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December 19, 2014

Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorating Ideas

Pick up some last-minute tips!

Bright colours pop against dark walls.

Designer Timothy Johnson went with inky walls, drapes and carpeting in this showstopping second-floor den, which allow the room's bright accents to shine. Lemon-yellow ikat chairs, a chartreuse leather sofa, jewel-tone gifts and a sleek white mantel pop against the dark envelope, while a simple evergreen wreath is a subtle hit of holiday cheer.

Find more holiday inspiration in our photo gallery of Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Source: House & Home November 2013 issue

Products: Ottoman, Lee Industries; custom sofa and chairs, Louis Interiors; carpet, Elte; drape fabric, Y&Co; mantel, Wolstencraft Kitchens; drape design, Timothy Johnson Design; drape sewing, Fine Interiors.

Curvy stools complement linear mouldings.

An elegant, understated front hall is a visitor's first glimpse into this traditional yet contemporary three-storey Victorian. Designer Timothy Johnson transformed two vintage mirror-top tables into slipper stools, lacquering the legs in a pale grey and updating the upholstery with white leather, a mod counterpoint to the space's classic mouldings. Gifts wrapped in glam paper add a hit of rich colour, while chinoiserie urns picked up for a song in Chinatown brighten the bay window.

Find more holiday inspiration in our photo gallery of Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Source: House & Home November 2013 issue

Products: Benches, Patina Antiques; bench refinishing, Louis Interiors.

Fun ribbon adds whimsy to plain gift wrap.

A playful mix of ribbon — graphic black-and-white stripe, sheer polka dot and classic velvety red — give plain paper a serious dose of fun, perfect for a young family's Christmas tree.

Check out our under $100 gift guide and under $500 guide guide!

Source: House & Home November 2013 issue

Jewel-toned ornaments with shiny and matte finishes show brilliantly against a feathery white faux tree.

Instead of going for an overly coordinated tree, mix and match new and vintage decorations in a variety of shapes, sizes and saturated hues to achieve a playful feel — the more colour, the merrier! Use a graphic patterned giftwrap — here, it's stripes and polka dots — to amp up the drama of the tree.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Christmas Decorations, 3 Holiday Decorating Styles, Bold Holiday Colour Combinations and Designers' Holiday Decorating Tips.

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Chair, floor lamp, Angus & Company; Egeby rug in Natural, Ikea; artwork, Boo Boo & Lefty; wall colour, Blue Box (SR26) from the Sarah Richardson Designer palette, Para Paints; red tapered ornaments, brass stars, Accents de Ville; gingerbread men, crackle balls, Abbott; traditional plastic balls, The Home Depot.

For seasonal sparkle, incorporate silver and gold accents such as a gilt-framed mirror or strings of metallic beads.

Christmas is the most colourful time of year, so why limit yourself to red and green? A pink and blue palette is equally festive. Drape a pale blue throw over a chair or stash utilitarian items in decorative pastel baskets and bags.

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Add height in unexpected places.

This very high mantle has an imposing, theatrical quality that adds dimension to the room. The casual holiday decor is a great example of less-is-more.

Photographer: Jean Longpré

Source: Maison & Demeure December 2009 issue

Products: Baskets, lanterns, mirror, Moutarde Décor;

Icy silver, cool blue and crisp white make a stunning combination.

Designer Darci Ilich, co-owner of Vancouver home store The Cross, filled her pretty white living room with metallic accessories for a seriously luxe look. Glossy blue ornaments add a pop of wintry colour on her flocked Christmas tree and miniature tabletop firs.

See more festive photos in our White Holiday Decorating photo gallery.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2009 issue

Products: Artwork, Bau-Xi Gallery; sofa, chairs, table, sconces, lamp, The Cross.

Greet guests with a warm and welcoming front hall.

Two substantial lamps sit on either side of a hefty mirror, making a grand first impression upon entering this house. A pint-size artificial tree is a playful decorative touch for the holidays that doesn't require too much upkeep.

Photographer: Jean Longpré

Source: Maison & Demeure December 2009 issue

Products: Lamps, small tree and ornaments, votives, basket, mirror, artwork, Moutarde Décor.

A new twist on a traditional colour scheme.

Red and gold are Christmas classics that can easily be kicked up a notch with a frosty blue accent. Keep the look elegant with silk ribbons and simple knotted bows.

Check out our under $100 gift guide and under $500 guide guide!

