NFDI Style | Christmas 2021 by Nyla Free

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CHRISTMAS Volume .03 I S S U E . 0 5

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Christmas 2021

Table of Contents 07. NFDI Staff Picks Our team shares their stocking stories.

17. Editorial Feature A Christmas tour that stands the tests of time.

25. Trend Feature An NFDIY worth trying this season.

31. Educational Feature We’ve got giftwrapping 5 ways this issue!

37. Recipe Cookie recipes we’re loving straight from the Martha kitchen.

37 N F D I Style

In years past, the Christmas season kicked off in our home when the first batch of caramels was made. This has been a long standing tradition in our family, 28 years and going strong. So much so, I now start mid October to meet the numbers I need to make for distribution. That being said, it’s far too early to think about Christmas at Thanksgiving! There’s a sweet spot of timing when it comes to the holiday season. If you’re like me, buying gifts too early means I’ll often forget I bought them, or don’t remember where I hid them. On the contrary, leaving purchases to the last minute, means I overspend, and buy for the sake of buying. Finding the middle ground is the hardest part.

NOT E FROM THE

Editor

This also comes into play for home decor. When is the right time to decorate, and trim the tree? Timing largely depends on whether you’re using live or faux. As of late, we’ve been mixing the two, meaning we start with faux decor in early December, and by mid month we add in live greens for that extra layer, smell and festive ambience as we embrace the final days before Christmas. I do tend to take Christmas to the next level, I always have. I love it, and it brings me great joy. I try not to bite off more than I can chew, but it’s hard! My family has now accepted my standards. They know to wrap presents according to our “theme” (see pgs. 31) for wrapping inspiration), so that the wrapped gifts coordinate with the tree, because why not? It’s also understood the live tree is mine to decorate, and admittedly I get a little bossy about it. Is there therapy for this? Ultimately, my hope is to create a feeling in our home. One that fuels the senses, and fills the heart. Christmas is a special time, and embracing that with family, friends, food and decor is all a part of this season I hold close to my heart. Do a little, or do a lot. All that matters is that we’re together, and this year, hopefully we can be. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, however you celebrate, and a very happy, healthy New Year.

Christmas 2021

Nyla

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Fall 2021

“May you never be too grown up

to search the skies on Christmas Eve”

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IF NFDI WERE A STOCKING Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicolas, better known as Twas the Night Before Christmas, inspired the hanging of stockings on Christmas Eve. This tradition started out using normal socks, and over the years, has graduated to more elaborate designs. Whether hung on a mantle, or placed at the foot of a bed, one thing’s for certain, the delight of small surprises are sure to make a big impact come Christmas morning.

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Apple Watch Apple

Lip Mask Sephora

Nail Polish Essie

Taper Candles Labode Shoppe Book Indigo

Perfume Hermes

Rose Quartz Natural Gua Sha

Bath Potion Livery Shop Foot Butter Canary Goods Bath Oil Detox Market

Nyla

Dish Brush Fable

Journal Amazon

Christmas at my grandparents home will always be a cherished memory for me, and stockings remain one of my favourite parts of the day. When I was young, I would consistently request novelty pencils and erasers, markers, and any stationary/ paper type products. I have always been a fan of the many small surprises inside a stocking, and the nostalgia it brought to the start of Christmas Day, including the quintessential mandarin orange at the toe. While my husband and I have now retired our stockings, I find great joy in seeing what thoughtful, and special treasures Santa has found for our girls.

Sunglasses Burberry

Handbag Charles & Keith

Lipgloss Charlotte Tilbury

Bracelet PD Paola

Foundation Chanel

Earrings Fervor Montreal

Sanitizing Box Sonix

Highlighter Minori

Glow Serum JLO Beauty

Charger Satechi

Necklace Fervor Montreal

Ana Stockings were not customary in Chile, or Ecuador, where my husband and I grew up. We started the tradition after moving to Canada, and having our own children. The notion of, “if you need a new toothbrush, wait for Christmas” rings true in our home as we take a practical approach to what goes inside, focusing mostly on items used on the day to day. We do however, include one special “surprise” item such as airpods, or a piece of jewelry.

