Christmas

Marketplace: Minted Cards for the Holidays

Around this time for the last few years, I’ve ordered my Christmas cards via Minted. With Minted, I can personalize my message, have my return address printed, and use my saved recipient address list (free service!) to ensure my cards are perfectly addressed.

I have been a fan of Minted’s collection of art and stationery for years. And each year, I’m impressed by the new additions of artistic cards. While I do appreciate photo cards from my friends and family, I opt for the classic card.

Here are some of the cards that made my short list:

min-h4e-hmc-004_a_pd

evergreen merry

min-mqx-hpc-001christmas_a_pz joy

min-bxv-hpc-001holiday_b_pd

Christmas trees

min-zzn-hnp-001nchristmas_b_pz

holiday bouquet

min-zxo-hnp-003_a_pz

Merry Christmas, My Deersmin-bid-hmc-003_a_pd

snowfall

One of the things that I really like about ordering my cards at Minted is the personalized printed message options. Last year, I decided to go all-out with the everyone-gets-the-same-message, and I ended up mailing my cards out without a personal message or signature. Let me tell you – these did not go over well. On my end, prepping my cards was very time efficient. Some of my honest friends and family members, however, were quick to inform me that they didn’t like the lack of real-live ink. So, this year, I’ve toned the automatic-standard-everything down a notch. I’ll be picking up my pen to add notes of well wishes.

Minted cards are printed on high quality paper. Its Signature paper is thick and luxe. I just love how the cards look printed…they’re so pretty and professional. And here’s hoping my friends and family enjoy the design I ordered this year!

Thanks to Minted and BlogPodium for this partnership opportunity.

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Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you a wonderfully happy Christmas! Thanks, as always, for making time in your busy day for a little White Cabana!

I’m taking a few days off from blogging to spend time with my family, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see an update. I’ll leave you with one of my favourite Christmas Cabanas this year:

White-Cabana-Christmas-house-NCmy sister and brother-in-law’s gorgeous home

Jordana

Guest Post: Celebrating This Life’s Christmas Home Tour

I’m so happy to welcome fellow Waterloo-region-based blogger, Rox-Anne from Celebrating This Life, to White Cabana this Monday morning! Rox-Anne and I met via Twitter, then in person, and we’ve been having fun every since. We were fortunate to explore Scandinave Spa and Langdon Hall together, and we always seem to have loads to talk and laugh about when we’re together. I also absolutely love that Rox-Anne and her family do so much traveling both near and far. They always have fun stories to share!

We’re all in luck today because Rox-Anne is bringing us into her home and showing off her white Christmas decor. So, enough of my voice, let’s hear from Rox-Anne…

***

Hello! I’m Rox-Anne, the blogger behind Celebrating this Life, a travel and lifestyle blog. I love styling my home for the holidays and decided to take a page from Jordana’s book and try an all white décor theme for my kitchen. I recently painted my cabinets Cloud White from Benjamin Moore. They were originally a light coloured wood, and I am just so amazed at how much the white brightens the room! I also installed some shelving, bought a wine rack, and installed a backsplash and a marble window sill. I still have a few more projects lined up (is any home décor update really ever done?). Kitchen lighting is first on my list.

Jordana was kind enough to let me take over White Cabana today to show you how I have been able to incorporate more white into my holiday décor.

CTL x WC 1

I came up with this window treatment after finding some birch logs in my garage. I used two pieces of fishing wire and using gold push tacks, attached them to my window trim. I very carefully added some greenery (make sure to mist to prevent the greenery from drying), attached a few white and silver Christmas ornaments with fishing wire, and carefully arranged a few sets of 12 wire lights on top.

CTL x WC 2

These lights are great for adding a little sparkle and they run on a watch battery. Just make sure to tuck the on and off switch under some greenery. ($5.99 each at Sheridan Nurseries) I used two sets on my larger window and one set for my smaller kitchen window.

CTL x WC 3 An adult hot chocolate bar, with my white and gold monogrammed mugs from Williams Sonoma, was a great way to fend off the cold air this weekend.

CTL x WC 4I recently installed these simple kitchen shelves made with cut MDF board from Lowe’s. It’s a great place for displaying my collection of milk glass, and the remote control candles I bought from Costco two Christmases ago add a nice glow to the room. Oh, and yes that is my ever-growing collection of Colonel Sanders dolls beside the stove. It started as a joke and is now a prized collection!