Photographer: Tracy Shumate

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Algonquin pine tree, Floridus; vintage ornaments, Putti; wrapping paper, Waste Not Paper/Paper Source, through Paper E. Clips; gift boxes, Solutions; ribbon, Masterstroke Canada.

Organic accents and handmade treasures.

Designer Nicola Marc opted for understated, monochromatic holiday decor in her Montreal apartment. She adorned her refurbished antique armoire with a homemade gold paper chain and added a bowl of spray-painted walnuts and sprigs of greenery. The result is festive but elegant.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Monic Richard

Source: House & Home Nov 2012 issue

Products: Armoire exterior colour, Strong White (2001), interior colour, Borrowed Light (235), The Broccato Papers (Renaissance BP 2809) wallpaper, Farrow & Ball.

Use paper for easy DIY Christmas decor.

Using paper to create festive flourishes is a simple and affordable way to decorate for the holidays. This pink and red DIY poinsettia garland was made using a stencil and cardstock, layering three cutouts on top of each other, securing them in the centre and then gluing them on to craft wire. Weaving a string of white lights through the garland and punching each bulb through a metallic candy cup adds an extra bit of sparkle.

Click here for a stencil you can print out.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Christmas Decorating Ideas and Gorgeous Garlands.

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Products: Textured cardstock, American Crafts; reindeer pelt, antler, Love The Design; brass candlesticks, white canister, white vase, Cythia Findlay Antiques; brass cups, Mjölk.

Green accents instantly give this room festive flair.

Patterned drapes soften the corner of this guest bedroom, where a spool chair and pedestal table create a cosy nook to read or wrap gifts.

Source: House & Home December 2011 issue

Products: Drape fabric, Bilbrough & Co.; drape fabrication, Draperyworks; cricket bench, Uniquities; chair, throw, Chintz & Company; side table, Burnett; candlestick, Pottery Barn.

Designer: Barbara Purdy, Barbara Purdy Design.

Use warm metals for a classic yet modern look.

Homeowner Bryn Currie scattered her collection of gold, bronze and white ornaments over the tree and cypress garland on the mantel. Mixing white and cream with the natural greenery gives a fresh, elegant look, while the warm metallics add festive sparkle.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Source: House & Home Nov 2012 issue

Products: Faux tree, Canadian Tire; linen stocking, garland, Nous Design Group; stocking fabric, MacFab Fabrics; basket, Angus & Company.

Use a mercury glass vase on a console table for extra sparkle.

Add glitz and glam for the holidays with a constellation of starburst wall ornaments or leave them up year-round for a cool mid-century modern vibe. A bowl of clementines adds colour.

Photographer: Kim Jeffery

Source: House & Home December 2011 issue

Products: Two's Company starburst wall art, Teatro Verde; W3060-1 wallpaper, Kravet Canada (to the trade); console, lamp, Kantelberg & Company; mercury glass vase, crystal objects, Decorum; black Mud Australia bowl, Hollace Cluny.

Make your holiday decor original with paper snowflake pendants.

For a fun twist on a traditional centerpiece, suspend giant, lacy paper snowflakes above the dining table using silk ribbon. Both feminine and whimsical, they'll make dinner time infinitely more festive. If you're not the crafty type, you can purchase premade versions, like these ones from The Paper Place.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Source: House & Home Nov 2012 issue

In place of a standard tablecloth, layer neutral fabrics with raw edges for a rustic look.

For a fresh take on holiday decorating that's also budget-friendly, stick to small festive touches. Inject colour with sprigs of greenery on the table and larger evergreen stems on accent tables. Line unscented candle pillars, tapers and tealights throughout.

Find more holiday decorating ideas in our guide and photo galleries of Party-Ready Dining Rooms, Holiday Tables and Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Products: French doors, mantel, The Door Store; mirror, Boo Boo & Lefty; grain sack, Kantelberg & Co.; accent table, 1212 Décor; Lucite sculptures, Decorum Decorative Finds; chair, Mjo?lk.

High-wattage hues & quirky accessories.

Homeowner Susan Dyer chose bright, colourful Christmas decorations to complement the soft, cream and pink colour palette in her living room. Playful polka-dot Christmas stockings by Japanese artist Midori are hung along the mantel and jewel tone presents are scattered at the base of the tree. Quaint vintage-inspired objects along the mantel, like the minature house, lend charm and character.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Source: House & Home Nov 2012 issue

Products: Mido's Tail Stockings, Advice from a Caterpillar; house, Teatro Verde.