Garden Scissors Bare Bones Living

Shampoo + Conditioner Bars Little Plastic Footprint

Lip Balm Little Plastic Footprint

Key Chain Charm Livery Shop

Folio Remarkable Purse Rachel Comey Small Tray Fornasetti Candle Fornasetti Gold Necklace Mish Fine Jewelry

Ornaments Food 52

Jackie

Vintage Flashlight Bare Bones Living

We don’t go extreme on stockings, but I always love gifting, and receiving little teeny tiny goodies. I like mixing and matching one or two special items alongside the staples of new socks, candy, and of course a pack of gum! Stockings are also good for the dog because he can stick his needle nose inside to grab his treat. Good things come in small packages, and stockings are full of them!

Book Indigo

Pencil Set Cartolina

Candle Indigo

Perfume Nordstrom

Teaspoon Set H&M

Beeswax Wraps Please Bee Nice Peppermint Bark Purdy’s

Bracelet Nordstrom

Tea David’s Tea

Toothbrush Philips

Vintage Ornaments Anthropologie

Kerstin The stocking has always been my favourite part of Christmas morning. As kids, our stockings were my Dad’s actual cream wool work socks. If you woke up in the middle of the night, you could feel the weight of it at the foot of your bed. Santa always put a lot of care and time into finding the cutest little objects. I remember erasers shaped like animals, and a candy cane shaped pen that wrote with peppermint scented ink. When I was in junior high I received a Flicker razor and Tickle deodorant. (70’s kids will know what I’m talking about!) It made me feel so sophisticated and grown up. My stocking always contained a chocolate marshmallow Santa, a mandarin orange, and a candy cane - the perfect ingredients for Christmas morning breakfast, served alongside a cup of tea and a shortbread cookie.

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Coffee Mug Anthropologie Candle Canary Goods

Touque Aritzia

Perfume OUAI

Scattergories Anthropologie

Lipbalm Glossier

Handbag H&M Monogram Pendant Coutukitsch

Ring Field Study

London Fog Blend Blume

Ornaments Food52

Since I was little, stockings have always been something I looked forward to Christmas morning! Growing up they were the first stop on our busy day. CD’s, candles, fuzzy socks, and games, there was no shortage of goodies lining our stockings. I love finding a little bit of everything in my stocking. From fashion, beauty & decor to trendy pieces from local shops, I love the mix! While I’m all about fun and frivolous, I’ve learned my husband prefers a more practical approach to stockings. Admittedly, I was a little surprised to find windshield wipers in my stocking on our first Christmas together!!

Phone & iWatch Charger Apple

Handbag Louis Vitton Face Mask Sephora

Green Candlestick Livery Shop

Connect Four Anthropologie

Socks Aritzia

Himalaya Candle Milk Jar

Book Anthropologie

Perfume Oribe

Sunglasses Rayban

Boxer Shorts Skims

Banana Clips Anthropologie

Alex Stockings have been a part of my family’s Christmas celebrations ever since I can remember, and it continues to be a tradition my husband and I look forward to in our own household. They are a fun, and exciting way we spoil our loved ones with curated, and thoughtful items ranging from large and small. My husband and I always tease each other, as each year the contents seem to get more elaborate, sometimes valuing more than the wrapped gifts themselves! In my own stocking, I love a mix of fashion, beauty, and decor. I also love a gift with a more interactive component (such as games), providing something to do, and enjoy on Christmas day!

