HOT BRANDSCOOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010

The Christmas Issue

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EDITOR’S LETTERHand-made, or bought this Christmas?

As we get busier and busier, this may be a ridiculous question! Much as we may like the idea of hand-made, in reality for many of us it’s a last minute rush to whichever store is nearest to us, to gather what we can for food, or presents, with a determination to be better organised next year!

But help is at hand, in this our Christmas issue, it is still early enough to have a choice! The convenience and popularity in online shopping grows every year and we have selected some fabulous companies from our Directory, to include in this issue to help you with your choices. There are also some fantastic offers, see the special codes through out the magazine. Everyone who is listed with us is normally featured in our magazines throughout the year, so also take time to browse the Directory if your favourite isn’t in this issue.

As well as suggestions for gifts and food, we also feature some delightful books in this issue, either to read, or to help you create things for your home, or to give to others.

If you are looking to do something different in 2011, we have two inspiring interviews with people who have set up their own companies, Maud Fierobe & Stefano Frigerio, Co-Founders Of French Bubbles and Sophie Handa, Founder of Funky Olive. As this is our last online magazine for 2010 we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to both the magazine and to our newsletters, to our loyal clients for supporting us and to you our readers, who continue to give us such positive feedback.

There will be newsletters right up to Christmas, but in advance we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and happy 2011, Kaye, Louise & the whole Hot Brands, Cool Places Team xxx

http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com/

Picture Credits:

Front cover image courtesy of High Jewellery Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, Andromède Necklace from Les Voyages Extraordinaires.

Van Cleef & Arpels, 9 New Bond Street 020 7493 0400 www.vancleef-arpels.com

Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note

All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.Inclusion in this feature does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

Apostle

Apostle is an innovative skin and body care online boutique, boasting an unrivalled passion for purity. The promise is refreshingly simple; to offer the very best selection of contemporary, natural skin and body care products from around the globe. The days of hunting high and low for products that feel luxurious, look stylish are over as Apostle handpick the very best selection of

natural and organic skin and body care products currently available.

www.apostleonline.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

Hot Brands Cool Places contacted Maud Fierobe & Stefano Frigerio,

Co-Founders Of French Bubbles for an exlusive interview.

Making Bubbles

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your company?

We wanted to develop a brand with a different and interesting standpoint; a unique proposition that would give FRENCH BUBBLES that ‘je ne sais quoi’! We both have very different backgrounds to bring to our partnership and between us we combine strong roots in Champagne and extensive marketing experience, making it the perfect formula. We wanted to bring access to authentic, fine quality ‘True’ Champagnes at affordable prices to the UK whilst giving something back to local communities directly from the success of our business. To put it simply we wanted to create a way for families to help other families, which we have achieved through our Charity of the Month initiative.

2. We love the fact that you are working with family-owned producers can you tell us a little more about some of the families?

We work with five family producers who are all members of the association ‘Vigneron Independants’ – a small and exclusive grid of Independent wine makers. Not only do we partner uniquely with wine makers that belong to this association, but among these we work only with the producers who have received glowing reviews in la guide Hachette, the reference for all wine produced in France, and those that have been awarded in different champagne tastings.

One of our producers is the dynamic Colin brothers who specialise in Chardonnay-dominated Champagnes. Two thirds of their 30 hectare vineyard is situated in Grand and Premier Cru rated villages in the Côte des Blancs. The family have been growers for generations since 1829. In 1997 Richard and Romain abandoned the local co-operative system to become independent grower-producers, investing in new technology in their quest for quality and consistency.

Marie-Hélène Larmandier is a 5th generation grower from the Côte des Blancs. Marie-Hélène and her husband Vincent created the house of Waris-Larmandier in 1989 and following his death she has continued with the business. Her new husband and three sons are now all working with her in the vineyard, winemaking and marketing.

At FRENCH BUBBLES we believe that quality is our essence. Our independent producers make champagne with passion and exuberance, with traditional manufacturing methods rather than mass-produced on a large scale and the proof is in the tasting.

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Making Bubbles

3. What made you want to support a charity each month?

As strong believers in local producers and local communities, we really wanted to be able to have a direct impact on local charities and communities within the UK that are focussed in some way on improving living conditions and family life. We decided to choose a different charity per month so we could work with and help as many charities as possible. Our ‘Charity of the Month’ initiative means that for every bottle of Champagne sold, we will donate £1 to the charity. This month we have supported YoungMinds and in December, a very important time for giving, we will be donating to Gingerbread, a charity that helps single parents.

