Who doesn't love getting tools for Valentine's Day? I don't see any hands up.

Forgot to get your handy honey something really special during the just-passed gifting season? And now, retailers are already on your back to give it up again for Valentine’s Day, correct? Confound them by giving a bouquet of tools, rather than flowers.

Black & Decker's Matrix  Multi-Tool might fit the bill - and your budget. It consists of a single base power unit that has multiple attachments, including drills, saws and sanders.

A 20V starter kit with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery includes a drill, mouse sander, and jigsaw – for $150. There’s also a 12V driver/drill kit for $70. Attachments start at about $30 for a two-speed hammer dill and top out at about $40 for an impact driver attachment.

Look for them at Canadian Tire.

Less time in the kitchen means more time to be the life of the party***

A cast-iron tagine by Le Crueset would work well for chicken or flatbread

Easiest, most delish side dishes for a chicken roasted in a cast-iron pan? (Also, by the way, awfully easy. I describe how in the New in Homes section of the Toronto Star Saturday edition. Pick one up. After all, Monday and Tuesdays are hols, right, so you’ll need extra reading material. Unless you’re Doug Ford, that is.

 

Home-made flatbeads taste terrific and for some reason, always impresses guests. They shouldn’t.  To make them, you simply throw a few ingredients into a bowl, and mix them into a dough that you flatten out and bake it before it rises much. Great also because you can decide at 4 p.m. that you’re going to add one to the menu.

I like to roll dough into a round, brush it with oil, poke my finger all over it, and sprinkle with Herbes de Provence and salt. You could add sliced roasted peppers, olives, etc. Bake it hot and fast. 

Cheat the veg by splurging on a box of mixed greens, which you ameliorate with shavings of Parmesan, or thinly sliced radish. If you’re ambitious, add roasted beets, which you’ll stick in the oven with the chicken. Dress the beets with chopped walnuts you roasted in a pan earlier in the day.  

The point of a meal like this is, of course, to carve out time – whether it’s to look after personal stuff (grooming, mental health, yoga) or to enjoy company more. You probably don’t need any suggestions for what to do with all that time. But here are a few we hope will amuse and inspire:

Play twister (clothing optional)

Discuss Nietzsche – man or superman — with father in law

Dig out your old English Beat tapes, and force your teenagers to listen and watch while you have a dance party

Call a friend long distance and tell them what you’ve done all year (you may leave out the embarrassing bits, if you wish)

Quiz guests on the names of how many former prime ministers of Canada they can recall

Go for a walk in one of Toronto’s beautiful parks

Catch up on the Young and Restless. Yes, Victor is still alive. But he doesn’t appear much now without his shirt on, if you know what I mean.  Niki still looks fantastic.

 *** Which is not an excuse, of course, for ending up with a lampshade on your head.

 

Catering to the family holiday

Looking for a righteous reason to demand help with party food over the next few weeks? Easy — everybody’s doing it. Dirk
Dreiberg, who helps run the family-owned L’Amore Catering, says more and more families have someone else lend a hand.

“Time compression is a reality,” says Dreiberg. “That’s lead to changes in the way people entertain in their homes. They’re looking for help, because they want that time with family and friends.”   

This season, that reads as healthier, authentic foods in smaller portions, says Dreiberg. “It’s gone away from funky
fusion.  Freshness is huge. You see it rustic
Italian. It’s traditional food, the kind Nona made, with really fresh ingredients — homemade pasta, handmade sauces. “

And size, says Dreiberg, apparently does matter. “We’ve gone from supersized to mini. For meals, everyone wants smaller
portions. It’s healthier and there’s less waste. People are also asking for multiple appetizers, and more of them — going for a marché effect. “

There’s a huge demand for catered food on Christmas and New Year’s Eves, so Dreiberg suggests you book early — as in
right now.

Estimating catering costs is tough, says Dreiberg, because there are so many variables. Generally speaking, though, you
can ballpark at between $20 and $25 per person.  But he also suggests you start with a budget, and talk to a caterer about what’s realistic.

BTW, L’Amore Catering is in the middle of a web redo, so there’s no website I can send you to, but you can call them at 416 998 3469.

Don’t forget to take food allergies and other dietary restrictions — including cultural and religious — into consideration when planning the menu. And remember that just because you love a particular food, says Dreiberg, doesn’t mean everyone does.

Think about splurging on serving help — even if it’s a few local teen-agers  to hand out nibbles and napkins. It’s one more way to free up even more of your time. And that, says Dreiberg, is what it’s all about.

“There are so many pressures on us today, and they all just eat away at our time. It’s really hard to place a price
on that time, but someone we all just now how valuable it is.”

