Sure, we love cheap, trendy clothing, but South Granville just hasn't been the same since Caban closed. You can imagine our delight, then, when we heard that American housewares retailer Williams-Sonoma was opening its first B.C. store in there, re-establishing the rise as Vancouver's domestic domain. 
We sweetly asked for a sneak peek of the new, 7,000 square foot store, which opens its doors tomorrow. Our inner Mrs. Claus jumped with joy when we caught sight of the holiday-inspired confections: Think Peppermint North Poles ($20), Peppermint Snow ($11.25), the original Peppermint Bark ($29.50) and the new Caramel Hand-crafted Marshmallows ($32).
Of course, to satisfy our inner Nigella, we've put the Henkel Twin Cuisine 5-inch Santoku Hollow Ground Knife ($94.95), the Cuisinart 4-cup Brushed Stainless Steel Food Prep ($59.95) and the Breville Panini Press ($99.95)-one of Oprah's Favourite Things-on our wish lists. And to tide us over until the gift-opening begins, we picked up the Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining Cookbook ($49.95) and the Olivier Cruet ($36), part of the retailer's oil and vinegar tasting bar (and taste we did).
Fast fashion? We prefer this housewares heaven.
Williams-Sonoma
www.williams-sonoma.ca
2903 Granville St.
778-330-2581