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Watch BOSS

Necklace Chain Vrai Earrings Simons

Ring Stone Forge Studios Candle Anthropologie Essential Oils Saje

Cotton Candy Tea David’s Tea

Book Indigo

Bracelet Only Inspired Gifts

Travel Mug Live Vessel

Stockings were never the main focus for Christmas in our family. When I was young, Christmas was always a time to think about what someone else wanted, and put their wishes ahead of yours. We never made a list or spent a lot of money but we always seemed to get the gift that was just right. I would wake up on Christmas morning, and get everyone up. I made my grandpa his tea, my parents their coffee, and then we would open gifts. Christmas for me is full of family time playing games, relaxing around the fire, and spending time with the people I love.

Bath Salts Wild Rising Skincare

NF DI

Shop

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHING J U ST I N T I M E F O R C H R I ST M AS

Deck The Halls

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lori Andrews

Editorial Feature

A recurring highlight of this season has been decorating one of our long time clients’ home for Christmas. We fill a 16′ live tree with hundreds of lights, glass baubles, collected ornaments, and ultimately, their home with festive cheer. From stockings, to place settings, and adornments throughout, this modern home captures all the senses of the season. With classical Christmas music playing in the background, the warmth and glow of the fireplace, not to mention the smell of the tree, and spending a few days amongst beautiful decor, is a cherished time. Bringing Christmas to life in your home need not be stressful, rather a joyous season. We’re sharing our best tips to elevate, and infuse the magic of the season into your home.

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Editorial Feature

CREATE A THEME

Whether a colour combination or a play of patterns, creating a cohesive story throughout your home will elevate your Christmas decor, from ornaments, all the way to wrapping.

BE FOCUSED

Hone in on key areas of your home fit to be decorated with festive flair. Not every surface, corner or room needs to be in full Christmas regalia. Restraint, and an edited approach to decorating will be helpful in not overwhelming a space.

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TAP INTO TRADITIONS There’s comfort in doing the same thing year after year. Honoring these moments, whether how, and when you decorate your tree, Christmas Eve pajamas, or a specific menu item, they all give a sense of home, and build memories over the years.

LAYER THE LIGHT

Table and floor lamps, twinkle lights and candles, all contribute to creating layers of light throughout the home. With shorter days, there’s a softness and cozy feeling appreciated through the variety of lighting.

THE FINER THINGS

This season is all about the china, beautiful linens, crystal and silverware. Dust it off, polish it up, and set the table in style. They deserve to be centre stage whether for a weekday meal, or a weekend party of twelve.

INFUSE LIFE

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh greens in the winter, especially when they’re inside your home. Dress your mantle, add a bouquet of seasonal flowers or bring in a live tree to delight your senses, and fill the room with a fresh scent.

Editorial Feature

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CREATE AN EXPERIENCE

Whether a dinner party, afternoon gathering or some evening cocktails, setting the mood, and creating a feeling is a wonderful way to make guests feel special. Music, candles, and the flicker of a fire, to name a few, are all ways to create a special atmosphere.

CURB APPEAL

Lights, winter filled planters, as well as a clear path to the door, topped with a festive wreath, all help set the tone for the evening before guests have even stepped inside.

MINDFUL & MEANINGFUL

Christmas, and the holiday season should be about what’s important to you, and your family. Time spent together is the greatest gift of all, so be sure to soak in all the wonder.

Editorial Feature

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NF D IY:

grapevine wreath wreat The benefit of a grapevine wreath is it’s casual, yet sophisticated nature, and ease of creating something beautiful. It’s gnarly vibes are the perfect means to accept winter greens and foliage. If you’re looking for a creative project, this is it! You really can’t go wrong, or make a mistake; however, if you do, it’s easy to remove the branch of greens, and rearrange to your liking. Take an afternoon for yourself, or with some friends, and get creative!

Trend Feature

what you ’ll need:

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NFDIY:

grapevine wreaths

determine the best size

Grapevine wreaths come in several sizes, from 12-14” to 60” diameter and above. Decide where your wreath will hang, whether a front door, mantle or window display, and determine the best size to fit.

