An Etsy Christmas collaboration
B.C. lifestyle guru Jillian Harris partners with the popular website to hand-pick holiday gems
If you’re hoping to have a very haute holiday filled with cute and covetable items, Jillian Harris has just the collection for you.
The lifestyle guru and interior designer partnered with online destination Etsy Canada to hand-pick nine Canadian “makers,” asking each one to create a piece for her holiday release.
The limited-edition launch includes items for the home (including a chunky knit throw and porcelain plates) and your closet (including the perfect red party dress from B.C.-based designer Emma Knudsen).
The new mom and allaround tastemaker took a break to chat briefly with Postmedia about the launch, the products and her holiday plans for this year’s festivities.
Q
How did this collaboration come about?
A
I’ve partnered with Etsy in the past and it’s always been such a positive experience. I really like working with the makers. Last year, the Etsy team approached me with the idea of collaborating with nine Canadian Etsy makers for a limited-edition holiday collection and I immediately wanted to be a part of it. Fast forward a year and multiple calls, emails and revisions later, and we’re finally here watching it all come to fruition.
I love Etsy and I love the holidays, so naturally, it’s a fit. I’m a huge fan of supporting small, local business and that’s what Etsy is all about. I think there is something special about the holidays so it seemed to tie the two together perfectly.
Q
How did you select the brands/products to include?
A
I’ve always had a running list of my favourite Etsy makers, so I already had some in mind.
The Etsy team had also curated a list of many Canadian Etsy makers who were not only making quality products, but they were also in great standing when it came to the running of their Etsy shops. And, could fit with our holiday theme.
We compared the two lists, selected the ones we had in common right away and then researched the others to find the perfect fit to match my style and esthetic.
Q
What do you anticipate being the most popular?
A
We’ve had a lot of excitement over the crocheted hats, they’re perfect for the upcoming holiday season and they have adult and baby sizes so they are great for “mommy and me” matching outfits or gifts. The pillow cases and candle have also been stirring up interest.
Q
Which is your absolute favourite?
A
This is a tough question because I love each and every item. They all bring something different to the table, and each of them embrace the holidays in their own unique way. When it comes to cosying up, the knit blanket is amazing, if you’re having company over the holidays the ceramic mugs, salad plates, and shallow bowls along with the whitewashed charcuterie board are fantastic for entertaining. But then there’s also the Jilly Dress, and the slouchy sequin clutch, which are perfect for dressing up for holiday parties, along with the heart check dog collar and bow.
Q
What’s your favourite part of the holiday season?
A
Everything. I love decorating my home and playing my favourite Christmas music. I love being surrounded by family and friends and just embracing every little bit about this magical season.
Q
And your fondest holiday memory?
A
We’ve always had big holiday get-togethers in our family, so that has always been something I look forward to. Justin and I also got engaged on Christmas morning a couple of years ago ... and now we have Leo and Annie and Nacho — so, I think some of my fondest memories are yet to come.
Q
How can we expect to see you spending the holidays this season through your social channels/site?
A
We are heading to Calgary to spend Christmas with Justin’s family and then we will be packing the kids off and heading to Arizona to spend NYE with my mom and dad.