Slipcovered armchairs provide a cosy place for morning coffee.

Nestled between the two glass-fronted cabinets, a store-bought gingerbread house adds a sense of whimsy to this inviting breakfast room. Glass-fronted cupboards work with the coffered ceiling to ground the elegant round table.

Photographer: Angus Fergusson

Source: House & Home December 2011 issue

Products: Glasses (on tray), mercury glass compote, Cynthia Findlay Antiques; cookies (on tray) silver bottles, white compote, Angus & Company; pendant, Sescolite; Black Toast pottery, Emma Bridgewater.

Designer: Contractor, Jamie Veitch, Veitch Construction; architecture, Peter Higgins, Peter Higgins Architect; millwork, Gemini Kitchens.

Create a snow globe-like scene.

Use inexpensive glass domes in a variety of sizes and place festive objects like bottlebrush trees, vintage ornaments or special cards underneath. A garland of dried eucalyptus cleverly conceals mismatched bases. Grouped together on a mantel or table, they lend an understated holiday note.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Felix Wedgwood

Source: House & Home December 2012 issue

Products: Dome (with trees), HomeSense; dome (with card), Value Village; dome (with ornaments), Indaba Trading; vintage card, vintage ornaments, Gadabout.

Clean and serene, this festive table puts the focus on the guests.

Keep flowers on the table below eye level to ensure guests can make eye contact during dinner. Classic crystal stemware and an understated arrangement of greenery and white amaryllis add polish. Top each plate with a gold Christmas cracker for dinner party fun.

Find more Christmas and holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery and guide.

Photographer: Angus Fergusson

Source: House & Home December 2011 issue

Products: Floral arrangements, Horticultural Design; pendant lights, Sescolite; wineglasses, cutlery, Villeroy & Boch; china, Royal Doulton.

Designer: Contractor, Jamie Veitch, Veitch Construction; architecture, Peter Higgins, Peter Higgins Architect; millwork, Gemini Kitchens.

Skip the glitz this year.

Interior designer Sophie Burke chose nature-inspired and textural white ornaments with a vintage appeal for this family living room. Presents wrapped in simple white or kraft paper and tied with red ribbon decorate the base of the minimalist tree. A white reindeer, green cabbage flowers and votives on the coffee table makes for a simple holiday arrangement.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Products: Chairs, Mint Gallery; blanket, Twenty One Tonnes; reindeer, pillows, The Cross; pillows, Casa Home; ornaments, Red Horse Gallery, Crate & Barrel and Ikea; poufs, Twenty One Tonnes.

Put a twist on classic tabletop decor.

Gather a few branches in a hand-blown glass vase and hang tiny ornaments from them for a new take on the miniature tree. Using pastels or jewel tones also keeps things looking fresh, but still festive.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Products: Glass balls, Homewerx.

The absence of drapes or a rug gives a traditional space a modern edge.

The understated living room is punctuated with bright purple and orange pillows where smart shots of the jewel tones are reiterated in the holiday ornaments to bring cheer to a neutral palette. A sparkly tray on the ottoman and a bowl of fresh tangerines emphasize the season.

Find more Christmas and holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Angus Fergusson

Source: House & Home December 2011 issue

Products: Tray, decanter, glasses, Cynthia Findlay Antiques; throw, side table, brass tray (on ottoman), Elte; greenery, tabletop tree, Sheridan Nurseries; acorns (on mantel), Angus & Company; gold-leaf mirror, Carvers' Guild; lamps, velvet sofas, Pottery Barn; silver trees (on mantel), HomeSense; fireplace, The Fireplace Shop; wall colour, Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) from the Historical Colour collection, Cloud White (CC-40) from the Designer Classics collection, Benjamin Moore.

Designer: Contractor, Jamie Veitch, Veitch Construction; architecture, Peter Higgins, Peter Higgins Architect; cabinets, millwork, Gemini Kitchens.

Add a festive touch with pine sprigs.

Most of us tend to overlook the bathroom when decorating for the holidays, but a fragrant pine sprig tucked on a shelf is just the right amount of Christmas for this space. A vintage gold mirror adds warmth and old world charm to the all-white room.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Monic Richard

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Products: Mirror, box, white jar, Celadon; beauty products, glass jar, Qui Dort Dine.

Be playful with your decorations.