CTL x WC 5

My boys (I have two teenage sons) were out for the night so that left AMH (my hubby) and I on our own for dinner. I set the kitchen island for dinner for convenience but that didn’t mean I skimped on my tablescape!

CTL x WC 6I started with a set of rattan chargers from Target and added a dinner plate, salad plate, also from Target, with an angular soup bowl and small appetizer plate I purchased at a dollar store. My favorite Ralph Lauren water glasses, purchased at HomeSense, added a touch of sparkle to the table. Some white napkins, my everyday cutlery, a few white roses with red berries (a farmer’s market find), and a candy dish of scotch mints (I always have a dish of scotch mints in the kitchen) completed the simple, elegant all white look.

Thanks so much for reading and thank you to Jordana for having me. I hope you have enjoyed this little peak into my attempt at adding more white into my décor! Feel free to visit me at Celebrating This Life.

Cheers!
Rox-Anne

 ***

Thanks, Rox-Anne! Your house is perfectly festive, and I’m impressed by how much white you have in your kitchen. I’m always on the lookout for Colonel Sanders figures for you, but they’re tough to find!

And for White Cabana readers who want to see how I decorate for Christmas, hop on over to Celebrating This Life today as I took over the blog!

The Friday Five: Paper Christmas Trees

Last week, I shared five black and white Christmas trees. This week, I’m sharing five paper Christmas trees. Who will be doing a bit of DIYing this holiday?

trees.pngREDDIY paper Christmas trees in black and white, Therese Knutsen

79ideas_the_invasion_of_the_paper_treesDIY paper Christmas trees in black and white, Seventy Nine Ideas

tks_hir_tre_1_largeDIY pop-up Christmas card, Maurice & King

v12523(1)5576b61561cc4via Creativ

paper-Christmas-treevia Craftaholics Anonymous

 Have a great weekend!

The Friday Five: Black and White Christmas Trees

Earlier this week, a colleague asked me if I had a white Christmas tree. Truth revealed – while I do have quite a few white ornaments, I mostly embrace a traditional green and red colour scheme at Christmas. I keep my decorations tame, but I do not shy away from these classic colours. I can’t yet bring myself to go all-white because I really like having a real tree in the house for the month of December.  Surprised?

What do you think about having a non-traditional tree? Would you go for a white or black version?

ombre4DIY ombre tree, via Little Inspiration

Feather-Tree-Vintage-Typewriter-Underwood-682x1024via Hymns and Verses

white-Christmas-treevia Shabby Chicks

IMG_6199-2via Eclectically Vintage

whitechristmastreepresentsvia Craftberry Bush

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Christmas: Advent Calendars

Tomorrow is December 1st! Eek! Have you begun decorating for the holidays? Besides the wreath on my front door and ordering my Christmas cards, I haven’t yet decorated*. I’m eager to decorate, though, as I love when my house is full of the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and the look of twinkly lights.

One of the first pieces of Christmas fun that many people go for is the classic advent calendar. When I was a kid, we always had simple chocolate advent calendars, but these days, there are so many ideas for more involved and creative calendars.

b392af97d6a432c7dca9eab8dc4039a0-1via

advent-calendar-DIYvia

simple-white-advent-calendarvia

simple-advent-calendarvia

advent-calendar-black-whitevia

weekdaycarnival_christmas+decoration+pieni16via

black-white-modern-advent-calendarvia

I love the last one, and it could be easily recreated in your preferred colour scheme. I think red and white would be really pretty.

See more advent calendars here, here, and here.

*I’ve been busy with this project.

Event: What’s Happening These Days in Kitchener-Waterloo

Anytime is a good time to visit (or move to!) the Waterloo region (see my Design*Sponge Waterloo city guide here), but Christmas time is especially charming. The streets and stores are decorated, and it seems to me that the people around town are happier than their usually happy selves.

Here is some of what is going on in the next few weeks in the region. If you know of any other events, please add them in the comments!

What: Tree trimming party
Where: Langdon Hall
When: Nov. 25th (tonight!)
Cost: Bring an ornament for the tree at Langdon Hall, then enjoy a drink and music. Learn more about Langdon Hall’s tree trimming event here.