4. What has been your happiest day this year?

It took a lot of hard work but in September we had a launch event for our new website which was our opportunity to really introduce FRENCH BUBBLES to the UK. We flew all our producers over from Champagne to London for the event which made it truly authentic for the guests as they heard about the Champagnes direct from the Growers themselves. It was really incredible to have them all together and the evening was a great success. We were delighted with the turn out, received great feedback and feel it has definitely put French Bubbles on the map.

5. How do you see your business developing during 2011?

Despite the current economic climate we are confident we can effectively raise awareness of the quality and good value of Growers’ Champagne. There seems to be a growing trend in the UK for locally produced Champagnes sold at great prices, which will really help our business develop further in 2011.

Currently we run both corporate and private events in partnership with L’atelier des chefs, SushiLover, Rippon Cheese Stores and La Cave a Fromage, and we are really keen to develop new partnerships in the New Year. In addition, we also hope to build new relationships with more charities to continue making a difference in any way we can. We are very optimistic about 2011.

6. How will you be celebrating Christmas?

With lots of Bubbles! We always split the festive period between our two families. We will celebrate Christmas Italian style in Milan with Stefano’s family and for New Year we will be in France. We are very lucky to have somewhere to escape to and wherever we go we will always bring our bubbles!

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About French Bubbles

FRENCH BUBBLES is an artisanal collection of fine quality, limited-production Grower Champagnes with personality and heritage. The carefully sourced selection of 14 different Champagnes, have all been produced by award-winning, family-owned producers committed to creating quality wines from their own vineyards. These Limited release wines will never be found in the supermarkets and are only available to buy via their website www.frenchbubbles.co.uk.

Featuring a portfolio of award winning Champagne that includes Grand and Premier Cru, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs styles, Rosé, Vintage and Non-Vintage wines, the French Bubbles website, www.frenchbubbles.co.uk, will take you through a fascinating insight into the world of Champagne. And now French Bubbles is offering its Champagne presented in beautiful wooden gift boxes (from one to six bottles) including an elegant combination of Champagne and two delicate Champagne flutes; a gorgeous gift this Christmas. As well as selling directly from their website, FRENCH BUBBLES also provides a bespoke, distinctive event offering and tutored tastings which are tailored to suit the individual client’s need from both a corporate or private perspective.

French Bubbles will be holding an innovative tasting of 4 premium Champagnes with a specially selected cheese board at La Cave a Fromage, in South Kensington on 16th December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

For tickets and further information call French Bubbles on 0203 239 7752 or visit www.frenchbubbles.co.uk.

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AlexandAlexa.com

Make sure your little ones shine this festive season in the coolest party wear around. Here at AlexandAlexa.com we have brought together the best in festive party wear and gifts for

children of all ages.

www.alexandalexa.com/landing-pages/christmas-shop.html?limit=all

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Häagen-Dazs

For pure indulgence this festive season experience Häagen-Dazs’ first ever UK ice cream cake – Chocolate Duo Semi-Freddo! Also try the other delicious Christmas creations including Vanilla Dulce Crêpe, Vanilla Dulce Latte, Hot Chocolate Duo or the White Fondue. Available

now exclusively at the Leicester Square shop.

Nellies

If you looking to hold a wonderful winter wonderland party, then look no further. NellieShepherd (party designer to the stars!) has all the answers. Nellie’s team of passionate party

designers will come along and transform your home and run the most beautiful children/adult party in the world.

Alternatively, they have some wonderful DIY winter wonderland ideas on their shop

www.nelliespartyshop.co.uk

CocoonU

Find the perfect luxury gift for Christmas at CocoonU Organic. Our 100% Organic collections for men, women and children are the ultimate in chemical free, effective and divinely aromatic

body, hair and skin care. Give someone an indulgent treat from CocoonU Organic. Hand made in the UK.

www.cocoonuorganic.co.uk

Quite simply I was bored of what was available on the high street and wanted to design & make something a little bit different. The market soon became pretty saturated with jewellery and with the start of the downturn in the economic climate I was faced with the decision to possibly give up or diversify…I chose the latter! At the start of 2008 and after much planning & research the all new Funky Olive was launched and incorporated a small selection of accessories and gifts for the home & garden. They were pretty humble beginnings but I was positive it was the right decision to have made. The Funky Olive name was slowly getting out there and orders started to come in. I was also incredibly lucky to receive some great press coverage last Christmas from both The Telegraph & Times which helped enormously!