 

 

 

 

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Russian Revival

On the House is betting heavily that Anna Karenina, the film adaption of Tolstoy’s epic novel starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law will be a major influence in home décor in 2013. Set in late 19-century Russia, among the rich and powerful, the sets and costumes are exquisitely lavish, which pretty much describes every aspect of the lives of upper-class Russian society in the dying days of the aristocracy. If you want to capture just a little of that grandeur, think about incorporating one or two of the pieces shown below into your decor. For more on this, pick up a copy of the Saturday Toronto Star and check out my column in the New in Homes section.

Glass chargers from Pottery Barn add an aristocratic elegance to the table, as will Florentine table textiles  below

There will be fur, lots of fur. This faux Lemur throw comes from Urban Barn

 

 

 

 

Classic patterns in unexpected colours, like this paper from Graham and Brown, are one way to update the look

 

Formal floral arrangements were de rigueur in the days of Anna Karenina (these are from Fresh Florals www.freshflorals.com)

 

 

A wall-hung rug from Turco Persian rugs references Imperial Russia, as does an luxe Aubusson carpet from Weaver's Art below.

 

Here's my fave below: Magnetic crystal chandelier drops from LightCharms. They stick to anything. Well, anything that's ferrous metal. I suppose that means you could also add them to some types of earrings. Although, if you did, it might be a sign that you're drunk. So be careful. Unlike Anna.

Love these

And these

 

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Celebrate in style with Martha Stewart

Home Depot’s excited about having Martha Stewart organize their holiday décor by style. Who wouldn’t be? It’s not a new idea to edit an ofering for consumers, but given that there’s a seasonal, perhaps universal, temptation to over-do just about everything during these dark days,  Martha can help you avoid a décor riot by suggesting you stick — more or less — to one tasteful theme.  They are:

Winterberry, in which a merry red foils fauna and flora in the form of deer, owls and other birds, pinecones, and berry wreaths. White, champagne, gingerbread tones compliment.

The icy, grey- and white-toned palette of the Arctic theme (see pic below) is for kids who are too cool to do holiday décor? You know, the ones who work in décor media and have had a surfeit of certain seasonal things (see owls above). Accent colours are aqua and the lovely new deeper blues. The flora and fauna is snowflakes, polar bears, penguins and icicles.

An icy cool Christmas

I choose to see samples of the Celebrate line (see below), described as glitzy and the glamorous. (As is, dare we say, this writer – Editor).

I plan on piling the small, tasteful bronze and gold ornaments on my tree this year, which has been trending that way for a few years now.) Will put the big basket of gold-dusted pine cones in a cyrstal bowl (there, that’s not too much, is it?)

I also really like the gold snowflakes from Debbie Travis’ collection for Canadian Tire. I hung a load from our jolie-laide yellow glass chandelier (think hotel lobby circa 1967). I think the effect is magical ­­— especially in candlelight, and when they start slowly start to turn. I think Martha would approve, frankly. Well, except for the chandelier, maybe. And the apricot walls, come to think of it. Or the red furniture…

 

Santa wants you to be safe

 

A few holiday safety tips from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group., which sets standards for consumer products:

• Look for a mark from an accredited certification organization like CSA Group on light strings, extension cords, and animated displays; and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be cautious of deals that sound too good to be true - they could be counterfeit.

• Inspect light strings and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and make sure  replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original.
• Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working with outdoor wiring. Keep electrical connectors above ground, out of water, and away from metal eavestroughs. Connect outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) which can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power.
• Use heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations and large electronically-animated displays.
• Don’t overload extension cords.
• If you buy a real tree, remember that fresh trees will be less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard. Artificial trees with electrical lights built into their displays should have a certification mark on them and should be made of fire-resistant material.
• Always have a working carbon monoxide and smoke alarm.
• Outdoor holiday lights are made for seasonal use only; exposure to harsh weather and extreme temperatures for long periods can present a very real risk of shock or fire. After the holiday season, take them down.

Click here for more holiday family safety tips. 

PC cooks, so you don't have to!

 

Chef Tom - my BFF in the kitchen

It’s always a treat to visit the Loblaw’s Test Kitchen and see what Tom Filippou, head chef for PC Cooking Schools and Dana Speers, head chef for the kitchen itself have — along with their team — cooked up for the holidays.

 

Generally speaking, I’m a big fan of the PC food line. It’s around this time of year, when I’m looking for help with holiday entertaining, that I appreciate it the most.

The product line-up is pretty exhaustive, so I can’t get it all in here, but here are a few items I thought really worth mentioning.

Try the sea- salt rosemary crackers with a little goat cheese and Black Label Bacon Marmalade. There are also excellent Black Label Flatbreads. Use both for cheeses and other snacks, but don’t discount them for dessert, either. Try the almond version with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with the Black Label lemon oil. For extra kick, use the salted caramel ice cream (but skip the oil).