Printphoto

What: Christkindl Market – At this traditionally German market in downtown Kitchener, you’ll find wooden German ornaments, delicious treats, and plenty of Glühwein.
Where: Downtown Kitchener – City Hall
When: The market is on from December 3rd to 6th.
Cost: free to attend

Christkindl-photophoto

What: The Grand Philharmonic Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah
When: Dec. 12th, 7:30pm
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $24-$74, tickets can be purchased here

MESSIAH_480x330photo

What: The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s Yuletide Spectacular
When: Dec. 18-20, various performances
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $19 and up, tickets can be purchased here

pops3-450x450photo

What: Christmas at Castle Kilbride – Marvel at the gorgeous Victorian decor at Castle Kilbride. Go for a tour or enjoy an apple cider and entertainment at a Merry Victorian Christmas
When: now until Jan. 3
Where: Castle Kilbride – Baden, Ontario
Cost: tours – adults $6.50 (see more here)

D8E_5398photo

Holiday: Getting Ready for Christmas with Minted

I know, I know, we haven’t even reached Halloween, and I’m already talking about Christmas! I realize that this is too early for some of you, and honestly, it’s a touch too early for me, too.

But…

When it comes to Christmas/holiday/New Year’s cards, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. It takes time to choose, write, and address cards, so why not start early? Who’s with me? I’ve just placed my order through Minted (this seems to have become my new holiday tradition…and it’s a good one if you ask me!), and the collection this year is a good one.

This year, Minted artists seem to be offering quite a few watercolour-inspired designs in mint and pale pink. Traditional green and red cards are plentiful, too, as are beautiful golden ones. And, as always, there are several black and white designs that catch the attention of people like me.

MIN-9Y2-HCP-003_A_PZGilded Pine by Kristie Kern

MIN-XQP-HCP-001HOLIDAY_D_PZLettered Thanks by Dawn Jasper

MIN-ZYJ-HCP-001CHRISTMAS_D_PZPaperclip Snowflake by Hooray Creative

MIN-AY7-HYC-003_A_PZModern Angles by Peony Papeterie

 If you’re looking to send out very personal cards, you may opt to turn your child’s drawing into a card or if you’d rather send online cards, Minted will offer this service soon as well. I’ve enjoyed watching this company expand its services, and its growing community of artists continues to impress me. I’m thrilled with my card selection this year, and I know you will be too if you head on over to Minted to place your order!

Thanks to Minted for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Food: Vanilla Danish Cookies

A couple of years ago, I learned about Danish chef Trine Hahnemann as I was munching on some simple vanilla cookies that a friend made from Trine’s recipe. The little white rings are full of goodness – they’re perfectly sized and have just enough sweetness.

Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-6

I didn’t make them in time for Christmas, but I did bake a batch in time for my family’s New Year’s Day feast.

Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-3Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-4Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-5

before – little ring cookies ready for the oven

Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-2Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-1after: little ring cookies ready to be eaten

Trine-hahnemann-danish-cookies-White-Cabana-7

Trine Hahnemann’s Vanilla Danish Butter Cookies

375 g butter
250 g sugar
1 egg
2 vanilla pods
500 g plain flour

1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the egg and continue beating.
3. Split the vanilla pods lengthways and scrape out the seeds with the tip of a knife. Stir them into the flour.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. (I knead the dough a little bit so everything sticks together.)
5. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and chill for (at least) two hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (I set mine at 390°F).
7. Roll the dough into very thin sausages about fix or six centimetres long. Curl each on into a ring and press the ends firmly together.
8. Place rings on a parchment-lined baking tray (I put the trays in the fridge for a few minutes before putting them in the oven. This helps them keep their small ring shape).
9. Bake for about eight minutes (I baked mine for about 6 minutes.)
10. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
11. Store the cookies in an airtight container and do not mix them with other types of cookies or they will go soft.

*Instead of converting the measurements into cups and tablespoons, I used a scale and weighed each of the ingredients.

Thanks to Emmy for teaching me about these delicious Danish cookies. Recipe via Red (original recipe is in The Scandinavian Cookbook). Photos by me.

Christmas: Stars at AOL Time Warner Center

I spent several holidays in Manhattan while my sister and her family lived there, and I always loved walking through the AOL Time Warner Center. The view is awesome and the star decorations are lovely. This photo is a few years old, but the stars – and the view – remain pretty darn special.

stars at the AOL Time Warner centre, photo by Jordana

Christmas: White Trees

We all know that I’m addicted to white. Yes, it’s true. When it comes to Christmas, however, I can’t resist adding green and red to the mix. I know, I know, it’s shocking. I love having a real live green tree (mine is from Ikea, and it smells so good!), and my colourful decorations remind me of the places I’ve travelled. That being said, when I saw this white tree at Rona last weekend, I wondered if I should give a white artificial tree a try one year.

