A Picture-Perfect Christmas
Each year the Hillcrest Apostolic Ladies’ Liturgy Group hosts an evening designed to start the Christmas season on a positive note. This year’s theme was ‘A Picture-Perfect Christmas’. The first presenter was designer Jillian Bilawchuk. She advised to think about the bones of the home before deciding on a style of décor and went on to say that personal style should also be considered. Considering how fast styles change, it is almost impossible to keep up with the trends, but little touches here and there can incorporate the ones you like the most.
Some tips to begin were to start with basic pieces of furniture, then change little things to mark the change of seasons. These can include throw pillows, small decorative pieces and artwork. A large beautiful bowl on a coffee table can be filled with ornaments, pine cones, or other objects that reflect personal taste. The same can be done with large outdoor pots. Gallery walls are the latest trend that can easily be changed to accommodate Christmas, or any other holiday. She demonstrated how to decorate an inexpensive frame to make a picture perfect decoration. It should be covered with foam, wrapped in green duct tape, and then covered in greenery, artificial flowers and ribbons. Dawnelle Brown and Crystal Moore, two local photographers who specialize in portrait photography, answered questions about their businesses and offered hints for capturing the perfect memories during Christmas. They recommend using natural light as much as possible, taking photos during the day, or outdoors if possible. Start with the most important groupings first. That way, everyone will be fresh. Candid shots almost always depict natural facial expressions and feelings. The goal is to strive to get the best shots without having to edit.
If you are in a posed photograph, avoid standing square to the lens; this makes you look like a box. Your belly button should be at about a 45-degree angle to the camera. Bending the leg closest to the photographer gives the illusion of smaller hips. And all the ladies said, “Amen” to that.” Guest speaker, Krista Penner, a leadership development expert from British Columbia, started off her presentation by giving baked bread to some of the audience. Delivering her message, she incorporated personal stories and jokes, keeping the audience in stitches. The main theme was the importance of belonging and how it drives individuals’ decisions. Three cues that drive belonging are: Safety, identity and a shared future. As far as family gatherings go, “belonging supersedes weirdness” and in the context of large family gatherings, it’s a safe place to be.
The evening ended with a large selection of desserts and savory treats, and live entertainment by Stadacona Soul. There was also a silent auction with all proceeds of the evening going to Joe’s Place.