This year saw the launch of the Funky Olive Studio which we had built at home. It took months in the planning but has been well worth the wait. I originally wanted my own space outside of the house to work in (although am very lucky to have a separate office in the house!) and somewhere where customers can come and see and buy products directly from me. It was next best option to opening a shop which was a little too daunting in the current climate! All in all it’s been a very steep learning curve, but I sometimes think it’s the only way to improve and better yourself, and discovering what sells and what doesn’t has been interesting to say the least.

2. What do you love about running your own company? What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business in 2011?

There are several things that I love about running my own company and they’d have to include the freedom it gives you, from how the company is run to the creative choices you make. It’s great to be able to have complete freedom on what products Funky Olive sells and so incredibly flattering & rewarding when they sell well knowing it was your decision to stock them.

Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Sophie Handa, Founder of Funky Olive

INTERVIEW1. You founded your business in 2004, how has it evolved over that time?

Wow, 2004 seems like such a long time ago now and in many ways a whole lifetime ago! So much has happened from a personal point of view in the last 6 years (including moving homes & getting married) and that has had a great influence on how Funky Olive has evolved.

The company was born from my passion for colour, shape and texture and a love of beautiful accessories.

It’s not always easy when making decisions on your own, but I have a great support network of friends and family to bounce ideas off and get feedback from, which I find invaluable. As I’m more of a creative person, I do have to force myself to having some sort of structure to my day to day routine (especially since I’m based at home) which I think is very important.

I would thoroughly recommend anyone to start their own business and if you truly love or have a passion for something then why not follow your heart. However, I think you have to be realistic that it’s not all going to be a bed of roses. There will be hard work involved, potentially long hours, very little pay (unless you’re incredibly successful overnight!) and some knock backs along the way. But the rewards can be enormous and not just the financial ones!

Oh, and do your research (in the same way you would check out a tradesperson for a job on your home) if possible get personal recommendations from other small companies on people or companies you are looking to work with or if a company approaches you to work with them. The internet especially is a great source for helpful tips and information on every aspect of running your own business as well as for finding all the social networks, which I find invaluable.

3. When you are selecting pieces for Funky Olive what makes you know they will fit with your brand?

When I first started the company I pretty much had one simple rule and that was I would only sell something that I loved myself. I naïvely thought that if I loved it then surely most like-minded people would too! I’m now a little more realistic and have to put my business head on when I go buying.

I certainly wouldn’t compromise on whether I believe an object to be either beautiful or of practical value but you do have to think “will this sell?”. Otherwise pieces end up at the bottom of a bargain sale basket for months and cost you money!

When buying however I do try to maintain a little bit of an eclectic mix in the pieces I choose which I feel reflects the true Funky Olive brand.

I like to think that we cater for a mixture of tastes and the variety of my customers seem to reflect that. I sell pieces that would suit both old and new homes and with my jewellery I design and make pieces that I know appeal to both younger and older women alike.

I’ve also learnt never to assume or think you know what products will suit which customers!

I’m also passionate about supporting small, British designer makers and their products and again find the mix of handmade and bought in pieces works extremely well.

4. What ideas do you have for last minute Christmas presents?

I’m usually fairly well organised most years, but there’s nearly always a few unexpected gifts that need to be produced last minute. I’m really lucky having my studio right outside so can hand pick a small selection of gifts that I wrap up and put under the tree in case of emergency! This year I will be wrapping up a selection of the beautiful Eva & Lolita Bowls which have a pretty bird pattern on them and come in such lovely colours. They have been hand painted by artists from Kashmir (providing an income for these skilled artisans in their own homes). I will also pick out a couple of our Hand Dyed Cotton Scarves (which come beautifully twisted up) and make a great gift. For the boys, our Keep Calm & Carry On Posters and Block Designer Cufflinks are always a winner! Finally for the Little ones, we have some great little stocking fillers including the Red Spotty Wooden Pencils or one of the beautiful handmade decorative Owls or Russian Dolls by designer Asia Werbel.

