Perhaps because it is a light that is both alive and natural, a candle in a room or near a window is all it takes to lift the gloom of a winter’s day. Suddenly, dark December is transformed into jovial Yuletide by the welcoming flicker of candlelight.

Arum Lily Candlesticks

Window Candelabra

Hallmarked British Designer Silver Candlesticks & Holders from £89 to £3,000

More details can be found at www.braybrook.co.uk

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Fair Trade Christmas Tree

Grown in Denmark, the seeds for these trees are sourced under Danish fair trade accreditation from the natural forests of Georgia. Available to order online the trees will be delivered in early December.

Simply remove the tree from the box and place it where required.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Angel Tree Decoration £9.50

This gorgeous Christmas tree decoration makes a great, ethical gift. It is a fair trade product that has been handmade using glass and acrylic beads. £1 from the sale of every angel goes to the Midlands Trauma and Crisis Centre in South Africa. 6cm x 6cm. Available in gold, red and silver.

Silk Rocking Horse £6

This is a beautiful red silk tree decoration that is a bit different from the usual tree decorations. It is handmade by polio and landmine survivors in Cambodia and made using 100% Cambodian silk. Hand sewn sequins and detailing make this a gorgeous decoration for your tree. 11cm x 3cm x 11cm.

Star Tree Decoration Gift Box £12

Traditional Christmas stars for the tree but handmade using Cambodian silk by polio and landmine survivors in Cambodia. They come as a set of six (three of each colour) in a stylish gift box and have hand-sewn sequins and decorative stitching. Available in cream & gold and cream & red. Each star 7cm x 2cm x 7cm.

This innovative company is owned and run by Teresa Owen and Martin Abel who are passionate about fair trade and providing affordable, quality, fair trade gifts and accessories from around the world. In addition to their thriving online business they have a shop in Crouch End, London.

In 2007, Fairwind was shortlisted for an Observer Ethical Award and is a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) – visit www.bafts.org.uk for more information.

Fairwind has celebrity endorsement from Tamzin Outhwaite, Sheridan Smith and Beverley Knight:

“Fair trade makes a big difference to the lives of millions of people in the developing world, not just in farming but in the handicrafts and gifts industries too. Fairwind has an amazing range of ethical gifts from all over the world, combining modern design with traditional skills. Their gifts are all beautifully made and reasonably priced, so I will certainly be doing my Christmas shopping with them again this year.”
- Tamzin Outhwaite

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Christmas Angel from Jo Heckett

There’s nothing more exciting than the run up to Christmas so The Contemporary Home have given us the beautiful Nordic Felt Bird Advent Calender, £19.99, to help you count down the days in style. And once you’re off, get your centre piece in place with the Nativity Set, £49.99, also from The Contemporary Home.

So now it’s time to deck the halls and why not start with that all important tree? The immensely popular red and white theme for Christmas is prevalent in most Nordic decorations so the Santas Toy Box Tree Decorations, £15.00, from Fairwind and the Angel Christmas Decoration, £9.00, from Jo Heckett should work well in most festive homes.

There is something almost magical about the Scandinavian style that captures the imagination and feels homely and familiar. The Handmade Vintage Mice With Brolly, £8.75, from Berry Red and the Wooden Reindeer, £3.00, from Tesco Christmas represent this perfectly and appeal to kids and big kids alike.

One thing you mustn’t forget this year is to hang out your stocking, and with the Tree Stocking, £20, from Cushlab you can be assured that Santa won’t miss yours! Now with the abundance of candles bedecking your dwelling you’ll need something handy to put them out with: the Santa Candle Snuffer £5.00 from BREEZE is both a helpful little device and also fits right in with all your other decorations.

Then top it all off with the Red Star Tree Topper from ASDA and you’re free to keep dreaming of a white Christmas.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Menu Nutcracker

Now there’ll be no more mess or ‘flying’ nuts with this cleverly designed nut cracker. The Menu nutcracker is sleek, simple and easy to use. Just place the nut on the metal plate and cover it with the rubber dome, give the dome a light tap which cleanly removes the shell leaving the nut ready to eat.

It features a sleek design of solid stainless steel base with a domed top in black rubber and has a non slip rubber bottom to prevent scratched tables or worktops.

The key feature to the ease of use in this nutcracker is the ribbed metal fitting on the underside of the dome that ensures only a light tap is needed to split the shell!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Rather than the usual trawl, why not excite yourself or a friend with something a little more “out there”?

We have discovered a brilliant website that stocks a really neat selection of designer brand underwear that really fits the bill. iwantpants.com even has a great name!

We checked out their site and not only are they offering 20% off selected brands, the new lower rate of VAT plus free UK shipping, they also have sections for Christmas gifts for Her, Christmas gifts for Him as well as a pretty impressive brand list.

Go on, knock yourself out and it will beat battling the department store crowds this weekend!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Buy all your Christmas shopping early and then sit back within the Design Museum’s very own cosy Christmas entertainment special. With a drink by your side, let jeweller Katie New help you to wrap those gifts, make those cards and design those tags – using superb materials courtesy of GF Smith and their new ‘Inspire Me’ collection. A back drop of seasonal melody and dance provided by the spectacular Actionettes.

There will be a free glass of Rioja, courtesy of Wines from Rioja, for all guests to launch the festive cheer.

Ticket includes entry to all current exhibitions.

Tickets only £5 in advance from
T: 020 7940 8783
E: tickets@designmuseum.org
W: Ticketweb

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

And as it’s an oil lamp you even get to save on electricity!

We think that they look great as a pair at each end of a mantelpiece or maybe on a couple of side tables or it would look equally as good as a table centrepiece.

It has an opaque glass funnel to diffuse the light and a polished 18/10 high grade stainless steel base.

It would even make a great gift as it comes in a sturdy and attractive gift box. What’s even better is that Proleno is currently offering this lamp with a great discount!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Christmas is coming and it’s time to get crafty! Choose from a whole host of exciting, mini design projects to get your festive fingers into, including stylish greetings cards, contemporary decorations and gorgeous gift ideas to create for your friends and family.

Places for these ever popular workshops go as quickly as hot mince pies, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

The workshops are running on Sundays 7th, 14th and 21st December and are suitable for children aged from 5 to 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops are £4 per child and accompanying adults are £8.50. This price includes entry to exhibitions.

Advanced booking is essential as places are limited. Please call 020 7940 8783 for further information and bookings.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

With prices starting at £9.95, traditional bakers Meg Rivers offer a clever and cost-effective Christmas solution. Select from their range of delicious cakes and baked goods – ideal secret Santa presents or the perfect token gift for a work colleague, client, friend or a family member.

The individually made goods are delivered to the door and can be ordered online or by telephone, easing the stress of Christmas shopping.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Meg Rivers has become synonymous with luxury home baking. Using only the finest ingredients sourced from its local corner of Warwickshire, Meg Rivers’ cakes are renowned across the world as family favourites using only wholesome and natural products.

The home-baked treats include rib-sticking chocolate cake, punchy ginger cake, tray bakes and a seasonal Christmas cake. Available in large or small sizes, cakes can be ordered for next working day delivery.

Their telephone number is (+44) 01608 682858 or see their website.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites