blog

12 Days to a Merry Holiday!

We’ve teamed up with 5ive 15ifteen Photo Company & Graydon Hall for our version of the “12 Days of Christmas” - from unique gift-wrapping ideas, to DIY holiday decor, beauty, and everything in between- this is the ultimate guide to helping you plan and orchestrate a stress-free (and fabulous) holiday.

_________

Prop styling, design,concept: RDT Events + Beauty

Photography: 5ive 15ifteen Photo Company

Beverages, food: Graydon Hall

_5167026.jpg


DAY 1: Get festive and adorn your home in style with a DIY feather wreath!

Using ordinary materials, you can make something extra ordinary. Below is an easy, step-by-step process to make this chic wreath! All you need is a Styrofoam wreath form, white feathers, glue gun and a steady hand!

_5167114.jpg

DAY 2: ‘Tis the season for holiday work parties!

For that daytime soiree, go with the dewy look that gives your skin an angelic glow and radiant complexion.

515_9617.jpg
_5167075.jpg

GET THE LOOK:

  1. Giorgio Armani Silk Luminous Fluid Sheer Foundation

  2. Charlotte Tilbury HIlgihter & Contour Duo

  3. TatchaLuminous Dewy Skin Mist

  4. NARS Hilighter Stick, Copacabana

DAY 3: Gifts for her - Get her what she really wants!

Grab her any one of these unique must-have gifts, and she will think, “Yep! They really get me!” 

_5167228.jpg
_5167240.jpg
_5167235.jpg
  1. Hanky Panky underwear, initial bracelets

  2. Christian LaCroix Notebooks

  3. BAIES Dyptique Candle

DAY 4: Gifts for him!

It is time to think beyond the basic socks and ties for the men in your life. Give him a gift that is so thoughtful and unique he will believe in Santa 

DAY 5: Green with Envy!

With all the Holiday parties, it is the perfect time to be a little extra, especially on your eyes. Fading copper into deep green is a moodier and updated version of the traditional smokey eye.

515_9176.jpg

DAY 6: Up Your Gift-Wrapping Game!

Elevate your holiday presents with unique gift-wrapping ideas. Upgrade plain paper with natural elements; think beyond the basic bow; and make it personal with a monogram tag.

_5167190.jpg

DAY 7: Keeping the Kids Entertained!

Create a playful, fun and festive setting just for the kids to excite their imaginations and encourage creativity! A full-sized colouring table is the perfect trick, paired with snacks and of course, Santa hats. This will surely keep the little ones entertained!

515_9355.jpg
515_9517.jpg
_5167010.jpg

DAY 8: Jazz up Your Holiday Table!

The holidays begin and end at the table, so style it right! This elegant holiday table idea is sure to dazzle your guests (and is easy to do). Mixed mini trees add for some interest; fresh garland and twinkle lights are sure to delight. Tip: using ornaments is an easy way to add some festive cheer to the table!

515_0077 copy.jpg

DAY 9: DIY Tree Napkin!

Up your holiday table-setting game and continue to wow! your guests with this DIY Christmas tree - made from a paper napkin! All you need is a green paper napkin (found at a local party store or dollar store), and lots of patience…

_5167039.jpg
515_0117.jpg
1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg
4.jpg

DAY 10: Use Desserts as Decor!

Deck the halls with frosting and sugar! An impressive dessert will not only be delicious, but an easy and unexpected way to spruce up your holiday table. Give your meal a show stopping finish that will almost be too pretty to eat.

515_0087.jpg

DAY 11: A Party is Never Complete without a Delicious Selection of Hors D’oeuvres!

See some delicious options below of what to serve up at your next holiday soirée. The culinary team at Graydon Hall have served up some great ideas:

  1. French onion soup, in mini lion head bowl. Holiday hosting tips: cut out little rounds of brioche topped with grated Gruyere, and broil in oven for a quick melt.

  2. Oven dried prosciutto, roasted fig filled with rosemary-mascarpone

  3. Cheddar scones, shaved beef, cranberry jam, horseradish cream

515_0281.jpg
515_0237.jpg
515_0261.jpg

DAY 12: What are the Holidays without Cocktails?

Serving the perfect holiday concoctions will keep your guests cozy and warm, and the party going. These vegan duos pair beautifully with a crisp French Champagne. 

  1. Winter trifle with cinnamon and clove poached plums, paired with a decadent dessert martini: nutty coco coffee (espresso, grey goose, amaretto, Bailey’s, pinch of fleur de sel) served in a crystal coupe

  2. Holiday hosting tip: alcohol free cocktails needn’t be boring – add a splash of whimsy with pink glassware! Cranberry sour (mocktail): freshly squeezed citrus juice blend (orange, lemon, lime), cinnamon simple syrup topped with of cranberry juice, garnished with cape gooseberries

  3. These vegan duo pairs beautifully with a crisp French Champagne {layered beets (red and golden) topped with truffled bean puree, cucumber, watermelon, dill, olives)

515_0300 copy.jpg
515_0191.jpg