the tree pull through and stand out. With a nod to Hygge, my collection embraces the comforts of home, adding texture and interesting shapes. I’m excited to include something new to our collection this year!
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ANA C L A S S I C C H R I ST M A S
We’re all about sentimental ornaments in our family. We love a traditional Christmas style full of red & gold ornaments, white lights and all the nostalgia the season brings. From the nutcracker to Minnie and Mickey Mouse, there’s a nod to childhood days. Every year, we all choose a new ornament to add to our collection. Feliz Navidad!
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JACKIE F E ST I V E F A L A L A
Christmas for me is a time to embrace a mix of bright colours and a sense of nostalgia. Adorned with teeny tiny gold tinsel, large orange glass ornaments and a felted skiing polar bear of course, our tree is a nod to the days of Bing, Ella and Whoville. Every year we add a new and special ornament to our hot mess of a tree. This holiday season, call me Cindy Lou Who!
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ALEX M E R R Y M I D - C E N T U R Y
I don’t typically gravitate towards the classic colours associated with Christmas (ie. red or green). Instead, I opted to go with a more unconventional and fun colour palette that works with my everyday furniture and decor. If you know me, pink was the obvious choice as a jumping off point. ;). When it comes to my tree, I try not to take myself too seriously and have fun with unique and silly ornaments - one of which being a traditional German pickle! Each year, someone hides the pickle in the tree and whoever finds the hidden ornament receives an extra gift.
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KERST IN E C L E C T I C E V E R G R E E N
I’ve been collecting glass ornaments for years. I love their vintage style and Old World connotation. My tree ends up looking eclectic, but each ornament holds a memory . Many were purchased on my travels. My favourite Christmas colour scheme is green, blue, and silver.
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“AT C H R I ST M AS , ALL ROADS LEAD HOME” - Marjorie Holmes
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ST YLE
Y O U R TA B L E F R O M T H E
Grocery Store Streamline your menu planning and table top decor by shopping for both at the same store. With groceries being a staple in our days, we set out to find items we could use to create a beautiful table setting, so you can check off more boxes from your to-do list in less time.
Food is beautiful, and Christmastime yields special items we typically see once a year. We’re sharing several ideas to style your dining table, from simple and modern to layers and layers of festive fun. Whether you’re visiting the grocery store in person, doing curbside pick up, or having delivery to your home, add some (or all!) of these items to your list, and check off the box of gathering items to style your Christmas table while you’re there. Not only does this save time, it certainly creates an unexpected centerpiece.
WE INCLUDED THE F O L LO W I N G I T E M S : • Wrapping Paper (as a table runner) • Potted Mini Trees • Live Greens (eucalyptus and cedar are a great combination) • Chestnuts • Pillar Candles (tea lights in a vessel would also work) • Satsuma Mandarins • Figs
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MINIMALIST G R O C E R Y L I ST :
• Wrapping paper as a table runner • Potted mini trees • Place settings • Adornments (i.e. name place cards)
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PRO TIP: With proper care, the mini evergreens should last for weeks. Consider purchasing early as they tend to sell quickly.
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CLASSIC G R O C E R Y L I ST :
• Wrapping paper as a table runner • Potted mini trees • Place settings • Adornments (i.e. name place cards) • Live greens • Pillar candles
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PRO TIP: Consider the shelf life of food, and purchase fresh items last minute to avoid spoiling before setting your table.
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WHIMSICAL G R O C E R Y L I ST :
• Wrapping paper as a table runner • Potted mini trees • Place settings • Adornments (i.e. name place cards) • Live greens • Pillar candles • Satsuma Mandarins • Figs • Chestnuts
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PRO TIP: With oranges still intact, they should be good to enjoy afterwards. Chestnuts will also last for weeks. Considering roasting afterwards so they don’t go to waste. Be sure to compost any remains.
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GIFT WRAPPING 101
Gifting is not simply about what treasure exists beneath the wrap, it’s about creating an experience from the moment the recipient sees the gift. I love gift wrapping. It’s the idea of the outside looking beautiful and being an extension of what’s inside. We’ve got all the essential tips to get you wrapping in style.
S U P P LY L I ST: • Wrapping Paper • Scissors • Clear Tape • Ribbon • Name Tags • Greenery • Washi Tape (optional)
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1. Start with a cohesive colour palette. This looks beautiful when the gifts live under your tree waiting for the big day, or until you deliver to your giftee. 2. Purchase sturdy wrapping paper so tears and scratches can be avoided. 3. Gather all your supplies and wrap several gifts at once. The more you get in the rhythm, the faster you’ll get. 4. Measure the length or width of your box against the wrapping paper. You’ll want to leave enough space on each side to cover the sides of the box when you start doing your folds. I suggest having enough extra paper to cover just over half the side.
