HomeStars – News and Updates

Entertaining and Gift Ideas for the Holidays from Vicky Sanderson

I tend to think I have a good perspective on how to stretch a dollar when it comes to, well just about anything, until I talk to Vicky Sanderson. Vicky always has great ideas about how to prepare for and entertain during the holiday season without breaking your back or your budget. The key is where to spend your money, and where to spend your time. Spending it in the kitchen is out — which is fine by me.  As for gifts, Vicky says it’s all about “practical, useful gifts” that will remind the recipient of you every time they use it.

Hand tools: For the Tool Guy or Girl in your life Stanley has introduced a Fat Max Extreme Instant Change Handsaw which comes with two changeable blades — and means less storage needs in your tool area. There is a large sawtooth and fine sawtooth blade in the set. The set is easy to handle.

Home Gadget: If you know of someone who’s just moved into a new home (or has been living in their place for awhile but never bothered to hang pictures because every time they do they look like they’re going down hill — ahem), there is a wonderful gadget called the Hang and Level. This little yellow genius will finally allow you to hang pictures where you intended them to go in the first place. Easy to use, it makes hanging pictures a no-brainer. There’s a built-in level with it too to ensure your pictures are hanging straight. To find a retailer near you or for great wall decorating tips go to www.utrdecorating.com.

In an effort to phase out single use water bottles, reuseable bottles have become all the rage. However, as the issue of Bisphenol A has also been highlighted there is more to look for than just a reuseable bottle. Otterbottles make sharp looking BPA-free stainless steel bottles. The gage of steel is so high that there is no aftertaste in the water, even if it’s been sitting in the bottle for a long time. There are cute designs and they come with a carabiner for easy latching on to kids’ knapsacks. Find local retailers or buy online through their website: http://www.otterbottle.ca/

Bed, Bath and Beyond has some great gift ideas.

• Canvas bag personalization. These days we all have at least one canvas bag in the trunk of our car at all times. We’ve received them from homeshows, grocery stores, and many other stores and services that were giving them away or that we bought. Instead of sporting someone else’s logo on the side, why not sport your own design? Bed, Bath and Beyond sells canvas bags with a plasticized outer shell that allows you to put in pictures, or funky wrapping paper or wallpaper, or anything to add a spark of individuality. You can decorate it and fill it with theme gifts. For a new homeowner, for instance, you could include the Hang and Level, nails, and a hammer and a gift certificate for two hours of your time to hang the pictures.
• The Spa Experience: For a touch of luxury all year long there is a spa package that includes a bathrobe, slippers, a shower mit, sponge, hairtowel, and eyemask for $50. The package is available in pink or white.
• Scented Candles and beads: Scented candles are usually best used in powder rooms and baths. During a dinner party it’s best not to use them in the main entertaining areas as their scents will interfere with the food smells. However, an alternative to candles are gel beads that come with a water bead fragrance diffuser. There are no flames involved (great for unattended areas like powder rooms). The beads hold a subtle, fresh flavor that can be regenerated with a gentle stir. The fragrance lasts about two months and comes with a bottle of refresher. Cost: $20.
• For the wine lover: The wine department at Bed Bath and Beyond has lots of great accessories such as wine stoppers, decanters, glasses and coolers.

Finally, don’t forget about yourself! Holidays are about spending time with the people you care about. Take advantage of the grocery stores’ ever increasing array of prepared foods.

Quick and elegant dinner:

• Appetizer:Vicky recommends a wheel of brie, top shaved off, spread with any compote, such as an onion compote, thrown in a 300F oven for about 10 minutes — just to soften — and served with chunks of fresh multi-grain or sourdough bread.
• Dinner: try the new President’s Choice‘ “easy carve lamb” with roasted mixed fingerling potatoes
• Dessert: try the new President’s Choice mini-chocolate candy cane cheesecakes that are beyond heavenly.

Vicky is a columnist for The Toronto Star, and writes a great blog called On the House has all kinds of great information on a variety of home-related topics like nifty new Jenn Air appliances, to a pretty, spectacular, rose scarf  to when to get your furnace’s air filters changed. You can also follow Vicky on Twitter.

Posted by CathyR