This holiday decor scheme appeals to the child in everyone. Sweet felt animals and ornaments are strung casually along the mantel to create a nostalgic mood. A little white owl and winter berries gathered in a mercury glass vase add to the simple white and red theme.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Christmas Decorations and White Holiday Decorating.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2012 issue

Warm up a space with natural branches.

Designer Ingrid Oomen adds warmth to her white bistro-style kitchen during the winter months by hanging natural branches from the ceiling with florist's wire. She decorates them with an icy metallic palette of blue, white and silver ornaments for a modern, yet earthy look.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: House & Home December 2012 issue

Products: Pendant lights, Restoration Hardware; utensil canister, tea towel; Au Lit.

Designer: Ingrid Oomen

Warm up winter white with earth tones.

The natural brown tones of magnolia leaves dressing up both the mantle and tree are echoed in the leather club chairs. Even with white walls, the room feels welcoming, especially when there's a roaring fire.

Photographer: Virginia MacDonald

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Chandelier, L'Atelier; wicker chairs, Michael Thomas; art by Attila Richard Lukacs.

This space was inspired by celebrity designer Nate Berkus' Chicago apartment.

Layering antique furniture with soft shades of lilac, this room is an elegant and upscale take on holiday dining. There's no ornamentation here; a garland of magnolia leaves decorating the 19th-century Dominican sideboard, potted paperwhites and a single vase of hydrangeas, lilies and berries offers subtle nods to the season.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables and Holiday Tables, plus see more holiday decorating ideas in our photo galleries of Christmas Decorating and Designers' Holiday Decorating Tips.

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Table, Ribbehege & Azevedo; Holly Hunt chandelier, Holly Hunt fabric, Primavera; wall colour, Gray Mist (CC-80), Benjamin Moore.

Update a rustic dining space with a few glam antiques.

This log cabin has been the site of many boisterous Christmas gatherings. A casual mix-and-match table setting is adorned with a simple potted evergreen and a few scattered boughs, and illuminated with playful antler candleholders. An antique Nova Scotia table and Windsor chairs offer a sturdy complement to the exposed wooden beams and log walls, while a 1920s French chandelier and stunning silver disc light add a surprising hit of sparkle.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Cosy Winter Cabins, Kate Thornley-Hall's Holiday Cabin and Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Source: House & Home December 2010 issue

Products: Table, chairs, Land & Ross Antiques; chandelier, Akladios; antler candleholders, Peaks & Rafters; light, L'Atelier; drapes, rods, Designer Fabrics; curtain sewing by Marina Farrow of Peaks & Rafters; greenery, Sheridan Nurseries.

Create a clean Christmas look with a neutral palette for tree and presents.

All-white decorations give this pre-lit tree a dreamy quality, bringing a snowy winter wonderland indoors. White-wrapped presents are trimmed with metallic gold and silver ribbon for sparkle. A gilt-framed mirror, candelabra and the glossy dark floor exude luxury and refinement.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our Christmas Decorating gallery and our Designers' Holiday Decorating Tips gallery.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Gold-leaf mirror, The Art Shoppe.

A restrained holiday palette.

A stunning centerpiece of large silver balls and sprigs of evergreen adds holiday cheer to this winter-white formal dining room. Dark glossy floors, warm wood furniture and natural light streaming through the windows offer warmth and sparkle.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Chairs, Trianon; house painting, Johnson & Law Painting.

Create a festive and functional party buffet.

A chandelier, overflowing with fresh greenery, is lit with faux candles to give off a soft, warm glow during meals. For a party, dining chairs are pulled away from the table to create an instant buffet. All-white square serving platters offer an orderly presentation and let the food take centre stage.

See more of Pauline Esdale's Festive Home in our photo gallery.

For more holiday decorating ideas, check out our Christmas Decorating gallery.

Source: House & Home December 2010 issue

Designer: Pauline Esdale

Our editor-in-chief opens her home for the holidays.

A wide walnut console in the front window, normally loaded with books, is the perfect place for a four-foot-tall live tree. Elevating the tree enhances its scale in the room. "I used metallic silver, blue and green ornaments (a long-standing family tradition) and white lights," says Suzanne.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our Christmas Decorating gallery.

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Products: Drape fabric, Designer Fabrics; blue pillow, Constantine; grey pillow, Sabrina Linn.

Unconventional greenery puts a unique spin on traditional handrail Christmas decorations.

