The More the Merrier
AN ENSEMBLE EFFORT
It takes a well-oiled machine to produce House & Home, now Canada’s largest paid circulation magazine! Overseeing the operation is our extraordinary editorial director, Alice Lawlor.
IN MY HOUSE, we start decking the halls early and we go all out. My partner, Amy, and I are British, so it probably has something to do with rebelling against our stiff-upper-lip DNA (I certainly didn’t grow up with a giant light-up moose on my front lawn). But it’s also a way to create new traditions when our families are a transatlantic plane ride away.
Whenever we travel somewhere with our kids, Freddie, 6, and Henry, 2, we buy an ornament as a souvenir. It has to be something that reminds us of the trip, and if there’s a story attached to how or where we found it, even better. Freddie is like a magpie — if it’s hideous and gaudy, he wants it. Which is why there’s a tabletop tree tucked away in his bedroom where all the “best” (worst) ornaments end up. The tasteful ones are loaded onto
The Big Tree, which takes forever because we have to stop and reminisce about each treasure.
I was reminded of my ornament obsession when I started work on this issue and pulled out the results of our online holiday poll from last December. It was a survey of what our readers want in a holiday issue, and I was struck by how many of you share my feelings. The overall message: show us homes (and trees) that are dressed to the nines. “More of a mix of holiday decorating styles would be nice; I can appreciate simple, natural holiday decorating as well as all-out unapologetic Christmas glam,” wrote one reader. “More colour, more individual family traditions, more international looks and vibes,” was another request. And: “More crafts!!”
Well, we listened. If you were in any doubt about whether you can go big and keep it sophisticated, turn to page 72 for Philip Mitchell’s nostalgic, layered home. Our designer mantels ( page 66) show six different ways to make a festive statement, however (and whatever) you celebrate. And our brilliant design editors have come up with 12 great craft projects, starting on page 82.
You might be thinking, OK, but it’s only October. Consider this: after the rollercoaster of 2020, don’t we deserve an extra dose of holiday cheer? From the local retailers and restaurants who need our business to the extra people we’ll be buying thank-you gifts for this year — we could all benefit from a longer season of giving and goodwill. I’m starting now, and I’m not stopping until 2021. Happy holidays!