Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/408004
11 H O L I D A Y 2014 | bcliving.ca Editor's Letter PHOTO CLINTON HUSSEY. JANINE IS WEARING Valentino Red dress, $795 from Holt Renfrew. holtrenfrew.com Irit Sorokin Moss Agate Geode and gold fill cocktail ring, $350 from Jeweliette. jeweliette.com Suede heels, $70 from Nine West. www.ninewest.ca STYLING, STEVEN SCHELLING fOR THEY REP; HAIR/MAkEUP, LUCYANNE BOTHAM fOR LIz BELL USING M.A.C COSMETICS comfort and joy L et's face it: the holidays aren't all merry and bright. Between shopping, entertaining and, for many, travelling, it's hard to find time for those magical moments that make it all worthwhile. So to make your holidays easier, we've taken care of all the daunting details so you can simply relax and enjoy. For those playing host this season, we provide some amazing decor inspiration, including how to create a stunning succulent centrepiece as well as a festive tablescape that will wow your friends and family. We're also serving up exquisite cocktail recipes (conveniently in party-sized portions) from award-winning bartender David Wolowidnyk of West restaurant that are guaranteed to give your guests that holiday glow. Dreading that shopping list? Knock off even the toughest to buy for with our essential Vancouver gift guide, and get expert style tips for yourself from our cover girl and fashion insider Rebecca Bree Rawlinson. And for all your holiday dinner party invitations, we suffered through tasting the best baked goods in town to round up the sweetest host gifts (expect even more invitations if you follow our recommendations). Once you've decorated, hosted and shopped, it's time to get out and celebrate the spirit of the season, and we've compiled the city's top five festive events to put even the Scroogiest in the mood to celebrate. e end of the year is also a time of reflection and as we celebrate our first anniversary of BCLiving's print edition, we want to know what you think. We look forward to hearing from you – and happy holidays! Janine Verreault Editor, BCLiving jverreault@canadawide.com / @BCLiving Shawn Conner wrote this month's story on the Whistler Film Festival (p. 15). Something I learned while interviewing Jason Priestley that wasn't film related was that wine enthusiasts spend a lot of time looking for a $50 bottle of wine that tastes like a $200 bottle. All this time, I've been searching for a $10.99 bottle that tastes like $15.99. My favourite Christmas holiday movie is Bad Santa. It's a pretty great film, and there are a lot of swears. Janet Gyenes wrote this month's feature story on the holiday home (p. 33). What I enjoyed most about this assignment was all the great tips the designer shared, like how a piece of artwork can be a launching point for the design. One holiday decor trend I'll be incorporating into my home is creating flower arrangements with fragrant greenery, white orchids and some berries for that hit of red. The one dish I always look forward to eating at our holiday dinner is savoury stuffing. Ben Oliver directed this month's Curator's Table photo shoot (p. 21). What I enjoyed most about directing the shoot was the challenge of combining an eight-person environmental shoot with food photography. The most challenging part was watching everyone eat while I was running back and forth between sets. My favourite dish off that evening's menu was the confit pork belly. Contributors