5. Are you a make, or buy Christmas person?

I have to say that most years I do like to have a mix of both handmade and bought gifts. I usually look at the list of who we have to buy for and see who would actually appreciate something handmade. Whilst my mum, sisters or girlfriends would love and appreciate that I’ve taken the time to make something I know full well my teenage nephews wouldn’t be quite so thrilled to receive such gifts! This year’s ‘makes’ include a delicious pear & apple chutney (pears from our garden) and some good old fashioned sloe gin (not from the garden but from local hedgerows!) which I’m looking forward to opening on Christmas Day! I also have the luxury, if you like, of being in a commercial buying situation and whilst I would try to make more of an effort in sourcing something special, rather than just gift wrapping a stock item, I do come across some beautiful gift ideas on my travels.

Funky Olive attends several Craft & Gifts fairs throughout the year and I’ve come across some fantastic designer makers over the years. So even if a Christmas present has been bought, they have more often than not been lovingly designed and made by someone.

6. What are your plans and hopes for 2011?

From a business point of view, I would dearly love Funky Olive to continue to grow from strength to strength and hope to become more of a household name to people in 2011 and my plans are simple….to make this happen! This last year alone has seen some significant changes to the business and not always initially positive ones but I’m a firm believer in turning a negative into a positive. The poor economic climate also hasn’t helped but you have to remain positive and keep looking forward. I also firmly believe with a little bit of luck, a lot of hard work & determination, anything is possible. My parents have always brought us up to believe that if you want anything bad enough in life then there no reason why you can’t achieve it and to always follow our hearts and dreams!

Information about Funky Olive

Funky Olive has a unique collection of beautiful handmade accessories and inspired gifts for You and Your Home this Christmas. Simply Quote ‘HBCL’ when you place your Telephone Order to receive a 10% Discount.

www.funkyolive.co.uk

The Handpicked Collection

The Handpicked Collection is a one-stop gift shop with gift ideas for everyone you need to buy for. Everything has been vetted by an expert panel of journalists, aimed at giving

customers extra confidence to shop on-line. Get 15% off this month with the code HOTB

www.handpickedcollection.com

We were delighted when Kirstie Allsopp’s new book - Kirstie’s Homemade Home landed on our desk!

REVIEW

Synopsis:

To coincide with a new six-part Channel 4 series this autumn

‘This book is packed with achievable ways to transform your house into a home that reflects you and the things you value, plus lots of gorgeous craft projects to try yourself. Welcome to my world.’ Kirstie Allsopp

Confounded by cross stitch? Flummoxed by flower-arranging? Desperate to give your home that special touch without spending a fortune, and pick up a new hobby or two along the way? Then this is the book for you. Kirstie Allsopp was not the ‘arty one’ at school. She barely knew how to use a sewing machine a couple of years ago.

More than anything it is a source of inspiration, it’s a great reminder of items that were created in the series and there are a range of projects to get started with. The photography is beautiful, and Kirstie takes us through all the different rooms in a house and how to create your own unique style. Another really useful feature is the Directory, listing people and places mentioned in the television series, as well as details about courses.

If you are tempted to create items for your own home, or even to create the look with help from others you will love this. Highly Recommended!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kirsties-Homemade-Home-Kirstie-Allsopp/dp/1444704087

Photograph of Kirstie Allsopp by CHRIS TERRY

But in making the hugely popular series Kirstie’s Homemade Home she was introduced to the rich and varied heritage of crafts by some of the country’s finest craftsmen. And over three million viewers tuned in – well above Channel 4’s slot average. Now, in this beautiful, practical and inspirational book, she shares the advice she’s learnt along the way.

Published to coincide with the second TV series this autumn, the book includes a wide range of practical projects – from knitting a tea cosy to screen-printing wallpaper – as well as tips on interior design for every room of the house. Kirstie also provides an invaluable directory of people and places from the craft world who have been an inspiration to her. Full of stunning photography and step-by-step guides, it’s the perfect book for anyone who’s always dreamed of creating their very own homemade home.