1 gather greens & supplies There’s a plethora of winter greens to include in your wreath. It really depends on your preference, and the look you’re after. Selecting five or more types of greens is a great starting point. This could be a combination of cedar, pine, juniper, eucalyptus, and magnolia. Consider including cotton, red snow berries, pinecones, dried oranges, or even spray the backs of the magnolia leaves gold, to add extra festive flavour.

start with the widest greens Most wreaths will have an obvious hanging spot, or gap, to hold a hook or feed a ribbon through. With that in mind, start inserting the widest stems into, and through the vines to ensure they are secure. This will most likely be the cedar, if using. It’s ok if the greens extend off the wreath!

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Trend Feature

continue layering

finishing touches

Use the vines as a means to secure the stems. Layer each green from largest to smallest on top of the layer of cedar around the wreath. There are no rules, rhyme or reason as to how, or where to place the greens. You have 100% creative freedom in how you’d like your wreath to look. Fill the circumference with greens, or create an asymmetrical wreath, leaving part of the grapevine exposed.

Now’s your chance to finish your wreath with the smaller details and finishing touches. Choose an area to focus on, whether at the bottom, along the side or dispersed equally around the wreath. Add cotton, dried citrus or even ornaments in the desired area. You may require florist wire to secure the additional adornments to the greens as they may not be able to secure to the vine.

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NFDIY:

grapevine wreaths

ready to hang! Time to stand back, and appreciate your creation! Hang with a wide festive ribbon for added cheer, or a simple hook to allow the wreath to take centre stage. Mist your wreath regularly with water, especially if hanging indoors. Your wreath should last up to 2 weeks inside, and closer to 4, if placed outdoors.

tip:

Live greens typically come in large bundles. Share amongst friends, or use the remaining greens to fill indoor vases, or outdoor planters.

Trend Feature

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T H AT ’ S A WRAP! I have an obsession with all things paper, and this extends into the Christmas season. Each year I have a “wrapping theme”. My family has learned to embrace it, and understand that a cohesive feel, from decor to table settings, to gift wrap, makes my heart happy. I like to consider wrapping paper, ribbon (several several styles, widths etc!), gift tags, and any other adornments within the palette of my selected theme. My husband and I have a system; he wraps (his wrapping and taping skills are exceptional), and I adorn. We put a movie in, and wrap presents together, which I love. I try not to rush through this process, not only because I love it, but because I want the gift wrap to feel as special as the person receiving it.

Educational Feature

YO U H A D M E AT M E R LO T A wine kissed palette is sure to please! Burgundy, berry and soft mauves, paired with kraft and glitter papers, all offer a festive, and unexpected combination.

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WINTER WHITES Combine creams and white with natural textures such as twine and birch accents, for the softest wrapping paper colour story.

Learning Feature

GLITTER & GLAM All things bright and beautiful create this wrapping palette. Embrace a mix of metals with high gloss and glitter paper for a luxe approach to gifting.

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THE CLASSIC You can’t go wrong with a black and white colour scheme!

Educational Feature

MODERN COUNTRY Bring the outdoors in with a neutral, natural colour palette and a touch of red. Buffalo check, whimsical paper, pinecones, and black ribbon are a fun combination.

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sweet treats for the season We bake often throughout the year, whether the classic chocolate chip cookie, a cake for a birthday, or Sunday morning scones. At Christmastime however, our baking takes a step up with more decorative, and fancier cookies. While I love to tackle more advanced recipes, I still look for straightforward, simple options that LOOK beautiful, and yield a decent amount so my efforts result in quantity too. I’ve put together a few of my favourites, as well as some tips I’ve learned along the way. The art of baking is a methodical process for me. I love the hands-on experience and feeling a sense of accomplishment with dozens of cookies, at the ready, to share with family and friends. Whether a gifting item, on-hand for hosting, or you’re simply making them for Santa’s arrival, these recipes are sure to impress, without putting you in distress! The beauty of these recipes is they share similar ingredients, making good use of pantry staples. While they’re all very different, they’re also aesthetically complementary when served, or gifted together. Bonus! *All recipes are from Martha Stewart, and slightly modified based on my experience making them.