In designer and HGTV host Sarah Richardson's holiday house, no area goes undecorated. A boxwood garland along the handrail is a lighter take on a pine or spruce garland, but equally festive. Yellow and gold bird ornaments reference the painted stair runner and add a fun touch. If properly dried and stored, boxwood can last for several seasons before needing replacement.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Sarah Richardson's Holiday House, Christmas Decorating Ideas and Gorgeous Garlands.

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

Christmas at Sarah's idyllic country retreat is stylish yet casual.

The 12-foot tree in designer and HGTV host Sarah Richardson's farmhouse living room was cut down on their property by Sarah's husband. Loaded with ornaments, both old and new, the tree stands between the dining room and living room, allowing it to be seen from many vantage points. The warm colour scheme of red, orange and cream in the space creates a cosy feeling, perfect for a country home.

Get a complete tour of Sarah's holiday home in our photo gallery. And for more holiday decorating ideas, see our Christmas Decorating gallery.

Source: House & Home November 2010 issue

A bold wreath stands out in an all-white space.

During the Christmas season, designer Darci Ilich ties a ribbon around her quirky stag's head and frames the piece with an oversized, bauble-covered wreath. The space's crisp white walls and monochromatic furnishings let her contemporary decorations take centre stage.

See more gorgeous wreaths in our Holiday Wreaths photo gallery. Plus, check out more festive photos in our White Holiday Decorating gallery.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2009 issue

Products: Sideboard, wreath, stag, The Cross.

Glittering baubles and ornaments give this fixture a festive look.

To prime a dining room for holiday entertaining, consider dressing up your chandelier with pretty ribbons and classic ornaments. Here, blue and white satin ribbons pick up on the tones in the table settings while silver baubles add a hit of sparkle.

See more festive photos in our White Holiday Decorating photo gallery.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2009 issue

Products: Table, chairs, chandelier, The Cross.

A pedestal table elevates a stocky, snowy tree.

Designer Darci Ilich's plump holiday fir gets a boost thanks to a traditional wooden table, giving it the height and presence of a much larger tree. Ilich disguised the base with a length of Tiffany blue-coloured fabric, which also adds a jolt of colour to the monochromatic space.

See more festive photos in our White Holiday Decorating photo gallery.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: House & Home November 2009 issue

Products: Christmas tree, David Hunter Garden Center.

A striking cast-resin antler wreath is a modern piece that fits with a rustic theme.

Every room can exude holiday spirit — not just the living or family room — as long as they're decorated with a light hand. In this bunkie, a caribou hide and vintage Paint By Number artworks allude to the wilderness locale.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: House & Home December 2007 issue

Products: Wreath, South Hill Home; wall colour, Gray Lake (2138-70), trim, Mallard Green (2053-10), Benjamin Moore; floor colour, String (8), Farrow & Ball; hide, eBay.

A collection of vintage oil lamps adds lustre to a country cabin.

Spare ornaments can evoke as much emotion as traditional favourites. In this living room, for example, rag socks hung on a cord offer a simple twist on Christmas stockings. They decorate an antique Pennsylvanian pine cabinet, which hides the TV.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Products: Chairs, The Chesterfield shop; cord, ribbon, Mokuba.

The sweeping marble stairs, floor and iron railings of this 1922 Spanish colonial home deserve a dramatic holiday treatment.

A stunning green garland, dotted with feathery white birds, is wired to the base of the railing so that the top remains free for use. A marble table topped with presents and a vintage candle holder add another festive note without being overly ornamental.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Christmas Decorations, Designers' Holiday Decorating Tips and Gorgeous Garlands.

Photographer: Ted Yarwood

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Products: Garland and greenery, Michael Renaud of Horticultural Design; ribbon, Mokuba.

Traditional tree trimmings such as shiny ornaments and beaded garlands look just as delightful in a fresher setting.

Here, a pink pipe-cleaner tree draped in jewel-toned pearls has the charm of Charlie Brown's favourite evergreen. A footed pot adorned with mini rosettes gives it a grand foundation. Nearby, a gold-winged angel normally placed atop a tree adds an ethereal element.

See more photos in our Christmas decorations gallery.

Photographer: Angus Fergusson

Products: Mirror, Elte.

Glass vases filled with silver balls add glitter to a flea-market table in a living room.

Combine a mixture of textured, frosted and shiny Christmas ornaments in the same hue for maximum impact. In this photo, framed angel wings (by Toronto artist/framer Patsy Bell) layer in another whimsical nod to the holidays.

Photographer: Stacey Brandford

Satin ribbons flowing from the chandeliers are elegantly simple accents.

