Twice a year the Javits Center in New York and the Congress Centre in Toronto is packed with the latest and greatest in lamps, rugs, salad bowls and more as The New York International and the Toronto Gift Fairs display housewares to thousands of buyers of retail stores.
The show -- two of the largest of its kind with a total of over 4,000 exhibitors from the United States, Canada and around the world -- features the best in home decor and entertaining accessories. I took a peek around this trade-only event and checked out the latest trends being offered up this season. With blurry eyes and sore feet I bring you the results; here are some of the trends and best products you'll be seeing in retail stores and online this fall:
Best NEW products from the Toronto gift show:
- Ambiance diffuser, Fruits and Passion- available at Fruits and Passion stores across Canada
- Pizza stone, Emily Henry -- available at www.emilyhenry.com
- Texthook, available at www.kidcentral.ca
- Wine & Fruit Preserves, Tishbi brand, available at Second Cups for the holidays
- Little Black Dress Organizer, Umbra, www.umbra.com
Trends from the New York Gift Fair:
Trend #1: Handmade, chunky-knitwear and crochet inspiration:
Knitted ball ottoman, $49, 2 textured throws $49-69, 2 pillows $24-29, 1 handmade vase $19, all from Homesense.
Trend #2: Script, letters and number motifs:
Modern slipper chair $1,295, leather-suede pillow, $135, large numbered art $395, all from Alexander Interiors, www.jamiealexander.com
Trend #3: 70's Geometric patterns:
2 pillows $24-29, bedding set $59, vase $34, all from Homesense.
Trend #4: Being stylish and green:
Foldable, stylish tote bags made of recycled plastic bottles, $24-49, from Run-Run-Run. www.kickstarter.com
METRO nights at the LCBO: Learn all the tricks to decorating and entertaining this fall with Canada AM's decor guru Karl Lohnes, Sterling Vitner's Collection wine, Benjamin Moore and the LCBO. A special 'Changing Seasons' style and entertaining class will be held Thursday, September 29th, 6:30-8:30pm at the LCBO Summerhill in Toronto. Go to: www.LCBO.COM for more information and to purchase tickets. Tickets are limited for this one-time, special event!
