manchester christmas
Thursday, 8th December 2005
Stylish stocking fillersChristmas gifts for the home fall into three categories - those you love and don't want to give away, those that perfectly suit the recipient, and those that are plain old practical.Of course, the first category of gifts generally make the best presents because if you love them others usually do too. So you'll just have to wrestle with your conscience, or better still, buy two so you can keep one. It's worth bearing in mind that it's not easy to find exactly the right gift - especially for someone else's home. If they don't share your taste there's nothing more embarrassing than watching their dismay when they see the present and realise they have no choice but to display it (at least when you visit!). The golden rule is to opt for something classic, such as a plain but beautiful vase (you can never have too many), crystal glasses, or perhaps photo frames for all those festive holiday snaps. My humble advice is to beware practical gifts. Unless these are stylish or expensive, they are rarely truly welcome. No-one really wants new oven gloves or tea towels as a present, do they? The exception to the make-it-fun or make-it-stunning rule for prezzies are pricey gadgets like a state-of-the-art coffee machine, a bread maker, or an indulgent ice-cream machine. These are sensible and desirable - a hard present trick to pull off - and will undoubtedly be a hit. So follow our gift guide for presents and affordable stocking fillers that won't end up in the junk cupboard or on eBay! WINNING GIFTS CUSHIONS You can never have too many cushions, and they do make a great gift. Tesco has a totally desirable but affordable collection in this season's colours, teal and Berry reds. The cushions start from £6 each, which would leave money over for its chain of 40 flower lights, £7.98. FRAMES Photo frames are always welcome, and Marks and Spencer's glass frames, with decorative etching, are winners. Large frame, £12, small, £7. Frame up with Woolworths' collection. Faux leather frame, £4.99, Frosted acrylic photoframe, £4.99, and Bevelled Edge photoframe, £5.99. Alternatively display pictures in red faux leather albums from TK Maxx. They cost from £3.99 to £9.99. Match them with a clear Red perspex picture frame, £5.99. VASES A clear glass Designer Rose vase in a goldfish bowl shape, won't offend anyone. It costs just £9.99 from Marks and Spencer. The brown cylinder vase from Additions Direct matches a contemporary setting, and costs £15. Asda's pink Retro Style radio, £10 would look good in a kitchen or as a bedside companion. Tchibo has a selection of tableware for festive tables, including a set of two Star-shaped ceramic plates, £7.99 for two, and a silver candelabra, £16.99. PRACTICAL GIFTS Pretty, flowery accessories from Laura Ashley will brighten any kitchen. A fabric picture frame, £10; peg bag, £5; apron, £10; tea towel, £5, two placemats, £8 and four napkins £10. Take all the hassle out of making endless cups of coffee over the holiday with a slimline, Morphy Richards coffee maker, which makes 10 cups in eight minutes. It costs £24.95 from John Lewis. DESIRABLE GIFTS Graham & Green has so many great goodies that the only problem is choosing. One of my favourites is the exquisite Vintage Grandma tea set, £59.70 for a set of six. You've really got to love someone to splash out on this and give it away, but it is gorgeous. Designer Cath Kidston has designed a limited edition Roberts Revival DAB radio. It may look nostalgic but it has all the latest technology including a pause button so you need never miss a programme again just because the phone rings. It costs £200 from John Lewis. Beat winter chills with with De Luxe Mohair Throws, £55 each, in soft pastel shades - Clover, Willow, Honey and Ivory from The White Company. STOCKING FILLERS
Mugs are always a safe bet, and Laura Ashley has a chic retro style mug, £5. Check out Graham and Green's collection of Penguin mugs celebrating the famous publisher and emblazoned with classic titles such The Big Sleep or A Room Of One's Own. They cost £9.95 each or £53.70 for a set of six. Decorative red and gold tea glasses could brighten a table, or be an ideal holder for tea lights. A set of four costs £15 from Marks and Spencer. Two jewel tea light holders from Additions Direct, £12 are an ideal, simple gift for a hostess. GIFTS GALORE :: Additions Direct: 0870 413 7000/www.additionsdirect.co.uk :: Graham & Green: 0845 130 6622/www.grahamandgreen.co.uk :: John Lewis: 08456 049 049/www.johnlewis.com :: Laura Ashley: 08705 622 116/www.lauraashley.com :: Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com :: Tesco: 0800 505 555/www.tesco.com :: Tchibo: 0800 0850 507/www.tchibo.co.uk :: TK Maxx: www.tkmaxx.com :: White Company: 0870 900 9555/www.thewhitecompany.com
|
