Raise a glass! Our editor share their favourite holiday wines:

Pfaffenheim Gewurztraminer is a mouthful to say but the French wine is floral and fruity and pairs nicely with Thai takeout making for a perfect night in. $18.49 at Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Rd. N.W., Calgary, 403-283-8000, www.kensingtonwinemarket.com —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor

Moving from London back to Vancouver meant that my favourite wines (usually from Spain) were suddenly a lot more expensive. The Rioja Crianza from Campo Viejo is a good staple when you don’t want to spend much money, it is oaky, fruity, and rich (all the things I hate in a white wine but love in a red.) $14.99 from BC Liquor Stores. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor

For a sparkler that won’t set you back, we love Sieur d'Arques Première bulle Blanquette de Limoux mousseux (2008) ($17.55). It’s the perfect girly sipper, from the pretty pink label to the fruity bubbles. At selected SAQ locations.  —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor

As a rare girl that doesn’t like Champagne, I always make sure to stock up on riesling, which can feel just as festive and taste just as sweet. This one by Tantalus is my personal favourite: very floral with strong hints of both apple and pear. Its full-bodied, yet breezy palette makes it a great companion for any celebration. $22.90 at Village VQA Wines.—Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor

Cedar Creek Riesling 2010 ($17.90)  I’m a seafood-aholic and this light, bright riesling goes beautifully with almost anything from the ocean. —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor

Outis Etna is a fabulous wine that we discovered at Terroni. According to Max Stefanelli who runs the L.A. outpost, this ruby red is best paired with meats and caponata. $16 per glass, $74 per bottle at Terroni, 720 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-504-1992, www.terroni.com —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

After living in Argentina, I figure you can't ever go wrong with malbec. The full-bodied flavour and richness of the Andeluna Malbec pairs perfectly with nights spent reminiscing around the fire with old friends. $25 at Firefly Wines, 2857 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-875-3325, www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editor

Bear Flag's smooth red blend wins points on several counts: a female winemaker, a highly drinkable blend oozing vanilla and cherry, an accessible price point, and an illustrated label by an emerging artist (because, yes, packaging counts!) $ 12.99 at BC Liquor Stores. —Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief

There's nothing better than curling up with a good book, our editors share their favourite reads:

Will Ferguson’s Canadian Pie serves up slice-of-life stories the humour writer has collected throughout his career, all of which confirm we live in a delightfully quirky country. $32 at Shelf Life Books, 100, 1302 Fourth St. S.W., Calgary, 403-265-1033, www.shelflifebooks.ca — Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor

Watership Down is one of my favourite books. My husband read it recently and he was enamoured. It is the beautiful story of a group of rabbits running away to start a new life, and a perfect feel-good-make-me-smile novel. $9.98 at www.amazon.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor

For some spine-tingling spookiness pick up Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children ($14.43), peppered with vintage photographs for a multi-sensorial reading experience. At www.amazon.ca —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor

If you read one book over the holidays, let it be Téa Obreht’s debut novel, The Tiger’s Wife. What a beautifully written book from a young author with startling talent. $12.27 at www.amazon.ca —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

Of the several books published on Coco Chanel just this year, Intimate Chanel gives us an unprecedented glimpse into her private life, thanks to Chanel’s grandniece and only living relative, who opened the family archives to the author. Through family photographs, correspondence, gifts from her friends and lovers, the book has a voyeuristic feel, like rummaging through someone’s secret drawers. In this case, it’s “Auntie Coco’s.”  $42.64 at www.amazon.ca — Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor

I really loved Jeffrey Eugenides’s last book, Middlesex, so I’m going to spend some quality time with my couch this holiday and power through his just-published tome The Marriage Plot. $24.31 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor

For a seriously good cry nothing beats the tragic romance of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audery Niffenegger. Make sure you have ample Kleenex, a cozy blanket and glass (or bottle?) of red wine while you wallow in the delicious sadness of this beautifully written novel. $15.88 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editor

Over the holidays there is nothing quite as indulgent as spending an afternoon watching your favourite movie, our editors share their top picks:

The Future
The Future begins with a thirty-something couple adopting an injured cat and continues through 30 days of questioning mortality, the need for attention and profound loneliness, all told through the poetic mind of writer/director/ star Miranda July. $34.95 at www.amazon.ca —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor

Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Christmas tradition I look forward to the most is my annual viewing of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I always opt for the extended version, and it takes me a few days to watch since I usually fall asleep a couple times. There is nothing better than lounging on the sofa watching good looking, burly guys riding horses and saving Middle Earth. $68.99 for the Special Extended Edition Trilogy at www.amazon.ca. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor

Jersey Shore
I’m only slightly ashamed of my addiction to Jersey Shore, but I’ll break open the boxed wine to enjoy the gang’s pre-rehab antics in Italy from Season Four. $19.99 at  www.amazon.ca —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor

Age of Innocence
Martin Scorsese may be best known for his dark, brooding crime dramas, but this adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 Pulitzer Prize-winning, melancholy, yet cleverly funny novel about New York's high society is just as complex. “Period drama?” he’ll ask. “It’s Martin Scorsese,” you’ll explain.  $9.49 at www.amazon.ca — Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor

Baz Luhrman’s Romeo + Juliet
I can’t wait to grab my girlfriends and reminisce about a time when “Love Fool” was all over the radio, Claire Danes looked all of 14, and Leo was like ohmigod so cute. $16.98 at www.chapters.indigo.ca —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor

Bill Cunningham New York
The Christmas holidays can be crazy, but if I finally get to watch the Bill Cunningham doc in a quiet room with leftover turkey and trimmings, I’ll be very chuffed. $23.99 at www.amazon.ca —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

Amélie
This beautiful French film (shot in Paris) takes you along on a quirky love story just perfect for a snowy day. You'll want to practice your French on your sweetie after watching this adorable film.  $15.68 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editor

Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? Today Sarah Bancroft, our editor-in-chief and fearless leader, share hers:

Tea Time
Maybe it’s my childhood years in England, but Earl Grey, with its bergamot notes, always takes me home. This keepsake tin ($54.95) from the world’s most exclusive tea line, TWG Tea, is available only at The Urban Tea Merchant, as is this whimsical silver plated teapot to serve it from (shown: $3,200). www.urbantea.com

Blanket Statement
We take blankets to the beach, to the park, to the backyard. The throws from historic Pendleton at Make are right on trend with Navajo prints and would look great on the bed. (from $80-$240) at Make, www.makevancouver.com

Pillow Talk
Ok, I admit, we already have 18 decorative pillows at home (yes, I counted) but who doesn’t need to refresh their living room once a season? These cheerful new cushions from the house line at Provide (from $180) are a fast and fashionable way to do so. www.providehome.com

Dowtown Staycation
We love to get away in a downtown Vancouver hotel even though we live in the city. Our most recent overnighter was at the Metropolitan Hotel, in a newly remodeled junior suite that had a very Mad Men vibe. Plus the hotel breakfast was a work of art. Just think: one night with no laundry or dishes! From $249, www.metropolitan.com

Pinot Envy
My favourite varietal is Pinot Noir, known as the Holy Grail of grapes for its quixotic, temperamental, and shape-shifting characteristics. Sometimes redolent of violets, sometimes of hung pheasant, like a 20-something girl, it plays hard to get. This bottle, discovered at this year’s Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival, lives up to Pinot’s reputation as the most complex of wines.  Sound like anyone you know? Quail’s Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 ($45) at BC Liquor Stores, www.bcliquorstores.com —Sarah Bancroft

Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Kelsey Mulyk, our managing editor (aka: the editor behind the scenes), shares hers:

GM Collin Bota-Peptide Eye Contour
At the tender age of 22 my esthetician took one look at the skin around my eyes under her magnifying glass and gasped. She nicely suggested (read: admonished) that, unless I wanted to have serious crow’s feet by 35, I’d better get moisturizing. Since then, I've religiously used GM Collin’s Bota-Petide Eye Contour... so far, it seems to be doing what it promises. $96 at Vie Derma Clinic, 1150 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, 604-568-3367, www.viedermaclinic.com

Conde Nast Traveler
A traveller at heart, Conde Nast Traveler is the only magazine I actually get via post. Its combination of high fashion photo shoots in dreamy destinations, unusual travel stories (like Bhutan being more concerned with its citizens’ happiness than GDP) and unique trip ideas let me live a fabulously adventurous life through its glossy pages. $17.97 for a one-year subscription, www.cntraveler.com

Victorinox Slim USB Flash Drive
One thing an online editor can’t live without is a good USB drive. The Victorinox Slim USB Flash Drive has one-upped every USB. Small, sleek and silver, it resembles the classic Swiss Army knife and fits nicely on my keychain. No one said being tech meant you had to give up style. $52 at www.swissarmy.com/ca

Alexis Bittar Bangle
Clean lines with a retro-feel, this Lucite bangle is an easy piece to throw on with a t-shirt and jeans or your best cocktail dress and heels. I’ve had the grey (which is actually more white than grey) for about six years and it’s still in heavy rotation. I’m hoping (hint, hint!) for a few more of the jewel-toned bangles so I can rock a stack of them at this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. $75 at www.alexisbittar.com

Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc
I might be biased (my husband’s a Kiwi) but this well-priced New Zealand white always seems to be my go-to. Reminiscent of days spent enjoying the sunshine, this wine has opened many a backyard barbecue, birthday parties and more than a few “just because we can” evenings. $16.99 at BC Liquor Stores, www.bcliquorstores.com —Kelsey Mulyk

Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Kelsey Dundon, our Vancouver lifestyle editor, shares hers:

Forget Oprah, you’ve been dying to find out about Kelsey’s favourite things, haven’t you?

