It’s December 1st today and that means it's the first day of our WSS 2019 Christmas Countdown. We are so excited about our advent calendar and hope you will follow us here and on Instagram to see what we are up to everyday.

Starting out with Days 1-5 we have a very special surprise for you. We are giving away two tickets to see the award winning musical Hamilton in Toronto! That's right, something to look forward to all winter long. If you'd like to enter, here is how to do so:

Like us on Instagram &/or Facebook
Like at least 4 posts during our West Side Storeys Christmas Countdown which runs from today until December 24th
Comment by tagging a friend in all 4 posts that you've liked
Follow along & participate in at least 4 activities during the countdown by tagging us @westside_storeys and using the hashtag #westsider

That’s it, easy peasy! Everyone who fulfills the 4 conditions above will be entered into a draw to win 2 tickets to see Hamilton in Toronto in April 2020 ($500 value).

As well, anyone who bought, sold, referred or was the subject of one of our business spotlights will be automatically entered to win! The draw will take place on January 6th, 2020. Best of luck to everyone!

Alright, let's do this, here is what we'll be up to on Days 1 - 5.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5

Stay warm, have fun and countdown to Christmas with us west-end style!

See you on December 6th!

It's coming up quickly people. One easy way to get ahead of the holiday madness is to have a stockpile of ready-to-go items for easy gifting. Growing up my mother would do a different homemade treat each year. The treats would be used for hostess, neighbour, teacher or any other gift we needed. She'd spend a weekend and package up homemade Bits'n Bites or spreads and have a few dozen ready to go. This is a goal for me this month, so I have one less thing to think about in December. Whether you want to do homemade or store bought (preferably local!) here's what's on our inspiration list for 2019. Our goal was to think functional and thoughtful, with items that were either local, reusable or consumable. Less "stuff" for the win!

photo cred: ten and co

Get a locally designed Swedish Sponge Cloth or tea towel and wrap it around a bottle of wine or some dish soap. It's a pretty way to wrap up a functional hostess gift and really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Sweet or savoury, whipped butters are THE BEST. Make a bunch ahead of time and you'll thank yourself every time you need a gift this season. Package them up in a pretty reusable jar and you're good to go.

photo cred: nest of posies

Homemade croutons really do taste better. Make up a few big batches and have these pretty bags ready to go.

Give a better gift by choosing to pay it forward this year. Purchasing "giving gifts" online has never been easier, so why not choose a cause close to your heart and your hosts can feel good about it too? Make up thank-you notes and let your host know they've made a difference.

Not everyone is a oenophile so how about supporting one of our many amazing local breweries. Stop by and grab a mix of different bottles and cans and then take a few wrapped with ribbons as a gift.

And finally, the best idea of all, for the hosts who held that late night holiday party, breakfast for the next morning. Fill up a box or basket with local baked goods , coffee & maybe a sweet spread or butter you made. It's one less thing they have to think about the next morning and we bet they'll be thrilled.

If you want to browse some local shops that tend to have a lot of Canadian labels for more inspiration, check out : Likely General, Scout, Simply Beautiful and Pretty Clean Shop. It's the perfect time of year to support local shops & Canadian companies. Have a suggestion of where to shop, tag it below or on Instagram and we'll try and do a spotlight on them in the new year or during our annual Holiday Countdown.

Happy gift giving everyone!

Christmas Countdown | Days 1 - 5

See you on December 6th!

'tis (almost) the season : our favourite hostess gifts for 2019