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5. Cut the paper away from the roll. 6. Measure the opposite side of the box. (if you measured the length in Step 4, now measure the width, or vise versa). Make sure the paper covers the box all the way around before cutting. Trim the paper.
7. Secure the paper to the box with tape on the underside of the gift. This ensures the seam will be at the bottom, leaving you a clean surface on the top of the present. If you’re working with a pattern, try to centre the pattern on the top of the box before securing. This will provide a lovely visual on top when adding the final touches.
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8. Flip, so the box is seam side up. Fold the paper over the edge of the gift and into the middle of the side. Hold it down while pinching the edges of the paper, creasing the fold into a triangle. (Depending on the shape of the box it may not be a triangle shape specifically, however the ends will be angled.)
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9. Fold the “triangles” into the middle, overlapping the initial fold. 10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 on the other side. 11. Stand the box on its end. After the folds of Steps 8 and 9, you’ll be left with a final triangle or edge to fold. Fold the paper over the edge of the gift and into the middle of the side, overlapping the three previous folds. This fold should extend down from the “top” of the box.
12. Secure the fold with tape. I like to use something more decorative, such as washi tape on the ends to add an extra detail. Of course you can use clear tape as well. 13. Repeat Steps 11 and 12 on the other side. 14. Now you’re ready to adorn!
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15. Determine your ribbon of choice and measure the amount you’ll need. Hold the ribbon on one side and bring it over to the other side. Hold your finger at that point and extend the ribbon over the top of the box. This will give you the amount of ribbon to wrap around the width.
16. Keeping hold of the ribbon where you left off on the width, repeat Step 15 to measure the amount needed for the length. Once complete, add on another 6-12� of ribbon to give you extra length to make a bow. Cut the ribbon.
17. With the seamless side of the box face up, place the ribbon along the middle of the box, running it down the sides as you flip the box over. Hold the ribbon taught to ensure you have equal amounts on both sides.
18. Twist the ribbon together in the middle of the box (this will now be the underside). Ensure the ribbon is flat and no twists have occurred with the exception of the centre point. Flip the box over, pulling the ribbon around to connect with the perpendicular ribbon.
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19. Slide each end of the ribbon underneath the other ribbon, to create a knot in the centre, pulling both ribbons together in the middle of the box.
20. Determine your gift tag and address the “to” and “from” prior to attaching to the gift. Bring the ribbon up through the hole of the tag and slide the tag down to the base of the knot.
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21. Tie the ribbon into a bow. 22. Your gift is now complete! 23. If you so choose, add on any additional adornments such as live greens, faux greens, small ornaments or candy canes.
ADDITIONAL TIPS: • If you’re wrapping several gifts at once, wrap first, adorn second. Don’t forget to note the recipient before adorning, so you know who to tag it for. If you’re anything like me, I always forget. • Make it a family affair! If one person in your household prefers wrapping, and another loves to adorn, create an assembly line and get everyone involved. • Give yourself lots of space to wrap; a large table or counter is best. • Quality scissors are essential in getting clean cuts for both the paper and the ribbon.
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It really is about getting creative and having fun with packaging. Make each gift as simple or elaborate as you’d like!
One thing’s for sure, the recipient of your gift will savour the visual, and feel extra special receiving a thoughtful gift, both inside and out!
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CHRIST MAS BARK F O R F O O D Gifting Food gifting is a great way to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to many people on your list, and Christmas chocolate bark is an ideal option. You can make large batches, and get creative with ingredients and combinations. Plus, the visual presentation is enough to make people drool. While they’re perfect for neighbours, teachers, coaches and colleagues, don’t forget to make extra for yourself!
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TOPPING COMBINBATIONS
Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Potato Chips White Chocolate, Cranberries & Pistachio Dark Chocolate, Toffee & Pretzels Milk Chocolate, Coconut & Slivered Almonds White Chocolate & Candy Cane Milk Chocolate & Trail Mix (MIXED SEEDS, GINGER & CRANBERRIES)
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ADDITIONAL TIPS: • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. • Use the best quality chocolate you can find! • Melt chocolate in a double boiler or glass bowl over a pot of boiling water. • Let chocolate cool slightly before pouring. • Pour chocolate onto the parchment paper. • Sprinkle with desired toppings. • Place in the freezer to set. • Break into bite size pieces, or cut into squares or rectangles. Either way they’ll taste the same! • We used 2”x 3”x 8” confectioners bags with a cardboard base to stand easily. • Adorn with ribbon and tag as needed.
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FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FROM OUR
NFDI SHOP
W W W . N Y L A F R E E D E S I G N S . C-O1M-
WISHING YOU ALL THE WARMTH OF THE SEASON, FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
PRESS PLAY!
MERRY
Christmas
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403.255.4980 www.nylafreedesigns.com #601, 5920 1A Street SW Calgary AB T2H 0G3
NFDI Style MagazineŠ2020 Nyla Free Designs Inc. All content created by Nyla Free Designs Inc.