At first it wasn’t the Kawarthas, it was the cabin that charmed Matthew and Rick Bettencourt, prompting them to drop everything and drive one and a half hours to put in an offer. Now, it’s both.

The two-man team behind design agency and retailer Bettencourt Manor didn’t have a specific location or type of property in mind when they began their search for an all-season escape from the city. Their main goal was to find a spot big enough to host large gatherings of friends and family, especially over the holidays. Although they’d never really considered the Kawarthas before, they were immediately smitten with the 1,400-square-foot log cabin on one and a half wooded hectares in Omemee, Ont. “We fell in love with the rounded shapes of the logs and the arches, which are rare to find in a log cabin, as they’re usually quite boxy and cookie-cutter,” says Matthew.

Scroll down to tour this cozy holiday space!

The post This Design Duo Turned Their Rustic Log Cabin Into A Stylish Retreat appeared first on House & Home.

From spiced gingerbread cookies with a rosewater cream cheese glaze to hazelnut amaretti and dark chocolate and toffee-filled shortbread, here are the best recipes from the House & Home archives to add to your holiday sweet list.

The post 45+ Sweet Treats To Bake This Season! appeared first on House & Home.

Between last-minute shopping and baking, this is one of the busiest times of the year. If you haven’t tackled your holiday decorating yet, these minimalist rooms prove you can still pack a lot of festive impact with a pared-down look.

Scroll down for 20+ minimalist holiday decorating ideas!

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Country homes, cottages and cabins are especially enchanting during the holiday season. A retreat set on snow-blanketed fields or overlooking an icy lake is picturesque, especially when all the windows are lit up, and the fireplace is freshly stoked inside. Get inspired by these rustic holiday getaways that will make you want to spend Christmas in the country.

The post These Charming Country Homes Capture The Magic Of Christmas appeared first on House & Home.

From illuminated garlands to lush wreaths studded with berries, this gallery of festive exteriors will inspire you.

Scroll down for 20+ ways to deliver Christmas curb appeal!

The post From The Archives: 25 Ways To Add Holiday Style To Your Exterior appeared first on House & Home.

We asked a few of our favorite designers from across Canada how they decorate their hearths for the season. Spoiler alert: fresh (or faux) greenery, subtle sparkle and nostalgic touches are the key ingredients. Get inspired to steal their holiday style!

The post 10 Favorite Mantels Decorated For Hanukkah & Christmas appeared first on House & Home.

It’s officially December and the festive season is in full swing! Whether you’ve just started decorating or are adding the finishing touches to your tree or mantel, consider these Christmas and Hanukkah accents — they’re some of our favorites on the market this year.

From garlands to gift wrap, close out your decorating with these seasonal finds!

The post Top Up Your Holiday Decorating With These New Seasonal Finds appeared first on House & Home.

For the foodies in your life who already have an impressive collection of cookbooks, kitchen gadgets and cookware, our editors have rounded up a curated selection of products that might not be in their cupboards just yet. Think fast! Some of these have Black Friday deals right now.

Scroll down for 10+ great gifts for the food lovers on your list!

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Get ahead of the holiday rush this year with House & Home’s curated picks of gifts for every budget. From small, artisanal Canadian brands and eco-conscious products (like iceberg-infused soap) to high-end luxuries (like the newest pop art–hued Hermès blanket), discover our favorite finds in decorating, entertaining, cooking and beyond.

Scroll down for 40+ home-inspired gifts to give and get this season!

The post H&H’s Top Gift Picks For Every Budget appeared first on House & Home.

Nothing says Christmas quite like a magnificent tree dressed for the season. From minimalist boughs with a winter-white palette to grand trees with a curated mix of ornaments, H&H’s best Christmas trees are those that reflect the homeowners’ personalities, sometimes in new and unexpected ways.

Scroll down to browse through for some of our favorite firs from over the years!

The post From The Archives: House & Home’s Best Christmas Trees appeared first on House & Home.