Sparkle and shine

Don’t be afraid to glitz it up this season

One of the best things about decorating for the holidays is that it allows us to indulge our fondness for all things sparkly and bright. Forget restraint: Bring on the glitter and bedazzle away. Of course, you could always limit yourself to a few tasteful tea lights or a subtle string of fairy lights. Even the littlest spark is a good way to brighten the dark days of December. But why not have some fun with it? Fill your home with golden accessories and icy ornaments, with sequins, beads, crystals and metallics of every hue. And don’t forget the twinkly LED lights. It’s the best way to shine this holiday season.

SHINY BAUBLES

Load your tree up with glittering ornaments like this filigree ball from Gluckstein Home. You can’t really overdo the sparkly, so go all out, mixing metallic and motifs with festive abandon. Add a garland or two for even more dazzle. The more you pile on, the more impact you will have.

Hudson’s Bay | $4.99, thebay.com

BRANCH OUT

With El Niño keeping things warm and wet this winter, it’s unlikely we’ll see much snow here on the West Coast. But you can still enjoy the idea of a snowy forest with iced beaded branches from The Cross. Gather several in a vase for a centrepiece the Snow Queen would love.

The Cross | $3.95, thecrossdesign.com

TWINKLE, TWINKLE

One of the easiest and chicest ways to add sparkle to your holiday decor is with batteryoperated LED fairy lights. Look for ones that come on wire strands that can be sculpted to fit wherever you want a flash of light. Add even more visual interest with interesting designs, like these star-shaped Gabrielle lights from Indigo.

Indigo | $20, chapters.indigo.ca

LIGHT BRIGHT

Add a festive glow to any table with sparkly tea light holders like these from Much & Little on Main Street. The metallic interior adds extra shine power to that little flame. Note: Instead of cheap paraffin-based candles, opt for batteryoperated tea lights if you want to prevent messes, including smoke stains, and reduce fire risk.

Much & Little | $12.95, muchandlittle.com

GOLD STANDARD

Gold is back. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen so much of the warm, yellow metal. It looks fresh and welcoming, and best of all, just a little bit makes a huge impact. One appealing way to add a touch of gold is with elegant accessories like these stylish ginger jars from Williams-Sonoma Home.

Williams-Sonoma Home | $109.03, WSHome.com