Phyllis Stephen has been to visit several local businesses old and new to find out what they have in store to delight customers this Christmas...
Edinburgh is idealfor shopping locally in each of our town centres. We could not possibly fit every shop in here but feel free to patronise your own favourite shops and then tell us about them on social media.
LILY LUNA BURSTING WITH contemporary, beautiful
and eclectic jewellery, Lily Luna is nestled on a cobbled street in Edinburgh’s West End. Perched inside the elegant glass cabinets behind the Georgian exterior are stunning examples of jewellery design from across the globe.
Each piece is designed by a talented creative to be the perfect marriage of modern art and wearable fashion.
Many of the pieces are designed exclusively for the shop, so new owners take home an entirely individual and unique piece. Lily Luna loves supporting these artisan and independent designers and crafters, and are thrilled that their customers support a small business.
43 William Street EH3 7LW 0131 467 8245 www.lilyluna.co.uk
ROGUE FLOWERS NESTLED ON cobbled William Street,
Rogue Flowers is a charming treasure trove of flowers, foliage and plants, established
in 2010.
Their carefully curated Christmas collection features wreaths, bouquets and table designs in three different palettes.
From the classic subtle neutrals of the New Town, the opulent festive cheer of the Old Town, to their own wild and natural Rogue, their signature style and artistry abounds and is sure to delight you and your friends this Christmas.
5a William Street, EH3 7NG 0131 226 4999 shop@rogueflowers.co.uk www.rogueflowers.co.uk
PORTY XMAS SHOPPING
MORE THAN 25 local traders and a variety of food, drinks, and information stalls will greet Christmas shoppers at Portobello’s monthly market held on 3 December.
The Brighton Park market features organic farm products, prints, hand made jewellery, French deli and bakery goods, children’s clothing, wooden garden furniture, candles, specialist wines, Italian pasta and olive oils, and more.
The market is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Porty’s Christmas Tree lights will be switched on at 6pm on Thursday 8 December outside the former Town Hall with music supplied by Brass Blast and many of the town’s shops staying open until 8pm to allow residents and visitors to buy local for Christmas.
Also from 8 to 11 December, homes and shops will take part in the Window Wanderland initiative with residents and business owners dressing windows which will remain lit from 5.30pm to 8.30pm each night.
This year’s theme is “Community Life” and properties taking part are encouraged to design a window which reflects the spirit of community in Portobello.
A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN FURNITURE
TUCKED AWAY on Broughton Place there is now a shop selling old furniture which has been given a new lease of life by entrepreneur, Juliet Lawrence Wilson.
The cocktail cabinet which started out in life as a storage cabinet for sheet music for a church organist is a case in point. Given the black and gold treatment which Juliet favours, it would now be a very stylish way of serving cocktails at home this Christmas. Lamps which are made from billiard table legs, and old chairs transformed into something super stylish. As well as furniture, Juliet also sells her own art which hangs in the shop.
2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX
Open Thursday to Saturday or by appointment Insta: leagueofitsownfurniture
SUPPORT THE MAKERS CARMEN CHALMERS said it best when
she said during the interview: “Customers can come in here, have a really good browse, a good cup of coffee and walk away knowing that they have done their bit in shopping local.”
This is an especially important time for local businesses who need support in getting back on their feet after a tough couple of years. South African born Carmen has used the time to establish her website and social media presence, and just opened her first shop at the beginning of last month.
Support the Makers is a treasure trove of lovely colourful gifts from earrings to
handbags, some made in the UK and a few things - colourful aprons, handbags and beaded art - made in Malawi and sold to support a children’s home there.
As well as a huge range of products from around 55 makers, there is a small coffee bar to the rear of the shop still selling Seb’s Urban Jungle Roast.
Support the Makers is at 101 Easter Road EH7 5PP. Open six days for gifts and coffee. supportthemakersuk.com
PAPER TIGER
PAPER TIGER IS the Edinburgh destination for exciting, innovative and distinctive cards, stationery, wrap and gifts. They have been trading in the city centre for more than 40 years from stores in Stafford Street and Lothian Road, and also from the website at www.papertiger.co.uk. As an independent business, they endeavour to bring high quality work from near and far to create a range of unusual and unique products for you to share with family and friends. Whether it’s local images from an array of local illustrators, stationery from brands like Moleskine, or gifts from creative companies like Jellycat, Paper Tiger think they have something for everyone this Christmas.
Paper Tiger 53 Lothian Road EH1 2DJ and 6A Stafford Street EH3 7AU Open 7 days and ask about free Christmas Class Delivery. www.papertiger.co.uk