[bc_video video_id="6286824658001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]

[bc_video video_id="6286824658001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]

[bc_video video_id="6286963067001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]   Don’t cause an embarrassing scene this holiday season! The No-Goes Before Hosting a Holiday Party: Before anyone even walks through the door you have to ask your guests whether they have any food sensitivities or allergies. I’m allergic to nuts and this is a big deal. When you’re setting the table, never put the fork on top of the serviette- huge faux pas. Guests need to be able to access the napkin. You also shouldn’t set an enormous flower arrangement in the middle of the table. Flowers shouldn’t block your view of the guests or interrupt the conversation! Next, not having any fancy drinks for the DD or non-drinkers is a big faux pas. You can have club soda, tonic water, bitters, fruit juice, apple cider, and more on standby to make the holidays festive for the non-drinkers. Out of the Dining Room Faux Pas: Burning scented candles are faux pas for a variety of reasons. I have asthma and I might come over and start struggling to breathe because of the scent. The other reason is if you are cooking, your candles may contradict the food and now the smell is foul and the food doesn’t taste as good. A safer bet is to use LED candles. Not only will they not smell, but they also won’t start a fire when somebody's toddler knocks it over. A gross faux pas is only having one small towel in the powder room. Use printed paper towels and a garbage can or a basket of hand towels with a receptacle for them to be placed and washed when the party is over. It’s more hygenic and more elegant. Guest Faux Pas Forgetting to bring a host gift! Explains a variety of appropriate house gifts. And if that house gift happens to be alcohol and nobody drinks it at the party, don’t assume you can have it back and that really carries over to food or anything else consumable. If you’re a guest and a parent, don’t just assume you can bring your kids. Always ask if the invitation is extended to the kids and in general, don’t bring extra guests or pets without asking. And lastly, it’s the holidays- put your phones away at the table and enjoy the company in the room!

[bc_video video_id="6286824658001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Teas eggs are so important in Chinese culture.  My fondness for eggs coupled with the love of my heritage inspired me to create this as a special tapas-style dish with a uniquely modern spin.

[bc_video video_id="6286647211001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Does anyone else have that one stash of ornaments that never see the light of day? Here are some easy and of course stylish ways to give them new life. I love switching my Christmas decor up every now and then and it can pricey – plus I’m trying to be more of a minimalist and I find the most cost-efficient and sustainable way to switch things up is to revamp those old and outdated decorations! You can do this with paint, some embellishments and with the right tools, you can even make brand new ornaments! DIY 1: Distressed Ornament Using Chalk Paint You want to start off by using ornaments that have some detail to them and aren’t completely smooth balls, this will help when distressing them. Step 1: Start by removing the caps so you don’t get paint on them. Then you want to paint 2 coats of white chalked paint onto the ornaments. A tip to make drying simple, poke some toothpicks poked into a box and just put them on top of the toothpicks to dry! I suggest leaving them overnight. Step 2: Using some medium grit sandpaper, you distress the ornaments. Focus on the ridges and details of the ornament. Once you’re happy with the look add your cap back on and you’re ready to hang your ornaments! DIY 2: Marbled Ornament Really one of the easiest DIY tricks…paint can do so much. We’re going to do this marble effect. I love marbling and these marbled ornaments can be done with virtually any colour combo. Step 1: Begin by choosing 2-4 acrylic colours that you want to use. Squeeze acrylic paint around the outside of the ornament. You want a good amount of paint for it to swirl. Step 2: Swirl the paint around using a skewer – be careful not to over mix. Then swirl the paint to cover the entire surface. Step 3: Turn the ornament over onto a cup to let the paint run out then let your ornament sit and dry overnight. Once dried, replace the cap/holder and hang your ornaments! DIY 3: Paint Free Upcycling If the paint isn’t your thing, you can also revamp your ornaments using embellishments! This is probably the simplest way to jazz up your old ornaments! Step 1: I took these strip embellishments and stuck them on the ornaments. Step 2: There are so many different types of embellishments from pearls to large filigree, you can pick what bests suit your overall décor and go to town!