BCBCMAXAZRIA Dress, BCBGMAXAZRIA Overcoat, Spanx Tights, Yves Saint Laurent Pumps (similar here), Chanel Clutch, Alexis Bittar Earrings (similar here)

With holiday parties in full swing, this alone could easily classify Christmas as my favorite time of year.  I love getting to pull out my cocktail wear that seems a little too Las Vegas for any other time of year.  This weekend I went to see A Christmas Carol here in Calgary.  It’s become something of a holiday tradition for me to go to the local theatre and engage in the tremendous talent.  It’s one of my most treasured things to do at Christmas time, and I always put an extra bit of effort into dressing up for it.

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I’m hosting friends this weekend and there’s nothing I love more than sending them away with a sweet treat.  In Framework Magazine, I shared some details on holiday take homes, and for this coming weekend I was inspired to use a more whimsical theme.  I went all out in cake pop style, using directions from cake pop queen, Bakerella.  I can’t wait for my guest to take one of these little guys home with them.  I’m just hoping they’re not too cute to eat.

Moncler Coat, Rag & Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Boots (similar here), Louis Vuitton Handbag, Coach Gloves

When the cold weather comes to town there is no other option than to bundle up.  Getting out the door is an entire event in itself.  Coat, earmuffs, gloves, and boots are just a handful of the items in my winter repertoire.  The biggest challenge is not putting it all together, it’s making sure you get home with all of the items you left with.  You’d think this challenge would only apply to young children, but I assure you, it does not.

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Vince Blouse, Alexander Wang Leather Pants, Airfield Vest, Valentino Pumps, Hermes Watch, Tiffany Necklace, Yves Saint Laurent Clutch

One of the downfalls of living in a climate such as Calgary, is the fact that when the weather starts dropping, flats, pumps and peep toes are no longer an option.  In an effort to prevent Mother Nature from getting the best of me, or rather my shoe collection, I often travel to my destination in winter boots, and change once I arrive.  It’s one of those very not-so-glam moves that happens behind the scenes.   Because some nights call for a studded extravaganza, and I don’t mean the guest list.

I love creating a place setting that makes my guests feel special when they take a seat at the table.  With Christmas fast approaching, my planning for this year’s setting is well under way.  I thought I would share three possible options for you to incorporate into your holiday setting this season.

One of my favorite settings to pull out at Christmas is a whimsical take on Santa’s reindeer.  It’s a cute way to incorporate the holiday, and it’s great fun to pair up the personalities on the plates with those of your guests.  On special occasions I like to have nametags to take the guess work out of where to sit.  Otherwise I fear all of my guests would assume the Blitzen setting.

Going glam is always a favorite for me.  I do this mostly by using white, cream and gold pieces.  I add both red and white wine glasses to the setting, and a Christmas cracker always helps to excite your guests.  I found these hand stitched napkins in Germany last year, and I knew they would have a home in my holiday festivities.

Finally, don’t feel like you need to go out and purchase specific holiday dinnerware.  I created this place setting using everything that I use throughout the year to create a more rustic feeling setting.  To add a little Christmas touch you can top it off with a Christmas cracker, or to maintain the earthy feel, a sprig of rosemary would also look incredible.

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