If you like to make shortbread, and you’re not a purist, chop up some of the PC Milk Chocolate with Toffee Pieces  and Fleur de Sel and add it to the recipe. Naturally, you will have roasted the flour by spreading on a parchment-lined baking sheet and putting in a 300˚F oven; then turning slightly ever five minutes or so for about 20 minutes. SO worth it!

I also love the Fouée pocket flatbreads, which the PC team discovered at a small bakery in the Loire Valley. Try them filled with chicken tarragon salad There’s also a nice Tandoori Roti, which you can try with this recipe from the President's Choice website.

New hors d’ouvres include spicy jalapeno meatballs and Nova Scotian sea scallops, both wrapped in bacon.

Lastly, if you’re doing a cheese platter, grab some of the ash-wrapped Cendre Des Anges – heavenly. Or for convenience, grab a four-pack of mini Triple Crème Brie and top it with fun stuff (I love the Fig Cabernet wine jelly and the caramelized onion spread from the Black Label line.)

Hate hanging lights but love the look? Help is at hand.

Too cold/tired/busy/clumsy to get out there this weekend and install Christmas lights? If you live in the GTA, you can get someone from Canadian Tire, to do it for you. The retail giant has just added installing outdoor lighting and decoration to its roster of installed sales.

For $150, someone will come to your home (but not apartment, condo or commercial building) and install up to 80 feet of lights on either a first or second floor. If you want lights installed on roof peaks, shrubbery or trees, more than 80 feet of lights, or to add inflatables, you’ll pay more.

Pssst - I'm having mine done this week. Check back here next week for pics.

The price includes any necessary clips, but the homeowner supplies all lights, extension cords and timers. Installers bring their own ladder, but special equipment, such as a cherry picker, will also incur additional costs.

It works like this. After buying lights and decoration from your local Canadian Tire (you may also use existing lights, or buy them elsewhere, of course), the homeowner calls 1-855-682-4663 to get a quote, and book an installation date. An authorized installer will call back within 24 hours.

If you do decide to do it yourself, Allison Duffy, category business manager of Christmas and toys for Canadian Tire has some great tips for creating lovely outdoor lighting:

• Think about using larger bulbs to trim the house and eaves, and using smaller bulbs for shrubs and trees. Mesh blankets make super-fast work of lighting shrubbery, or patio railings.
• An easy way to determine how many bulbs you need for a shrub or bush is to estimate the width and calculate how many times you’ll need to wrap it around.  
• “Trend” colours this year are purple, blue and green. But go with what you love, be it multi-coloured or white – of which there are now many more warm white options.
• LED options are real energy savers – and the new generation of them has a much warmer glow – similar to an incandescent.

 

Pictures for Peace

Happy to share this one with you folks, as I’ve never thought there was anything that funny about Peace, Love and Understanding.

Okay, not a great segue, but any excuse to bring Elvis Costello into the mix is also okay with me.

Andrew Richard Designs is known for its beautiful outdoor furniture. But this weekend the reason to get yourself down to his Design Loft at 571 Adelaide Street East is to see stunning photography from Kris Reyes, a news anchor for Global Toronto’s Morning Show, and her husband, David Leggett.

In 2010, Reyes and Leggett quit their jobs to travel through Nepal, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii for six months. The exhibit, called Wander,Wonder, is the mesmerizing photographic document of that trip.

The works will be sold via silent auction in support of Artists for Peace and Justice. Move quickly, though, as the exhibit will only be in place until Sunday, December 2.

Learn more by clicking here or follow them @artistsforpeace

And since this is one of those times when a picture is worth 1,000 words:

Kauai - Hawaii's Garden Island -- David Leggett

 

Kauia -- David Legget

 

Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal --

 

Little Nepalese girl -- Kris Reyes

 

Mekong River, Laos -- Kris Reyes

 

I want flowers for Christmas

A few quick floral tips from the lovely and talented Bruno Duarte of Fresh Floral Creations. 

If you haven’t visited his little jewel box shop on Danforth, you should. It may just be the Platonic Ideal or a floral shop.

If you can't get down there, you can at least drink a few drops from the font of his floral wisdom. Here it is:

Line vases with a leaf to cover stems; Duarte likes dark brown Thai leaves.

Keep topping up water, but don’t add powders — they’re mostly sugar and can cause bacteria that contributes to rot.

Work with a maximum of three colours.

Stay away from too much glitter (however tempting it may be).

On a dinner table, the height of an arrangement should never be taller than the length of your elbow to your hand.  If you’re table is long, consider three several smaller arrangements.

For something different and striking, cut Amaryllis, and hang them upside down. Gather the stems loosely but firmly with a floral wire and fill the stems, which are hollow, with water. Suspend from a hanging light fixture. (And if you can’t figure out how to do that, call Duarte – Editor)

Want to switch it up for New Year’s Eve? Go with white, says Duarte. “You will have been bombarded with red and other colours. White will be fresh and clean, just like the new year.”

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Lovely Lisi.....