A rustic table, modern chairs and open shelves allow streamlined decorations to really shine. Paper Christmas trees from a dollar store are grouped to enhance the holiday theme.

Photographer: Stacey Brandford

Products: Chandeliers, Putti Fine Furnishings; dining room chairs, LivingSpace Interiors.

Cherry red pompoms make these crisp wreaths pop.

Bring the outdoors in with glistening white decorations that mimic the snow-covered holiday landscape. Red accents are hot on the 2009 fashion runways, so bring these into your home, as well.

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Products: Wreaths, Canadian Tire.

Not just for holiday display, a table topped with a piece of tempered glass to fit can showcase any number of items year-round.

Here, a collection of vintage Christmas cards with sentimental value are on show. Some cards are displayed open so that the message inside can be read.

Photographer: Nina Teixiera

Products: Coffee table, Elte; ribbon on vase, Mokuba; large balls, Decorum; laser-cut leaf decorations, Samaco Trading.

Designer: Stacey Smithers

Strike a festive note with a vintage style, do-it-yourself display board in your front hall.

To make a similar board, paint a vintage frame white, fit it with bulletin board and then use spray adhesive to affix pretty wrapping on top of the cork. After the holidays, the board can be used for mail and shopping lists.

Photographer: Nina Teixeira

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Products: Frame, Flik & Company; table, Elte; candlesticks, South Hill Home; pendant light, Decorum; wrap, Hallmark; cards, Snow & Graham; Artenica, Cavallini & Co., Indigo & Chapters; Haute Note, Yellow Bird Papter Greetings, Essence du Papier.

Designer: Stacey Smithers

Pile the mantel high with sparkly Christmas balls.

On this crisp white mantelpiece, a collection of new and vintage blue ornaments blend with glistening white "snowballs" (Styrofoam balls coated in clear glue and rolled in glitter). A triptych depicting a snowy scene, painted by homeowner and designer Ian McLeod, ties in with the baubles' cool colour palette.

For more, check out our Christmas Decorations photo gallery. Plus, see more festive interiors in our White Holiday Decorating gallery.

Photographer: Kim Christie

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Products: Antique 1790 convex mirror, Baker's Dozen; chair, Koolhaus Design; silver tree, DeHann Design; Martha Stewart baubles, Sears; wallcolour, Oxford White (CC-30), Benjamin Moore.

Add a dash of whimsy with an artful holiday arrangement.

Here, we used a silver-robed St. Nick and glittering reindeer, then added mini glass balls on branches and a dusting of faux snow to suggest a picturesque snowfall. The all-white scheme lends modern elegance to the traditional decorations.

Source: House & Home November 2007 issue

Products: Reindeer, Hollace Cluny; Santa, Rizo Lola; snowball garland, Jacaranda Tree; mercury glass ornaments, vase, Pottery Barn.

A fluffy white Christmas tree sparkles with golden lights, while candles of different heights add interest as a simple centerpiece.

Tree ornaments play off two panels of blue and gold wallpaper, used to create a feature wall. These decorations, the modern colour scheme, harvest table and refined chairs set the scene for a sparkly, candlelit supper that will run well into the wee hours.

See more photos in our Christmas decorations gallery.

Photographer: Tracy Shumate

Products: Gold pitcher, china, Cynthia Findlay Antiques; candlesticks, William Ashley China; chairs, Elte; wallpaper (on panels), Jocelyn Warner; plywood for panels, The Home Depot.

A stunning, vintage-style chandelier resembles icy twigs above a traditional, dark-wood dining table and slipcovered chairs.

n the spirit of the holiday season, dining chairs sport boxwood wreaths, lilies in ribbon-wrapped vials adorn the overhanging table runner and wired boxwood letters dress the bow window.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: House & Home December 2008 issue

Products: Table, rug, chandelier, Cocoon Furnishings.

Step outside the expected red-and-green Christmas scheme and set a table that shimmers with gold accents and crisp white dishes.

Silver dollars in speckled gold-leaf vessels are a simple, sophisticated way to set your holiday table. White china and milky, translucent wine glasses keep the table looking natural and glamorous. Chunky glass candlesticks look like delicate ice carvings.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables, Holiday Tables and Christmas Decorations.

Photographer: Tracy Shumate

Source: House & Home December 2008 issue

Products: Faux silver dollar branches, Teatro Verde; china, gold-rimmed glasses, Cynthia Findlay Antiques; candlesticks, William Ashley China.