Recipe

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In addition to standard baking essentials, we’ve put together a few additional must haves to elevate your baking game!

Recipe

Offset Spatula Crate & Barrel

Cake Plate NFDI Shop

Cookie Scoop Amazon

NYLA’S BAKING ESSENTIALS

Mini Glass Bowls Crate & Barrel

Mini Pastry Brush William Sonoma

Mini Spatulas William Sonoma

Mini Whisk Crate & Barrel

Precut Parchmnent Paper Amazon

tip:

If you’re making more than one cookie at a time, consider making the dough for the chocolate crackle cookies first so it can chill while you get the others underway.

Chocolate Crackles *Makes about 4 dozen* • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons baking powder • ¼ teaspoon coarse salt • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature • 1 ½ cups packed light-brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/3 cup whole milk • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Recipe

1. Melt chocolate in a heat-proof bowl, or the top of a double boiler, over a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. 2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and light-brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add melted chocolate. Add flour mixture alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Shape dough into a flattened disk, and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours. 3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Using 1 heaping tablespoon of dough apiece, shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar to coat, then in confectioners’ sugar to coat again. Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until flat, and the sugar coating splits, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through. 4. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Mini Black & White Cookies *Makes about 3 dozen* FOR THE COOKIES • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • ½ teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon coarse salt • 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, softened • ½ cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk FOR THE ICING • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon light corn syrup • 2 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon unsweetened dutch-process cocoa powder

1. Make cookies: Preheat the oven to 350F. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar; mix until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with buttermilk. 2. Drop teaspoons of dough into balls; onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheet(s) halfway through, until bottoms are golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks. 3. Make icing: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice, vanilla and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until smooth. Add more water, if needed, to achieve a consistency slightly thicker than honey. Transfer half the icing to a small bowl. Stir in cocoa powder; thin with water if needed. Spread white icing on half of each cookie’s flat side and cocoa on the other half. Let stand until set, 30 minutes. Cookies can be stored between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

tip:

The cookies were puffier than expected. I used a flat bottomed drinking glass to flatten the dough immediately out of the oven to achieve a flat surface to ice. This worked like a charm.

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Chocolate Thumbprints *Makes 4 dozen* *Have a bowl of ice and water ready. If reshaping the thumbprint is necessary during baking, dip your finger in the water for several seconds and allow to dry before reshaping. This will keep your finger cool. • ½ pound plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar • ¼ teaspoon table salt • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped • 2 teaspoons corn syrup

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Have ready two clean baking sheets. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together 2 sticks of butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in flour, beginning on a low speed, increasing to medium until combined. 2. Form balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each; place balls 1” apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven, and press into cookies to make deep, wide indentations. Rotate pan, and return to oven and bake until light brown on the edges, 7 to 9 minutes more. (If the indentations begin to lose definition, remove cookies from the oven and press again.) Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 3. Combine chocolate, the remaining 6 tablespoons butter, and corn syrup in a small heat-proof bowl or on the top of a double boiler. Set over a pot of simmering water; stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Allow to cool a bit until slightly thickened. When cookies are cool, fill the thumbprints with the chocolate mixture, and set aside to firm up.

tip:

I used a melon baller to make the thumbprint to avoid burning my thumb, and to create an even indent.

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Thank you! To you our readers both new and old, for your unwaivering support. We adore sharing each issue with you, and having you as part of our creative journey. See you in 2022!

Wishing you the best of the season and a Happy New Year!

Special issue of NFDI Style coming Winter

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403.255.4980 www.nylafreedesigns.com #601, 5920 1A Street SW Calgary AB T2H 0G3