Kirstie Allsopp is the star of Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Homemade Home and the co-presenter, with Phil Spencer, of Location, Location, Location and Relocation, Relocation. After working with interior decorator Nikki Haslam, Kirstie worked for Country Living magazine before setting up a property buying business with a friend. Kirstie lives in Devon and West London with her partner Ben Anderson and their two sons and two stepsons

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictHere at Hot Brands, we have a love of all things creative, we enjoyed Kirstie’s Homemade Home on Channel 4 and this book is the perfect companion.

Funky Moose

With an absolutely delightful and unique range of toys, games, creative play, home essentials and lifestyle products, Funky Moose are the natural choice when looking for the perfect Christmas presents for the little, and big, people in your life. 10% off all

orders, please quote code HBCM at checkout.

www.funkymoose.co.uk

Kids Playroom

Give your children’s room a makeover this Christmas with the fabulous range of Fun to See stickers available from Kidsplayroom.co.uk – These stickers are a cost effective way to transform a room and can be used to decorate furniture – even better,they can be easily removed and reused to create new looks or to work around furniture – our full

range can be seen here: http://www.kidsplayroom.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_89

This Christmas we have also expanded our range of the enormously popular Tellatale range of hand puppets – firm favourites with the children are the Horrid Henry & Perfect Peter Puppets – other new designs include Robin Hood, Maid Marion and even a Knight

on a horse. Visit www.kidsplayroom.co.uk for our full range

CHRISTMAS HOT READSAll I want for Christmas Amy Silver

Synopsis: Bea’s first Christmas with her baby son, and this year she’s determined to do everything right. But there is still so much to do: the Christmas menu needs refining; her café, The Honey Pot, needs decorating; and she’s invited the whole neighbourhood to a party on Christmas Day. She really doesn’t have time to get involved in two new people’s lives, let alone fall in love… When Olivia gets knocked over in the street, however, Bea can’t help bringing her into The Honey Pot and getting to know her. Olivia’s life is even more hectic than her own, and with her fiancé’s entire family over from Ireland for Christmas, she shouldn’t be lingering in the cosy warmth of Bea’s café. Chloe, on the other hand, has nowhere else to go. Her affair with a married man has alienated her friends, and left her lonelier than ever. But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom… www.amazon.co.uk/All-Want-Christmas-Amy-Silver/dp/0099553228

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictA perfect read in the run-up to Christmas, Amy Silver takes three main characters, Bea, Olivia and Chloe and weaves a story around the welcoming location of The Honey Pot. Amy’s style is very atmospheric, and her descriptions of Chloe’s runs around London, and the interior of the Honey Pot really make you feel that you are seeing this book unfold rather than reading it. Despite the poignancy of some of the story lines there is an absolutely hilarious incident with Olivia preparing for a visit from her prospective in-laws which had us laughing out loud. A heart-warming perfect Christmas read, we loved it! Highly recommended!

From Notting Hill with Love...Actually - Ali McNamara

Synopsis: She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy . . . wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant. Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiancé David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now . . .When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill - the setting of one of her favourite movies - Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Seanis so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?

www.amazon.co.uk/Notting-Hill-Love-Actually/dp/0751544957/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictThis is utterly, utterly delightful! If you are looking for a perfect weekend, or Christmas read, this is the one. It has all the elements of an escapist read-romance, humour, twists and turns, the references to movies are woven in beautifully and not contrived, and a wonderful feel good ending. One of our favourite books this year, and could easily become a movie! Highly Recommended!

Elemis

The Spa Candle

Treat your senses to the rich, spicy fragrances of Cinnamon, Orange and Vanilla, released from this candle. Perfect for warming those cold winter evenings.

Delight her or him this Christmas! From skincare, anti-ageing, bodycare, nailcare to haircare, we have something for everyone

www.timetospa.co.uk

Gourmet Gift Box

If you’re struggling to find the perfect Christmas present for your parents, siblings, or partner, then look no further.

The Gourmet Giftbox from Filofax is the latest must-have accessory for those who love to dine in style. Not only does it come with a fabulously stylish diary, pen and City Dweller Organiser pack, but the gift box also contains a little black book and most importantly, membership to the Gourmet Society.

