HOME IN ON A SPECIAL GIFT
Having a nightmare before Christmas? When it comes to buying gifts for your loved ones – don’t despair, help is here, says LESLEY TAYLOR
FINDING the perfect Christmas present is no mean feat. It can mean hours spent trawling up and down the high street or scouring the internet in search of that everso-perfect gift; but sometimes inspiration can come from the most unexpected of places.
Like an interiors store. Homewares can often make fabulous gifts. And the chances are, if you’re hunting for a special present – the recipient means a lot to you. Which means you have more than likely spent time in their home and already have some idea of their interior style.
Even something as simple as their preferred tipple can offer up some pretty big clues as to what they might like to find in their Christmas stocking.
Here are my interior inspirations for the perfect Christmas present.
RAISE A GLASS
WHETHER your gift recipient enjoys a glass of bubbly, a G&T or simply a good cup of tea, a drinking vessel of some sort may be their perfect gift.
Right now, the homewares market is packed with champagne flutes, wine glasses and ornate tumblers. There are glasses in all manner of colours – perfect if your loved one is a big fan of a specific hue – as well as shapes and sizes.
What’s more, as all things Art Deco continue to shape our interiors styling, we are seeing a real resurgence in drinks cabinets. And while a fancy new drinks cabinet may be a little pricey for a Christmas present, it does mean the market is awash with plenty of cocktail-making accessories for any budding mixologist – ideal if you want to create a bespoke hamper for a loved one.
Throw in an accompanying bottle of their go-to drink (or a box of mouth-watering biscuits if your pal favours a brew) and voila, the perfect Christmas gift and one that will no doubt be hugely appreciated over the festive period.
GET SCENT-IMENTAL
CANDLES have long been considered a go-to Christmas pressie. After all, not only do they fill the home with a sumptuous scent, they create a gorgeous atmosphere; one that is cosy, warming and fabulously festive.
However, if you are looking for something different this yuletide, diffusers are becoming increasingly popular. By diffusers I am not talking about the reed variety, but the new ‘pod’ like devices that release fragrance as and when you want them to.
These are fabulously versatile devices and what I adore about them is users can try lots of different scents without having to invest in multiple diffusers.
You simply mix a few drops of scented oil with water and away you go.
A diffuser alone makes a really special gift, but you could also include a selection of scented oils to go that extra mile.
PLANT POWER
IT’S FAIR to say that 2019 has been the year of the house plant. What’s more, it’s a trend that is going nowhere come the new year. Which means this Christmas, houseplants are up there with the top gifts.
The brilliant thing about house plants is they come in all shapes and sizes; so whether your friend lives in a sprawling family home or a bijou studio apartment, there is a plant to suit.
Go all out and pair your house plant of choice with a gorgeous pot that complements the style of their home.
And don’t worry if your pal isn’t the most green-fingered, today’s faux plants looks just as good as their living, breathing counterparts.
What’s more, house plants are said to bring with them many benefits, from boosting productivity to reducing stress. Perfect for kickstarting the new year!
■ Lesley Taylor BIID is lead designer at EDIT Home and Design. Visit edithomeand design.co.uk