Hand-woven Wool Throws at Marché St. George $85
The wool is unbleached and undyed. The result? Undeniably beautiful. These cozy throws are made by artisans in the mountains of Mexico and sold at my very favourite marché. www.marchestgeorge.com

My Father’s Daughter by Gwyneth Paltrow $21.78
Am I slightly embarrassed about being such a GP fan? Yes. Has her cookbook ever led me astray? No. Seriously, serve her world-famous pancakes at your next brunch and your ladyfriends won’t shut up about them. www.amazon.ca

Boardwalk Cuff by Henderson Dry Goods $170
I’m a firm believer in piling on the bracelets and this gold-leafed, laser etched wood cuff from Vancouver’s own Henderson Dry Goods goes straight to the top of my pile. www.hendersondrygoods.com

Nightlife by Phantogram $4.99
Just because I have a shameless girl crush on lead singer Sarah Barthel doesn’t mean I’m totally biased. Phantogram’s new EP is a brilliant follow-up to their much-lauded album “Eyelid Movies”. www.itunes.apple.com

Marine Animals Print by Banquet Atelier & Workshop $60. Being something of a water baby myself, I’d love to see this ocean-themed print on my wall. Hint, hint, Mr. Claus. www.banquetworkshop.com —Kelsey Dundon

Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, our Vancouver fashion editor, shares hers:

Foot Duvets
The Restoration Hardware catalogue is basically my porn at this time of year (all the cashmere throws!) and their foot duvets are the only time I will ever put something that resembles an Ugg boot on my feet. These slippers are made for snuggling up in front of the fire, I keep one pair at home and one pair at my husband’s country house in Sweden. $19 from Restoration Hardware, 101-2555 Granville St Vancouver, 604-731-3918, www.restorationhardware.com

Dr. Haushka Neem Nail Oil
I am obsessed with all that is Dr. Hauschka, and the neem nail oil is one of the best nail products on the market. A manicurist once told me “nails like oil, not cream” and that piece of advice has saved my once weak, brittle nails. This oil comes in a stick or a bottle, (go for the bottle) and works wonders in this cold weather. Available by special order from Choices Market.

Finsk Shoes
Readers of my blog know that I go on and on about how much I love Finsk shoes, but they really are my favourite shoes. I used to buy the crazy, architectural towering heels but now I am buying their more “sensible” shapes (like these pumps) but they still have a detail or heel shape that makes them noticeable and edgy. The best part is that all of the Finsk shoes are so comfortable and well made, I can push my stroller in the 5” wedge thigh high boots…no problem. Finsk pump from Nordstroms online, on sale for $285.

Klippan Sponge Cloths
Although I rarely do any cleaning, these Klippan sponge cloths actually get me excited about wiping the counter. They are Swedish (can’t you tell?) and each one is the equivalent to 17 rolls of paper towels, plus you can compost them and they are dishwasher safe. I am using them as Christmas cards this year. Available in festive or non-festive prints for $5.95 from Orling & Wu, 28 Water St., Vancouver, 604-568-6718, www.orlingandwu.com

Trumpette Socks
Ok, I’ve got a bit of a footwear trend going here! My life pretty much revolves around my five-month old son right now, and there’s nothing I like more than putting on these little Trumpette high top tennis shoe socks on his tiny, perfect feet. Pack of 6, $31.99 from Lusso Baby, 1037 Marine Dr., North Vancouver, 778-340-0648, www.lussonbaby.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Anya Georgijevic, our Vancouver beauty editor, shares hers:

Principessa Lip Balm
When Principessa’s Bacio Me lip balm came into my life, it was a game-changer. This soft and silky balm dethroned several of my old favourites and became my number one companion. Its super-moisturizing formula provides a smooth base for that bright red lipstick, and its irresistibly sweet shea butter scent leaves lips kiss-ready. $11 at www.principessa.com

