Don't shoot the messenger... but I bring you news of Christmas 2013! For those of you who don't want to think or hear about Christmas just yet (and that includes me!) you might want to come back to this post in a couple of months. I know, I know... right now you're probably sitting on your dock with a cool beverage, watching the sailboats go by as you surf the web on your iPad looking for tonight's best barbecue recipe on canadianliving.com. Sadly, the final cottage sunset – in all of its awesomeness – is imminent and thoughts of holiday decor will soon start to creep into your mind, so don't you want to have the latest scoop on what's to come? (That's my pathetic pitch to get you to read my holiday-inspired blog!) [caption id="attachment_2442" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Down at the dock for a late summer sunset over Lake Joe in Muskoka. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption] Hear me out! I have an excuse for taunting you (or, as some may say, "inspiring you") with holiday images. As any magazine editor knows, this is the time of year that all of the major retailers introduce their holiday lineups to the media so that we can prepare ahead of time for our holiday issues. Knowing ahead of time what we'll all be seeing in the stores starting in October, editors and journalists can be sure that their festive features will offer readers the latest in holiday decor, including where it all can be found. After attending two popular retailers' holiday previews recently I thought I'd share some of my favourite looks and ideas while they're fresh in my mind. I actually enjoy the pretty displays that the retailers design to inspire us all with their newests offerings. I think some of them will inspire you, too! Have a look at some of my favourite things from The Home Depot,  Target and Canadian Tire. I think they'll put a smile on your face and spark a little holiday spirit – if only for a few minutes – until the time comes to start planning your holiday decor. The Home Depot holiday preview [caption id="attachment_2443" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The Home Depot's iceberg blue and shimmery silver palette complements bronze, brushed gold, chocolate and all-natural holiday decor. Photos by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Wreath style [caption id="attachment_2444" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The Home Depot offers an array of decorative wreaths that aren't just for doors. Steal these pretty looks. Photos by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Target Canada holiday preview [caption id="attachment_2445" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Target Canada inspires the kids with iconic holiday motifs in bright colours on stockings, votives and ornaments. Photos by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Kids' stuff [caption id="attachment_2446" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Target Canada's fresh colour palette and classic holiday themes bring back memories for both young and old. Loving the glittery truck ornaments! Photos by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Target Canada decor features unique materials in classic holiday colours [caption id="attachment_2447" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Target Canada's ornaments and decorative accessories are fun, bold and unique, and come in a variety of materials and traditional holiday colours. Photos by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Canadian Tire's Debbie Travis holiday collection pairs bold with beautiful [caption id="attachment_2471" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Debbie Travis's new Canadian Tire Berry Pink collection is bold, fun and all a-glitter with diamond-cut LED lights.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_2472" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Debbie Travis created a charming gold collection for Canadian Tire that will lend an elegant look to this season's holiday style.[/caption]   Enjoy the rest of your summer! May sugar plums dance in your head!  Follow me on Twitter: @KKMe123