This fantastic gift gives you an exclusive pass to discounted meals in nearly 3500 restaurants nationwide! So start the new year off in style with this fabulous organiser and get great value meals out for the whole family to enjoy!

www.filofaxgifts.co.uk

PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS - LIMITED EDITION CRYSTAL POWDER COMPACTS

Shining jewel encrusted and bedazzling, Estée Lauder introduces limited edition compacts this Christmas, exclusive to John Lewis. These exquisite Swarovski studded crystal compacts exude glamour and sophistication, a sparkling accessory for any occasion.

Available in two different finishes: Black and Silver Crystal designs and filled with Lucidity Pressed Powder these compacts are available at selected John Lewis stores nationwide for a limited period.

Silver Crystal RRP £125.00 Black Crystal RRP £125.00

FEATURE

Holiday 2010 | CLINIQUE Colour CollectionNEW Strawberry Fudge-As Sweet As It Is Decadent Inspired by one of Clinique’s most popular Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duos, Clinique’s NEW limited-edition Strawberry Fudge colour collection is sure to top every holiday wish list. This decadent collection combines rich chocolate browns with luscious blushing pinks for a sweet festive look.

The collection includes:NEW Limited Edition Strawberry Fudge Holiday Compact RRP £25.00 €34.00, Eyeshadow Trio 1g, Powder Blusher 7.6gThis limited edition compact features a Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio of shimmering shades in soft pink, chocolate brown, and a dark slate to dial up the drama. Comfortable and lightweight, these eye shadow favourites deliver luxurious, intense long lasting colour. Cheeks get the perfect hint of pink from Soft Pressed Powder Blusher in New Clover.

Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour in NEW Strawberry Bliss RRP £13.50 €19.00, 1.5mlA new Clinique classic, this super-shiny, smoothing gloss applies antioxidants like Vitamin C to the lips to help improve their look and feel. Yummy-looking ingredients like Pomegranate and Açai Berry deliver a healthy dose of luscious colour. This new juicy shade is just right for the party season.

Defining Liner for Lips in Plush PinkRRP £12.50 €19.00, 1.2g For beautifully defined lips that last all day, this modern precision pencil goes on smooth and extends lipstick wear, helping to prevent feathering outside of the lip line or into fine lines. Plus, its built-in sharpener is ideal for women on-the-go.

High Lengths Mascara in BlackRRP £14.50 €19.00, 7gThis mascara takes lashes to new lengths. The curved “willow” wand applicator follows the natural curvature of the eyes allowing the fine-toothed comb to grab each lash at its root. Eyes look noticeably wider and fully energised.Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance Free. Non-Comedogenic.

Available at Clinique counters nationwide from 12 November 2010

Luigi’s

Whether you want to impress a friend with a giant panettone or seduce a lover with a sensational box of Amedei chocolates, Luigi’s is full of the finest Italian treats this Christmas. Chelsea’s favourite deli will be dispatching its irresistible collection of Italian

goodies all over the country – including a huge array of special Christmas gift boxes. At www.luigismailorder.com you can even create your own

bespoke box of goodies!

Luigi’s may be able to count film stars and famous foodies amongst its most loyal fans but its success has actually been built on providing ‘ordinary’ Chelsea locals with the finest Italian food for more than 35 years. Luigi’s mail order website – www.luigismailorder.com – means that the whole country can enjoy the Aladdin’s cave of authentic Italian

delicacies that are crammed into the bustling Fulham Road shop (349 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9TW).

Ochre & Ocre

Ochre & Ocre the table linen experts show you how to decorate your table for Christmas. As you would expect from the Organic Homewares company there is not a scrap of tinsel in sight. With two key themes, Ochre And Ocre show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a stylish dining table. For those of you who love a classic look, their

Venetien Red table linen ticks all the boxes.

For a more contemporary look, their Ardoise grey table linen is in the perfect cool palette. Use seasonal flowers to incorporate organic textures into the table settings. Simply dress mantelpieces and fireplaces with ivy and mistletoe, and dot candles in between. Pure beeswax candles, soften the lighting, and fill the room with a warming

scent of honey, without overpowering the smell of the food.

