It’s that time of year again which means it’s time for…Our Ultimate Holiday Décor Guide!
Falalala, the holidays are upon us, and what better way to spread some cheer than with our SJ Holiday Décor Gift Guide! As designers, we’ve whipped up a festive collection that’s perfect for your favorite hostess or your next white elephant showdown—because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a surprise gift that raises eyebrows! This guide isn’t just for them; go ahead and treat yourself! We’ve curated a list of items ranging from the trendy to the delightfully quirky, all brimming with nostalgia inspired by our own holidays and cherished traditions. Grab your hot cocoa, and let’s deck the halls (and the gift-giving spirit) together!
Christmas Village
On the first day of Christmas my designer gifted me… A Christmas village! Welcome to Christmas town, where Starbuck’s holiday drinks are served all year round and the only mode of transportation is a snowmobile—who needs sleighs when you’ve got snow boots and a revved-up spirit?
For Erin, our Junior Designer and Studio Manager, this charming village holds a special place in her heart. “[Growing up] I would spend hours rearranging and setting up the little houses and people… and my mom still saves it for me to set up when I go home to visit over the holidays,” creating a timeless holiday tradition between mother and daughter.
The joyful village is the perfect holiday decorating adventure for the kids and can be a fun way to kick off the season! With its compact size, the village can pop up just about anywhere. Picture it perched atop a cozy fireplace mantle (whether you’re rocking a real or electric fire, it’s guaranteed to feel cozy), glamorously showcased in entryways by Erin, or nestled among your favourite books on the shelves.
For the ultimate source of Christmas village charm, swing by Dockyard in Sunnyside Mall or Thornbloom on South Park Street—these spots are the holy grails of holiday decor in the city! I guarantee you’ll leave with an entire town (and then some). Get ready to deck the halls in style!
Nutcrackers of All Sizes
On the second day of Christmas my designer gifted me… Two GIANT nutcrackers! For Victoria, Senior Designer and Co-Owner, it’s always been her dream to have massive nutcrackers greet her by the front door over the holiday season. In her opinion they are hands down her most joyful purchase. “They are really fun and shockingly easy to put up! Though my husband may disagree. Add in a wreath and some greenery and you don’t need the hassle of doing a bunch of exterior lighting since they have such a presence and light up at night. The kids love them and they are always a conversation piece when people come visit.”
These 6ft nutcrackers can be found at Costco for half the price you can find them anywhere else.
If you love the idea of a nutcracker but maybe not a six foot one… Indigo has some very minimalistic designs that feel very on trend for only twenty bucks!
Those Cute Ornaments You See Everywhere
On the third day of Christmas, my designer gifted me… Three boxes bursting with vintage ornaments! Seriously, can we talk about how ornaments add that perfect touch to any gift? They’re like tiny, sentimental time capsules! Maja, our fabulous Senior Designer, has a heartwarming tradition where she gifts her daughters boxes every year filled with Christmas jammies (duh!) and a special ornament. “That way by the time they’re ready to leave the nest they will have a nice collection of special ornaments.” I mean, who’s cutting onions here? Because I’m not crying—you are!
If you’re looking for specialty ornaments, the local stores do a fantastic job of putting together a curated collection and Anthropologie will always have some treasures. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming, fun felty’s or something downright cheeky! Anthro is our ultimate team favourite for shopping all things holiday.
Decorative Dinnerware
On the fourth day of Christmas, my designer gifted me… Four adorable gingerbread men! MJ, our Junior Designer, has a sweet spot for festive traditions, especially the legendary cookies and milk ritual for Santa. “Growing up, my mom had this iconic Santa plate emblazoned with ‘Cookies for Santa’ on his beard. I’m convinced it was a Hallmark gem she snagged when she first decked the halls of her own home!” Now, this cherished plate makes its grand entrance every year and has graduated to starring in her bar cart’s Christmas cookie and hot chocolate extravaganza. Holiday utensils and quirky plateware make fabulous gifts—after all, not everyone wants to spend on these seasonal delights themselves. But when they pull them out for parties or just to brighten up their decor, joy is guaranteed! Who knows, it might just hold Santa’s next delectable batch of cookies—I’m sure he’d be delighted!
Pottery Barn has a special collection with Rifle & Co, transforming characters from A Nutcracker’s Christmas into whimsical prints sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Colourful Ribbons Everywhere
On the fifth day of Christmas my designer gifted me… Five glorious yards of velvet ribbon! Talk about a festive makeover! Ribbons are taking the décor world by storm, and the best part? You can totally DIY it! Our incredible senior designer, Sarah, can’t get enough of this luxurious fabric— “I love using it to transform everyday items – like my cookie jar, to feel more festive during the holiday season. Adding little bows to the Christmas tree, wreathes, even a special touch for gift wrapping!” Seriously ribbons in hand, you can quite literally bow anything and everything into fabulousness!
Instead of using the traditional Christmas palette, opt for a fun colour for a more playful look— we promise it will still read very festive!
Classic Candles
On the sixth day of Christmas my designer gifted me… Six candle holders (for my eight-foot island). Natalie, our talented Senior Designer and Founder, knows that successful decorating is all about location, location, location—especially when it comes to holiday gatherings. With the kitchen as the party central, she goes all out to make her island a showstopper. “My kitchen is where everyone gathers, so I love having the island as the show piece of my space.” she says, adorning it with real winter greens and chic candlesticks that scream festive flair.
Candles are the MVPs of gift-giving, no matter the season. But how do you elevate a candle from “meh” to magnificent? Enter taper candles and their chic holders—the ultimate glow-up! Not only do they look stunning, but they also come scent-free, which means you can skip the stress of guessing scent preferences. Plus, they’re great for budget-friendly gifts like Secret Santa or White Elephant—who could resist that?
For some last-minute shopping, look no further than Dockyard and Bellissimo for trendy taper options. And if you’re hunting for something truly unique, West Elm has got you covered with delightful finds! Let’s light up the holidays with style!
A packaged set of six tapers, that come in plain or twisted in an array of colours – for under $25!
If you’re looking for something different? We love the depth of these cone candles for $30. They’re sure to pack a punch at your next table setting!
A candle snuffer & wick trimmer are the perfect pairing to any candle gift. These are from Amazon and sold as a set for under $20!
As we wrap up our holiday decor gift guide, let’s take a moment to embrace the nostalgia that makes this season so magical. Remember the thrill of unearthing those cherished ornaments from childhood, each adorned with stories and memories? This year, let your decor do the talking: whether you’re decking the halls with classic pieces that tug at your heartstrings or unleashing your inner elf with quirky, whimsical accents, the key is to celebrate the past while creating new memories. So go ahead, gift that fabulous flamingo ornament or the snazzy snowman with a top hat—because nothing screams “Merry and Bright” quite like a sprinkle of nostalgia mixed with a dash of fun! Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and that delightful warmth of shared moments. Cheers to decking the halls and making memories—one fabulous gift at a time, happy decorating!
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