- Gleaming Primrose Vanity Tray Anthropologie
I’m not sure that many of us having dressing tables any more – partly for space reasons and perhaps, partly for time. We are perhaps more likely to stand at the bathroom mirror than sit down at a table carefully applying lipstick and powder. But if you do have a dressing table this would be so pretty. Alternatively if you have a desk in the bedroom then removing it for the laptop during the day and returning it at night will add to the changeover between work and home that many lost when their commute ended. Also put it in the sitting room with drinks on. A gorgeous present that will last forever.
- GRIND ONE COFFEE POD MACHINE Anthropologie
It’s not cheap but it IS pretty and the chances are that those who care about their coffee care about the way it is served. It’s all part of the ritual. I’m strictly a Moka Express stove top pot but I could make an exception for this. It’s much prettier than the ubiquitous nespresso machines with which it is, by the way, compatible.
- Set Of 2 Leopard Print Candles Rockett St George
There’s no doubt that leopard print has been everywhere for a couple of years now and if you feel it’s too much of a cliché on clothes and homewares then the key is look for it in unexpected places. These candles are that. So you can stop there. Or you can add a candlestick. Or you can give a single candle and the promise (better the proof of booking) of a dinner out at some point during miserable January. This two stage present works well for me as my husband has a January birthday and I have to be careful not to use up all my inspiration the month before.
- SET OF SIX PEONY GLASSES Graham & Green
After the annual wisteria hysteria on Instagram comes #peonyseason as these gorgeous, but short-lived flowers take over everyone’s feed. So make it last longer with this very pretty set of coloured glasses. They’re made from blown glass but are dishwasher safe and will last far longer than the real thing. Unless, of course, you drop them.
- PINK AND BLACK GEOMETRIC QUILT Rockett St George
With everyone making an effort to turn the thermostat down or off this year, presents that making keeping warm chic are definitely going to be on the wanted list. This quilted throw will drape elegantly over the end of the bed or sofa while waiting patiently to be called into service. Check the site because there are also cheaper and more expensive options.
- Gluggle jug Graham & Green
I have had one of these on my list for so many years and still I don’t have one. This might be the year I self-gift. For everyone else here’s the link. Use them for bunches of flowers as well as table water, utensils and just to look decorative on the shelf. The shape is pretty, the colours are lovely and the gluggle is fun. What more do you want from a present?
- Tree decorations as labels Graham & Green
I have traditionally bought one or two new decorations for the tree every year but why not give them as gifts. There are so many to choose from that it can be a really lovely idea to find one that suits the recipient of a present you have bought and use a decoration as a label tag. Or put one in each place setting so that everyone can take theirs home at the end of the day. This range from Graham & Green has everything from greenhouses and food mixers to hot dogs and more traditional, yet beautiful items.
- Matilda Goad Scalloped Cushion Anthropologie
Like brass, pineapples and grey before that, scallops is a design classic that is having a fashion moment. The key is to know what and whether to invest. Firstly decide if you genuinely like it or if you are being influenced. Secondly pick an item that you will always use in a colourway that you already have in your house. That way it will fit cohesively into your interior and look like it’s always been there rather than assuming fashion victim status on the sofa. That’s it not you!
- Christmas Time In The City Dessert Plate Anthropologie
I’m not one who goes mad for Christmas decorations preferring to bring out the same thing year after year but a set of plates like these are fun and there’s something charming about getting to December and saying that all cakes and biscuits will be served on these for this month only. Plus they’re pretty. And there’s always the possibility that the collection will be expanded next year and you can add to your collection.
- Wonkiware jug Soho Home
The trend for artisanal homewares shows no sign of abating and this South African wonki ware is a great example. This is an exclusive collaboration for Soho Home and each piece has to be moulded, shaped, smooth and painted in 15 different stages. Use it for flowers, water and display.
- Edgar throw Soho Home
Handknitted by skilled artisans in India for Soho Home the pattern was designed by the in-house team. It’s proper cosy and the colours and style will sit well in a minimal scheme while not fighting with a more maximalist interior.
- Blue striped vase Graham & Green
Blue and white is a classic and so there isn’t a room this vase won’t go in. More to the point it will love all the flowers you put in it from Spring daffodils to pale pink roses and dramatic dahlias. And, of course, the key thing to remember when buying vases is that you want them to look as good empty as they do full so you can display them on open shelves and it will still be pretty.
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