Happy Canada Day: Celebrate in Style

July 1st is a mere days away and we know many of you can’t wait to celebrate the true north strong and free. If you’re planning a Canada Day party, we’ve got fun ideas for food, drinks, and decor that are sure to make this your best bash to date. Check ‘em out below and get ready to show friends and family that you bleed red and white.

Decor Ideas

Gorgeous Garland – We’re loving these sensational scallops. They’re easy to make, and although we don’t normally encourage tearing books apart for any reason, the finished product just looks so nice. String these guys up along your tables, doorways, fences – heck, string ‘em up everywhere!

Image via Simple As That

Pretty Paper – Having a BBQ or outdoor soiree? String paper lanterns and pom poms, (red and white ones, of course), around your yard to help set the mood. Not only are they perfectly patriotic, they’ll also light up your space.

Image via Sweet Lulu

Sweet Lulu used these pom poms as part of a holiday party, but they'll work perfectly next week too.

Marvelous Masons – Bring your table together with a beautiful mason jar centrepiece. It’s simple to create, and its rustic style will go well with most table settings. 

Image via Love Create Celebrate

Drink Recipes

Leafy Libation - The Leafs already drive you to drink, so why not sip something deliciously strong? This maple leaf cocktail will hopefully help you forget that it’s been 45 years since the boys brought home the cup. But seriously, this tasty cocktail is the perfect mix of bourbon, maple syrup, lemon, and cinnamon; it’s sure to keep the party going.

Image via Leite's Culinaria

Terrific Tom Collins – You’ve got to try this twist on the classic Tom Collins. Some raspberries and lemon simple syrup turn this drink delightfully sour. Plus they also make it a festive red and white!

Image via Kleinworth & Co

Brilliant “Beertail” – You might think mixing beer and liquor is a bad idea (there’s even a rhyme about it!) but this drink is the exception. Technically the recipe calls for a liqueur, but it might still seem a little off putting. Seriously though, forget about what you learned in college and try this delicious beverage. Crisp watermelon, refreshing wheat beer, and sour liqueur come together to create something amazing. 

Image via Chow

Festive Food 

Playful Poutine – There are few things more stereotypically Canadian than poutine. Other nations may fear the fry, gravy, curd combo, but they’re wrong. Embrace our international food identity and serve this awesome snack at your party.

Image via Canadian Living

Holy Hotdog – Building on the amazingness that is poutine, you’ve got to try this hotdog. Cheese curds, maple mayo, and apple slices all top this dog! Like poutine, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it: this odd mix is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Plus it’ll have everyone at your party talking!

Image via Chatelaine

Crafty Cheesecake – Mini cheesecake bars that are shaped like the Canadian flag? This is the ultimate Canada Day dessert! 

Image via Once Upon a Cutting Board

We hope these ideas help you throw a killer Canada Day party! Make sure to share snaps of your celebration with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we want to see your festivities! Happy Canada Day from all of us at Marketplace Events. 

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5 Fabulously Festive Outdoor Decorations

Feeling a little underwhelmed by your usual outdoor holiday decor? We've got just what you need: five DIY decorations to light up your home this season. Check out these unique creations and get ready for your house to be the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Bird Seed Decorations - These little guys will add some pizzazz to your trees, and the birds they attract will help decorate your yard with their bright colors and sweet songs.

Image via Saltwater-Kids

2. Giant Ornaments - These novelty bulbs are a fun and festive way to supersize your outdoor look.

Image via Hallmark Channel

3. Light Up Snowmen - This project is sure to delight your little ones! They can completely customize their snowpeople, and the finished product is a great way to light up your walkway.

Image via Design Dazzle

4. Through The Roof Christmas Tree - What an adorable idea! The Griswolds would be jealous.

Image via My Life And Kids

5. Joy Door Decor Wreath - Spread the joy this season with this neat alternative to the standard holiday wreath.

Image via Uncommon Designs...

With Christmas coming up fast, we've got to ask: are your holiday decorations up? There's usually at least one house on the block that goes all out - is it yours? Or are you more subtle? Let us know below.

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You Decorate: Which piece of art fits best?

Today we're asking you to decorate the space above the bed. In you opinion what fits in this rustic, elegant yellow space?

Our choice... 

C was the right choice for us! The subtle colors of this rose painting work well against the bold, yellow shades.  This room was recently featuring in our Dream Home and Toronto's National Home Show. For more fun bedroom ideas, check out our 'Bedrooms' Pinterest board here and below! 

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You Decorate: Which Drapery Fabric Would You Select?

Today we're asking you to do the decorating! We love knowing your decor style, so tell us, which home drapery fabric would you pick?

Our Answer...

B!

We chose be because we loved how the rich color blended with the color of the walls and wallpaper without altering the space too dramatically.

What do you think? Do you agree with our pick? 

Please leave us a comment below! 
________________________

Don't forget to enter our Dad's Favorite Space challenge Below. We're loving all your entries so far!

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You Decorate: Which Area Rug Fits?

Today we're asking you to choose the perfect area rug for this amazing space (featured at our National Home Show). What will it be, A, B or C? There's really no wrong answer!

Our choice...

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The Living Room Challenge: Enjoy Renee's Beautiful Bold Space!

We’d like to have a seat in your living room! We’re on the hunt for North America's most fabulous living room; could it be yours? For the month of April we’ll be asking you to send us photos of your living rooms and vote for your favorites.

We're only a few days in and we've already received some great entries!

Renee's Citrus Orange Lounge Living Room

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Meet Leslie Ezelle HGTV’s first-ever Design Star All Stars Winner!

Being crowned HGTV’s first-ever Design Star All Stars winner hasn’t gone to Leslie Ezelle’s head.  This nationally acclaimed interior designer, TV personality, cancer-survivor and mom of six keeps herself busy incorporating simplicity, structure and function into her projects and her life.

"I am loving white on cream, light grey on light taupe and white on white."

We sat down with Leslie to ask her a few questions about design, life, and tire tables. Read on to learn more about this design star – and be sure to catch her presentation on the main stage at the Great Big Texas Home Show at Cowboys Stadium, March 8-10, 2013!

 What design trend or item are you coveting this season?

”Trend??” “Item??” I have WAY too many favorites to choose just one! But, my most favorite piece in my home is my coffee table from Montauk Sofa, the tire table from Design Star Season 6.  I loved it so much that I ordered it from NYC, and had it shipped all the way to Dallas!

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Get Up Close & Personal on Design Saturday

Image from Vancouver Home + Design Show

Your calendars are about to get a little fuller when it comes to this fall’s Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 11-14 at BC Place.

We’ve already told you about opening night, dubbed Savour Thursday, thanks to its highly anticipated Dessert Duel and a special cookbook signing with Rob Feenie right afterwards. Fashionistas have undoubtedly noted Style Friday, complete with a fashion show presented by Park Royal, coveted swag bags and a $2,500 makeover giveaway.  Next up? Design Saturday, an all-day, all-evening celebration of home design, whether its in your kitchen, living room or elsewhere.

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