FROM OUR EDITOR

It happens every year: At the height of summer, my work life is suddenly consumed with talk of twinkle lights, evergreen boughs and brilliant baubles. When I first started in the magazine world, where content is produced several months in advance, this off-season focus on the holidays was jarring. But over the years, I’ve come to embrace and even await it. Who doesn’t want the good vibes to last and last? In that vein, I proudly present our annual Holiday Decorating issue, dedicated to my fellow early celebrators.

Tastefully trimmed, our feature homes promise to inspire with unique covetable Christmas looks. In an expansive yet intimate Blainville, Que., home, designer Jean Stéphane Beauchamp sets the mood using sophisticated colour and handmade touches (see “Festive Special,” page 84), while designer Denise Ashmore highlights the natural side of the season in her own modern-meets-earthy Vancouver space (“Winter Wonderful,” page 70). For a light take on the holidays, designer and stylist Carrie McCarthy’s cottage on South Pender Island, B.C., showcases a pale Scandi-style aesthetic (“Merry & Light,” page 78). For more festive flourishes, see the Holiday Decorating section ( page 45), where we deliver tons of jubilant ideas, from bright pompom ornaments and glam metallic dreidel garlands to playful plaid packaging and a real eucalyptus table runner. And be sure to check out our gift guide ( page 34) to find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

I hope the following pages help you kick-start a stylish holiday season, as they did for me all those months ago.