Add foody fragrances by incorporating Mint and Rosemary into the arrangements. Wrap the beeswax pillars with rosemary sprigs and fasten with a pretty ribbon. Rosemary can also be tucked into the napkins, guests simply add them to the central arrangement when they sit down. Bowls of baubles are a simple way to add a festive feel whilst

keeping it chic.

www.ochreandocre.com

FILOFAX

Diaries are a girl’s best friend, so give your loved one the ultimate style accessory this Christmas and celebrate with Filofax. Voted the 8th most loved present of all time*, a

Filofax accessory is the must have fashion essential and a timeless, classic gift.

With a fabulous array of stylish shades, from feminine purple and pinks to festive reds and greens, Filofax has the ultimate gift for her.

FILOFAX STOCKIST DETAILS: 08705 143 702www.filofax.co.uk

*http://www.filofax.co.uk/aboutus/news.asp?newsId=100

The joy of Christmas decorations is that they’re not meant to be masterpieces. They’re fun and quick and can even be kitsch, but en masse, they’re always beautiful. This book has more than 35 projects and ideas to get you started: use them, adapt them, develop your own.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-made-Christmas-Tessa-Evelegh/dp/190652582X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290691232&sr=8-1

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict What we loved about this book was the range of projects, there are some delightfully simple ones as well as some that require more skill; ones you can do with children, or others that you can create yourself.

Everything from tree decorations to table settings, from advent calendars to door wreaths, all with step-by-step instructions, and templates when needed.

It covers house decorations, ways of dressing the tree, how to decorate the table for Christmas entertaining, and Christmas Giving, things to make and ways of wrapping.

Beautifully photographed by Caroline Arber, this will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! Highly Recommended!

Synopsis

Unpacking the Christmas decorations, putting up the tree and decorating the house is always an exciting time. And nestling, hidden somewhere in the corner of a box or bottom of a bag, is some forgotten favourite that revives memories of Christmasses past. Traditionally, decorations were always hand-made using materials that could be found around the house and gleaned from nature.

And it’s still immensely satisfying to make your own. Children love to help, and making decorations and gifts is a wonderful way to fill the days of anticipation. You’ll find most of the projects in this book require only the most basic skills, so everyone can have a go with guaranteed success!

REVIEW

Home-made Christmas by Tessa Evelegh

PAPERCHASE

Paperchase is the undisputed retail brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK. The range includes stationery, greeting cards, wrap and ribbons, home accessories and gifts. Enjoy Christmas shopping with Paperchase - you’ll find everything you need in store from stunning decorations, mini trees and exclusive designs on cards and wrap to stylish table accessories, stocking fillers and a diverse and trendy gift collection - Paperchase has got it covered! Decorations are vibrant, quirky and stylish, great to mix and match with your

own favourites or perfect for a complete new look.

The unique Christmas card collection includes handmade cards, foiled, felt, intricate laser-cut designs and colourful recycled cards. Paperchase also offer a broad selection of Charity cards

supporting 20 charities covering health issues, children’s charities and the environment.

T 020 7467 6200 for stockists and enquirieswww.paperchase.co.uk

A Christmas Recipe Gift from Alain Ducasse

To celebrate the festive season, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester will be offering guests elegant, handmade Christmas crackers which, when unwrapped, will reveal secret dessert recipes created especially by Alain Ducasse including the legendary Rhum Baba dish. Three of the golden crackers will also hide tickets to win a luxury prize, including a 2 night luxury stay at L’Andana, Alain Ducasse’s country house in the heart of Tuscany. The three Michelin-starred restaurant has also given a seasonal Christmas twist to their infamous macaroons. Pastry Chef Angelo Ercolano has selected a number of subtle festive flavours that capture the indulgence of Christmas - including a rich orange, decadent chocolate and citrus

gold.

For the ultimate Christmas day luxury, guests can enjoy an unforgettable experience at the celebrated Table Lumière complete with an Hèrmes gift for the ladies. The stunning private dining space also offers a New Year’s Eve menu boasting White Truffle and Caviar dishes as

well as prestige wine pairing from the head sommelier.

Alain Ducasse at The DorchesterPark Lane, London, W1K 1QA

T: 020-7629-8866 / W: www.alainducasse-dorchester.com / www.alain-ducasse.com Open for lunch Tuesday–Friday and dinner from Tuesday-Saturday

Gift-Library

Spread some Christmas Chic this season with Gift-Library.com- the luxury online gifting service that ticks all the boxes for all your holiday needs.

www.gift-library.com