The top shops for festive fall and Thanksgiving decor
If you’re hosting this year’s Thanksgiving fete, you’re likely in need of some good old-fashioned tableware. Upgrade the affair with a colourful autumnal centrepiece, some festive linen napkins, or a signature cocktail (in a envy-inspiring tumbler, no less). If not your area of expertise, keep calm. These masters-of-the-homeware-touch are here to help. [Image credit: iStock.com/mythja]
Blue Banana Market
250 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7This homewares and gift market is unlike many of its Kensington Market neighbours – in that it’s huge and packed to the brim with intriguing novelties and kitchen basics alike. Not only does the sprawling shop carry a range of Canadiana-inspired tabletop décor (like birch bark canoes for dips and a Tommy Thompson mug set, which features five of his famed Canadian landscapes), it also brings in substantial seasonal décor, if you’re looking for that quintessential set of turkey-themed paper napkins.
Poppies
1092 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9When you realize the one thing your Thanksgiving fete is missing is some gorgeously arranged fresh flowers (or you’re looking for a quick gift for your host on the way over), stop by this boutique florist in West Queen West. The bouquets are bursting with colour and large blooms, while more subdued succulents and cacti offer a minimalist alterative. Pop in or order in advance, and be sure to leave time to peruse nifty one-offs like old-fashioned scented drawer liners, gorgeously wrapped soaps, and room sprays.
Crate & Barrel
3401 Dufferin St, North York, ON M6A 2T9Yorkdale’s two-storey location of this beloved home décor chain is where you go when you’re seeking that beautiful tableware for less. Need a set of champagne flutes for a little pre-feast prosecco? Crate and Barrel will hook you up with options priced at under five bucks. The spot hosts a vast selection of plates, mugs, glassware and tabletop accessories, but they also provide those one-off details (like a pumpkin-inspired pie dish) that you might not have in your kitchen cupboard already. Be sure to check out the seasonal stock that’s arrived – it promises to charm the pants off ya.
Likely General
389 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2N1Gorgeous glassware and ceramics, handwoven throws and trinkets like Dillon’s bitters and scented candles abound at this oh-so-aesthetic Roncesvalles boutique. The spot also sells homemade bouquets of fresh foraged flowers on the weekends (but they run out quick so get ‘em while you can!), perfect if you’re looking to add a sweet country kitchen vibe to your centrepieces.
Quince Flowers LTD
660 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G5East-enders swear by this Riverdale florist for made-in-minutes custom bouquets, plants and homeware gifts. The team brings in fall seasonals like bursting dahlias in your favourite autumnal colours (think burnt orange, deep purple and cherry red). Order in advance or pop in for a beautiful arrangement that will add a splash of intensity to your table.
Kitchen Stuff Plus
2287 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C6Your guests will arrive in a few short hours and you’ve realized you don’t have a turkey baster. We can sympathize. Pop out to this kitchen emporium with a dozen locations in the GTA (notable digs include shops in Yorkville, Liberty Village and at Danforth and Pape). With everything from lemon zesters to martini shakers to full dinnerware sets, this spot is sure to soothe your host anxieties, and get you all the tools you need to pull of a Thanksgiving get-together no one will forget.
Ma Zone Home Decor
853 Pape Ave, East York, ON M4K 3T7If it’s your first time hosting a Thanksgiving fete, you might be missing a quintessential ingredient: a beautiful serving bowl for your yams, Brussels sprouts, or like-grandma-made-it stuffing. Stop into this décor and kitchenware spot in the King East design district for your dishware needs. The price ranges from steep to not-so-steep, with beautiful collections from the likes of Littala, Alessi, and Sabre that will add an attention-grabbing finishing touch.
Crown Flora Studio
1233 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5Two words: The Centrepiece. Are you looking for that oh-so-impressive autumnal floral arrangement for your Thanksgiving table? These big-league bouquet crafters will set you up. Located on a charming side street in Parkdale, Crown Flora has mastered green décor, from awe-inspiring terrariums to sky-high lily arrangements. Stop in for a quick table upgrade or order a custom piece in advance (if you pop into the store, leave yourself a few minutes to explore the locally designed and produced leather bags that are also created in the studio).
Cocktail Emporium
972 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1Adults know that Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without a themed cocktail to wash down the turkey and stuffing, and this Kensington boutique has no shortage of gourmet tools you’ll need to make that pumpkin spice bourbon you’ve been dreaming about a reality. Choose from a selection of aromatic bitters (from cardamom to smoky vanilla), gorgeous tumblers and antique champagne glasses, and eclecticisms like a bowling-pin-shaped decanter and geometric bull-horn bottle opener (in other words, your cocktail bar must-haves).
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