High/low: Classic Christmas entryway

Which is high and which is low?

Can you tell the difference?

High: $14,446

1 Framed French Landmarks Artwork by Augustus Pugin, Union Lighting and Furnishings, $590 per set of 3. 2 Louis Philippe gilded antique Mirror, Marie Antoinette French Antiques & Fine Furniture, $3,200. 3 Maxim Lighting metal 14-light Chantilly Chandelier, Royal Lighting, $1,499. 4 Aspen faux Garland, 9', Canadian Tire, $60. 5 Custom square B.C. cedar Wreath, 24", $80, Sheridan Nurseries; 38 mm velvet 2600K Ribbon in 93, Mokuba 416-504-5358, $21 per metre. 6 Erth Coverings honed marble Bliss Floor Tiles, 12" x 24", The Tile Store, $15 per sq. ft. 7 Tibetan lambswool and Lucite Bench, L’Atelier 416-966-0200, $1499. 8 Walnut-veneered maple Sutton Dresser in Tribeca with Cream drawer fronts, Art Shoppe, $5,499. 9 Large hammered brass Bowl, Essence of Living 416-928-9117, $148.

Low: 6,966

1 Framed Paris Scenes Artwork by Grace Feyock, Cornerstone Home Interiors, $397 (per set of six). 2 Louis Philippe gilded antique mirror, Marie Antoinette French Antiques & Fine Furniture, $1,900. 3 Avista Lighting metal six-light Tiffany Chandelier, Royal Lighting, $600. 4 Celedon faux Garland, 9', Canadian Tire, $45. 5 Square faux laurel Wreath, 24", Canadian Tire, $40; Celebrate It 360° 1" satin Ribbon in Purple, Michaels, $9 per 10' roll. 6 Silver travertine Floor Tiles, 12" x 24", The Tile Store, $672 ($8 per sq. ft.,). 7 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Tibetan lambswool and wood Otto Bench, L’Atelier 416-966-0200, $899. 8 Mahogany-veneered hardwood Dresser with capiz-shell veneer drawer fronts, Union Lighting and Furnishings $2,330. 9 Hammered aluminum Talis Platter in Gold, Casalife, $74.

Chandelier: High

Lighting may be the jewellery of the home, but these stunning chandeliers are absolute evening gowns, and perfect for creating a grand entryway teeming with Oscar-worthy drama. Maxim Lighting metal 14-light Chantilly Chandelier, Royal Lighting, $1,499.

Chandelier: Low

Avista Lighting metal six-light Tiffany Chandelier, Royal Lighting, $600.

Best dressed

Trend alert! We're seeing these high-contrast dressers everywhere, from our favourite stores to the best blogs to our top Pinterest boards. The painting of the rich dark-wood frame with glossy white drawers is modern, masculine and statement-making. We love these version for their dainty little legs (adding a bit of femininity) and pretty ring pulls (adding a touch of tradition), which make them a match for almost any style. L: Walnut-veneered maple Sutton Dresser in Tribeca with Cream drawer fronts, Art Shoppe, $5,499. R: Mahogany-veneered hardwood Dresser with capiz-shell veneer drawer fronts, Union Lighting and Furnishings, $2,330. 

Paper chase

We hate to admit it, but we put as much pride in our gift-wrapping as we do in the gifts we give. We want people to hesitate before tearing them open, think twice abou ruining our packaging job and maybe even try to steam the tape off to keep the paper pristine. Are our expectations too high? We don't think so -- especially when we pick out our frameworthy specialy paper like this. 1 Creative Colours Solid in Lavender Pearl, $11 per 50' roll.  2 Creative Colours Printed in Gold Brocade Damask, Creative Bag, $11 per 50' roll.  3 Brushed Silver, Hallmark, $5 per 3-yard roll.  4 Handmade Nepalese Deco in Purple, $5 per 20 x 30, sheet.  5 Handmade Nepalese Tapestry in Natural, $5 per 20" x 30" sheet. 6 Handmade Nepalese Damask in Purple with Gold, The Paper Place, $5 per 20" x 30" sheet.  7 DCWV Dark Romance, 12" x 12", Michaels, $25 per 24-sheet.

Beautiful blues

Blue and white Japanese stencil-dyed Katazome 124, $20 per 24" x 36" sheet. Blue handmade Nepalese Kongpo, The Paper Place, $5 per 20" x 30" sheet.  

Pretty purples

Purple and gold Japanese silkscreened Chiyogami 902, $16 per 24" x 36" sheet, grey. Mauve and white Japanese silkscreened Chiyogami 302, The Paper Place, $16 per 24" x 36" sheet.