One of the best parts about living in the city around this time of year, is seeing it get all gussied up for the holidays. The traffic and noise seems to melt away when you see the little shops dressing up their window displays, community parks stringing up colourful lights and ornaments being hung on the big trees at the ice rink. The buzz of the city gearing up for Christmas shopping had me pulling out of my "it-still-feel-like-Fall" stuppor long enough to go look around for some gift-giving inspiration.
Queen Street West is one of my favorite stretches of the city. It is packed with fantastic little boutiques showcasing the latest greatest in urban design and fashion. The window displays are full of inspiring decor, and gorgeous cocktail dresses. The quaint cafes and trendy bistros are pulling out on the stops on their holiday treats, and of course I'm incapable of resisting the allure of all the fabric stores in the Fashion District. The charming prints and luxe textures are calling to me. If you're looking for funky, unique gifts for the holidays, take a stroll down this street and you'll be in heaven.
I also happened to stop by the Eaton's Centre, where the big guys pulled out all the stops with this gorgeous gigantic tree. This year it was over two stories high and absolutely covered in decorations by
Swarovski Crystal.
I'm usually a big fan of traditional colours for the holidays, but this simple white and sparkle motif is absolutely striking. You can actually buy the 2009 Swarovski Star for a whooping $95. Maybe I'll stick with the popcorn garland...
I was absentmindedly walking by the
Hudson Bay Company on Queen Street, when I noticed this incredible series of window displays. All around the store there were amazingly detailed and animated miniature scenes of Santa and his elves sharing a meal, making toys and loading up the sleigh. There was even a Victorian scene of the bustling streets of Toronto full of shoppers sharing yuletide greetings long ago.
Just look at the detail of the food on that table. All those decadent dishes are making me already have sweet dreams of my Great Aunt's Christmas pudding with brown sugar sauce. How am I supposed to wait three weeks? Mrs. Claus even drapes one of the original
Hudson Bay Company blankets over Santa's shoulders. Too cute. If you are passing by downtown Toronto at any point during the holidays I HIGHLY recommend you stop by for a look. There were kids with their faces pressed right to the glass trying to catch every moment. Its one of the more magical and kid-friendly displays that I have seen, unlike the creepy snowmen at
Holt's, and there is still plenty to delight older window shoppers too.
While I was in the area, I stopped by
Canadian Tire to take a look at their miniature tree selection. I am really digging this feathered tree look this year and I might try to make my own. But then again, I'm starting to think that I am taking off a bit more than I can chew this year. Making all these plans to decorate, bake and craft seemed like nothing back in November, but now that all the invites for personal and professional parties are coming in, my time seems to be evaporating. When am I going to get all that shopping done that I've been avoiding? or finish up that last round of Christmas cards? But then again that is part of the excitement...trying to get everything done on time and doing it to show those who you love how much they mean to you all year round.
How is your Christmas prep going? Are your decorations up yet? Making any headway with the shopping?
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