Obakki Lingerie
Having glanced at my lingerie drawer in horror a few months ago, I made it my resolution to invest in some sexier things…but they had to maintain the comfort of my beloved tighty whities. One of my favourites this season is Obakki’s duo of high- waisted zipper ‘Scarlett’ shorts ($125) and ‘Leighton’ cropped tank ($125). The best part? They are wool, so no need to freeze my buns off for sexy’s sake. At www.obakki.com

The Laundress
My closet is filled with mostly silk blouses (and now, wool underwear). If I dry-cleaned everything, I’d be positively broke. Unless there is a stubborn stain, I try and do most of my laundry at home. Plus, I have sensitive skin, and dry cleaning chemicals are incredibly harsh. The Laundress makes solutions for everything from our delicate silks to our wools and cashmeres. At Kiss and Makeup, H5 - 925 Main St., The Village Park Royal, West Vancouver, 604-922-6292, www.kissandmakeupstore.com

Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes
I’m not a serial shopper; I buy wisely. But every year (well, okay: for two years in a row) I splurge on a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood shoes. I usually wear neutral colours so fun shoes are a must for me. It was love at first sight, and what a beautiful sight at that! But beyond beauty, Kirkwood’s shoes, although notorious for being sky-high, are surprisingly comfortable... as much as six inchers can be. $1370 at The Room at The Bay.

My Sassy Dog
My little dog Bun didn’t inherit my love of clothing and accessories, but Vancouver’s heavy rain leaves him no choice. His long silky coat gets easily matted when wet, and daily conditioning and brushing can get tiresome. Thankfully, Vancouver-based My Sassy Dog makes stylish canine fashions that Bun approves of. $40-47 at www.mysassydog.com and Bow Wow Haus, 1701 W. Fourth Avenue, 604-563-5009, www.bowwowhaus.ca —Anya Georgijevic

We asked our editors to share their favourite places to shop online:

Revolve
My husband (admittedly a bit of a clotheshorse) has just discovered Revolve and now there's no going back. These trousers from Closed shipped for free and fit him perfectly. Here's hoping he gets his Christmas shopping done so efficiently!  —Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief

Room in Order
When I lived in London, childless and fancy free, I surfed shoe porn on luxury etailers, but nowadays it's all about ways to make my life easier. Room in Order, who's tagline is "Organize, Declutter & Simplify", provides solutions for my current, less glamorous life: stylish dishracks, modern storage boxes, slick coat hooks and fancy white boards. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver Fashion Editor

Etsy
Etsy is the besty! The virtual home of thousands of artists and artisans, it’s filled with unique pieces that are made with love and shipped right to your door. Like those from Canada’s own Scout & Catalogue, whose beachy, bohemian pieces would look great under my tree. —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver Lifestyle Editor

Sophie’s Closet
This finely-curated jewellery destination offers the best costume baubles from both present and past, from hip and studded Edie Borgo, to glamorous and glitzy Erickson Beamon, to rare and timeless vintage like Chanel and Dior.  —Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver Beauty Editor

Foley + Corinna
I'm picky when it comes to bags. I like 'em simple and clean but in the current sea of designer handbags there are often way too many chains, buckles and other extras. Enter Foley + Corinna. Their streamlined clutches and dream totes have me continuously scheming up ways to justify one more bag in my closet.—Kelsey Mulyk, Managing Editor

Modcloth
Sure you can get yourself a lovely fabric frock on Modcloth.com. Vintage inspired, of course, and from designers including Betsey Johnson, Cheap Monday and Skinkfunk. You can even vote on whether a design should go into production at the Be The Buyer tab. But ’tis the season to give so click on the gifts tab and peruse the fashion, accessory, home décor and novelty items categorized by person, price or interest. —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary Editor

Present & Correct
I’m a total paper geek, with drawers jammed full of letterpress, notepads, post cards and ephemera. Present & Correct is a newly discovered playground of mine with more fabulous paper goods than a girl like me could ever imagine. Only my very special friends get vintage glitter on their xmas cards though. —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto Editor

Paris Couture Antiques
Everything on this site is incredible. I am always particularly taken by the jewellery section, but for quirky antique Parisian finds- there is no competition. For the creepy crowns alone, you need to take a look for yourself… —Katherine Holland, Toronto Contributor

Ibrilo
Though we love gifts we can wrap in a bow, we turn to ibrilo for unique experiences we can share with those we love, like a 3-hour brunch workshop ($75) with Olive & Gourmando, an upside-down yoga workshop at Naada Yoga ($99), or personal styling featuring local designers from BeSleek ($450). Big things come in no packages.
—Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal Editor