Bling in the holidays with a tree that's more glamorous than traditional green or frosted white varieties.

This tree strikes a ritzy note that needs little embellishment, so forgo the classic trimmings and simply string it with twinkling white lights. The look is simple to achieve and drop-dead chic. A Louis ghost chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell continues the mod aesthetic.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Festive Christmas Trees.

Photographer: John Cullen

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Christmas tree, Danson Decor.

Crystal vases feature shells, rather than Christmas ornaments, layering freshness and character into a traditional living room.

Black lampshades and a miniature juniper tree look particularly striking on a black and gilt console table.

Photographer: Angus McRitchie

Products: Crystal vases, Flore; glass vases, Veranda.

A square wreath offers a refreshing, modern twist on typical Christmas greenery.

The kitchen nook, defined by traditional cabinetry with a cosy bench and modern Ikea table and chairs, serves as a comfy spot for designer Colleen McGill to wrap Christmas gifts. The ribbon board is a handy display area for holiday cards.

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Table, Ikea; cards, Valhalla; glass canister, AT Design Group; cookies, cake, Dufflet; wreath, Summerhill Nursery; wall colour, Elephant Tusk (OC-8), Benjamin Moore.

Crystal, crackers tied with Christmas ornaments and magnolia-leaf floral centerpieces add sparkle to an already polished space.

Luxurious silk taffeta drapes balance an off-centre window in designer Colleen McGill's dining room. An oversized paper lantern and a seagrass rug are simple counterpoints to the room's more formal elements.

See more photos in our Christmas decorations gallery. Enjoy more shots of McGill's space, also, or view her entire house in our November 2008 issue.

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Drapes, Georgina's Custom Drapery; chairs, Angus & Company; table, McGill Design; rug, Elte; tealight sconce, L'Atelier; wall colour, Cloud White (CC-40), Benjamin Moore.

In the living room of designer Colleen McGill, traditional elements like detailed panelling coexist happily with contemporary pieces like armless slipper chairs.

Elegant striped wrapping paper on the presents add a jaunty, tailored note to an old-world style Christmas tree. A magnolia-leaf garland, decorated with simple white ornaments and pine cones, adorns the mantle.

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Drapes, Georgina's Custom Drapery; side table, throw pillows, Elte; wall colour, Cloud White (CC-40), Benjamin Moore.

A twig candleholder does double duty, offering a spot to hang pretty necklaces and a few small Christmas ornaments.

Lindsay Mens credits her grandmother for her taste for blue. "She had something blue in every room of her house." The refined silver, off- white and blue palette works beautifully during the holidays and year round.

Photographer: Stacey Brandford

Products: Print, Ikea.

Red roses, oversized white candleholders and sparkly glass and ornaments create a happy Christmas atmosphere in this space.

White walls and grey-blue schoolhouse lights create a modern foil to the original manor-house beams in designer and cookbook author Sophie Conran's Temple Guiting cookery school. Sculptural white chairs and a stunning teal chest on the far wall add even more character.

See more photos of Conran's favourite things in our gallery.

This glamorous Christmas table setting includes giant "diamond ring" napkin holders, elegant tableware and frosty-looking flowers.

A crystal chandelier and silvery wallpaper are sophisticated counterpoints to the glass dining table and icy blue chairs of Lindsay Mens, a senior designer with Sarah Richardson Design and offscreen member of the HGTV show, Sarah's House. Mens used a medium-grey commercial-grade carpet to unify the living and dining room design, and to draw attention from the parquet flooring.

See more photos in our Christmas decorations gallery. Enjoy more shots of Mens' space, also, or view the entire apartment in our November 2008 issue.

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Chandelier, Universal Lighting.

A decorating scheme with elegant appeal.

The holiday decor of Lindsay Mens Craig, homeowner and senior designer at Sarah Richardson Design, is soft and feminine. A luxurious white feather boa and jewel-like ornaments on the Christmas tree work well with her apartment's soft colour palette. Her generous Ikea shelving system keeps things organized while offering plenty of space to display family photos, vases and bowls.

Find more inspiration in our Christmas Decorations photo gallery. Plus, check out more festive photos in our White Holiday Decorating gallery.

Source: House & Home November 2008 issue

Products: Shelves, Ikea; ribbon on gifts, Mokuba; wall colour, Silver Cloud (30YY 63/024), Dulux Paints.