White-Cabana-Rona-white-Christmas-4

I probably would end up just putting lights on it and calling it a day. Maybe I’ll wait for it to go on super sale, and then try it out next year.

I thought these Christmas decorations were also pretty cute:

White-Cabana-Rona-white-Christmas-1

White-Cabana-Rona-white-Christmas-3 White-Cabana-Rona-white-Christmas-2

Christmas: Holiday Goods at Ikea

I wish there was an Ikea in Kitchener-Waterloo. I miss spending chunks of my days there and browsing the collections with a coffee in hand. I haven’t yet made my way there to see this year’s holiday collection in person (or to stock up on Glogg), but I’m looking forward to doing so in a couple of weeks (if there’s anything still in stock, that is!). For now, I’ve rounded up some of the items that have caught my attention.

Ikea-Christmas-1 Ikea-Christmas-2 Ikea-Christmas-3

See more at Ikea.

The Friday Five: Advent Calendars

December 1st is right around the weekend corner…time to get those advent calendars ready! Here are some of my favourites from Etsy.

advent-calendar-Etsy

minimalist advent calendar, $80.11

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advent calendar pouches, $69.66

il_570xN.645196022_4das

advent calendar kit, $27.44

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hanging advent calendar, $88.00

il_570xN.272060465

advent calendar reindeer parade, $31.77

Have a wonderful weekend!

Holiday: Minted Cards

I cannot believe it’s October and I opted to write a holiday post. What has come over me? I’ll tell you what – Minted has come through once again this year with a beautiful selection of amusing, traditional, and whimsical holiday cards.

MIN-VL6-HNP-007BNEWYEAR_A_CP

grand new year

 

MIN-FX0-HNP-011NHOLIDAY_A_CP

vintage library card

MIN-VM4-HNP-007BHOLIDAY_E_CP

modern confetti

MIN-VM7-HNP-007BHOLIDAY_C_CP

poinsettia pattern

MIN-XYM-HNP-007BHOLIDAY_A_CP

someone dear

MIN-1GL-HNP-007BHOLIDAY_A_CP

sign of peace

MIN-TQG-HNP-007BHOLIDAY_A_CP

elegant wreath

MIN-GF2-HNP-011CHOLIDAY_A_CP

sparkle and shine

My order arrived last week and I am thrilled (once again) with the design and paper quality of these cards. The cards are also very customizable – flat, folded, booklet, photos, curved edges, gold foil, etc. There’s no reason not to order holiday cards now.

Holiday: O Tannenbaum

I’ve prepared my 2nd Christmas carol remix for you this Monday morning…ready?

Christmas-tree-DIY-bake

O Tannenbaum

whitechristmastreepresents

O Tannenbaum

Christmas-tree

How lovely are your branches!

evergreen-cards-martha-stewart

In beauty green white will always grow

adams_Trees-and-Snow

Through summer sun and winter snow.

Christmas-tree-etsy

O Tannenbaum

554x795xbranches-christmas-tree.jpg.pagespeed.ic.q2iWnl5Oyf

O Tannenbaum

tumblr_mx79ss1rP61rydqpho1_400

How lovely are your branches!

And if you’re still shopping for Christmas gifts, head on over to Design Maze where I’ve posted a black & white gift guide.

Holiday: Jingle Bells

Can I turn a classic Christmas tune into a blog post? Let’s find out, shall we?

main__MG_0646

jingle bells

jingle-bells-winter

jingle bells

jingle bell wreath

jingle all the way

MIN-27H-HNP-001HOLIDAY_C_PD

oh what fun

it is to ride

sleigh-bed-white

in a one (horse) open sleigh (bed)

What do you think? Does it work? You may just find more of my Christmas song interpretations making the pages of White Cabana in the next 12 days!

Marketplace: Christmas at The Home Depot

Will Martha Stewart be coming to your home for Christmas this year? She can if you first head to the Home Depot and stock up on some of her holiday decorations. Here are some of the items that caught my attention in the Arctic collection.

Home-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-2

glass owl, $9.87 Home-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-4

star tree topper, $14.97Home-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-5

set of 6 ornaments, $9.96
Home-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-8

101 ornaments, $26.96

Home-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-9

penguinsHome-Depot-Martha-Stewart-Christmas-11 items from Martha Stewart’s Arctic collection

Marketplace: Pinhole Press + Holiday Collection

There are so many creative ways to use photos nowadays. From cards to memory games to mugs to calendars – there’s a way to perfectly personalize holiday gifts and stationery. Pinhole Press, as you may have previously heard, makes gift giving quite easy.

You could start with holiday cards to send to family and friends.

Mohawk Pinhole Press

Silent Night card

Joy-Pinhole-Press

Joy! card

Mohawk Pinhole Press

Merry Merry card

Peace-card

Peace card

You could then get coordinating labels and gift tags.

86-2-0-01-PD1-PinholePress

gift labels

Unique gifts for children and adults include memory games, photo books, and magnetic notepads.

27-1-0-01-PD1-PinholePressmemory game

PinholePress_1-20016_PD2

desk blotter

3-60011-021

magnetic notepad

Do you like receiving personalized gifts like the ones above? Don’t you think it’s a great way to remember – and share – happy moments?

Images courtesy of Pinhole Press.

 

Marketplace: Christmas at EQ3

Yup – the shops are in full-on Christmas mode (and have been since November 1st, right?)! Let’s have a look at a few of the goodies that Winnipeg-based EQ3 has to offer this year…

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Christopher decorative tree, $19.99

 

owl-EQ3

owl ornament, $14.99 for 3g3nAizCQuzUUu_B4UMEWOCRr53QfMlnIVN4G3oi0D4M

 

Radiate paper star, $7.99

Marimekko-fabric-EQ3

Marimekko fabric – Kuusikossa

Note: Marimekko fabric is 25% off until November 25th at select EQ3 stores in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

The Friday Five: Wintery Living Rooms

I’m ending the week here with five beautiful wintery white living spaces.

via Country Living

photo by Katya De Grunwald, via House to Home (thanks to Colin for the submission)

via Scrapbook

via House & Home

photo by Kate Sears

Have a wonderful weekend!

Don’t be surprised if you don’t see daily updates over the next week or two. I’m taking a mini blog break!

Marketplace: Drake General Store

Still on the hunt for a cool Christmas gift for (insert the name of your favourite person who you haven’t yet bought for)? If you’re in Toronto then it’ll be worth your while to visit Drake General Store. The shop is full of quirky, interesting, amusing, and Canadiana products that are sure to fulfill your favourite (insert person)’s wish list.

ceramic cactus, $22

p’tite poutine bowl, $24

hidden owl mug, $32

countdown clock, $135

The Friday Five: Winter Wreaths

I know a lot of us are focused on our trees right now…but how ’bout them wreaths? Do you hang up a wreath (or several) for the holidays? I have one with white wool pompoms (easy DIY) on my front door…it stays up all winter long.

via Dust Jacket

via Sweet Paul

DIY book pages wreath – via See Kate Sew

via Willow Decor

DIY pinecone wreath – via Casa Sugar

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

20 Below: Holidays at IKEA

Ikea is making it pretty easy for us to bring a good Jul (holiday season) into our homes this year (and every year, right?) what with its super selection of holiday items that are less than $20. For a very special edition of 20 Below, I am featuring not one but five great white decor items from Ikea that can be used during – and after – the holidays.

STRÅLA  7-armed candelabra, $19.99

BLOMSTER lantern $19.99

JULKUL pastry cutter, set of 6 $4.99

STRÃ…LA floor lamp, $16.99

JULFINT mug, $2.49

Images courtesy of Ikea.

Pop Up! – Christmas at ABC Carpet & Home

Last week we went to visit Santa with the boys at the beautiful ABC Carpet and Home. For those of you who don’t know – it is one of NYC’s most stunning shops! The visit kick started the Christmas season for us and I long for all-white Christmas decor thanks to these inspiring vignettes!

photos by Corie

The Friday Five: Holiday Gift Giving

If you’re still thinking of gift giving today, then perhaps you’ll consider making a donation to a favourite charity in honour of someone you love. There are so many wonderful causes to support but here are five wonderful organizations that I contribute to at this and other times of the year.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Cancer Society

Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital

Children’s Wish Foundation

Heart & Stroke Foundation

To which organizations do you contribute? Please share.