Kusmi Tea Chest – Parisian tea purveyors, Kusmi have been around for 140 years, and the brand’s delicate blends and eye-catching packaging have made them a firm favorite in French store cupboards. This beautifully presented gift set contains 45 muslin tea bags and nine varieties of green, black and herbal teas. Best sipped with a crisp pistachio macaron – or two!

Love Music Love Food: the Rock Star Cookbook – Foodies inevitably have a plenteous collection of cookbooks, with titles by everyone from Mrs Beeton to Mr Blumenthal. This coffee table tome takes a slightly different tack, injecting a litttle rock’n'roll into the kitchen, and presenting insights into the culinary quirks of stars including Noel Gallagher, Kasabian, Siouxsie Sioux and Paul Weller.

Wool and the Gang Snood Dogg DIY wool scarf kit – The knitting collective’s kit contains needles, a pattern and best quality wool from Peru – all you need to fashion a wear-with-everything snood in charcoal grey.

Neals Yard Remedies Energising Aromatherapy Candle – After hours slaving away in the kitchen, even the hardiest domestic goddess can tire. NYR’s pretty candle is handmade in Cornwall, using organic wax which is blended with rejuvenating essential oils of orange, grapefruit and garden mint. The fresh, zingy scent will banish heavy cooking smells, while the elegant glass votive is bound to take pride of place in any domestic setting.

Sea Salt Caramel Course Voucher – When it comes to sugary treats, award-winning master chocolatier and patissier William Curley certainly knows his stuff. The course promises over two hours of hands-on fun – resulting in the creation of some very, very moreish salted caramels under the expert guidance of Curley’s staff. And you get to take them home – elegantly gift-wrapped and ready to savour at leisure.

Gifts for the domestic goddess from favourite rockstars, Kusmi Tea, Neals Yard Remedies, Wool & The Gang and William Curley

The Kir Royale Box – What could be simpler and more pleasurable than a sophisticated sparkling cocktail? Fortnum & Mason’s splendid box set offers Brut Reserve bubbles and the finest English cassis, all ready to crack open and serve at festive soirées.

Talisman Hexagonal Sommerso Vase – Fresh flowers are a must-have for house-proud pals, and Talisman’s cut glass vase will certainly show them off in style. The ineffably chic Murano vessel will be an item she’ll want to put on display; the stylish 1930′s design really is indicative of excellent taste.

Incanto Hamper – Natoora’s selection of delectable gifts will have foodies tearing off the wrappings to get tasting pronto. Boasting prosecco, panettone, pork rillettes, a selection of cheeses and accompanying biscuits, this box of wonders really ticks all the boxes!

Queen of Crafts – Too-cool-for-school crafter Jazz Domino Holly’s guide ‘for Modern Girls’ offers tips on how to get creative with a whole raft of hands-on pursuits. If you know someone who might like to try their hand at preserving, knitting, gardening, sewing or baking, this is a brilliant compendium for getting to grips with the basics.

Festival Espresso Set – This espresso set was commissioned by London’s  South Bank Centre to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. Decorated with abstract motifs in primrose and dove grey, the set may ensure less spending in Starbucks and more at-home invitations,

Creative and culinary goodies from Natoora, Fortnum & Mason, Talisman, Jazz Domino Holly and London's South Bank Centre

A Stitch n Bitch meeting in progress...

In pubs, cafes and living rooms across the UK – and beyond – a revolution is happening. You may have seen these radicals – spied them through the window hunched over their projects or spotted them on the streets proudly flaunting the handmade fruits of their labour. Chances are, you’ve been won over to the cause yourself – tempted by the beads, ribbons and scraps of floral cotton that float in its wake.

I am, of course, talking about the craft revolution. In the past few years stitching and making of all varieties has become fashionable, desirable – even vaguely rebellious. Where once taking up a needle and thread might have been seen as a betrayal of the feminist cause, it’s now OK for girls to admit that, yes, they enjoy emancipation, equality and having their own career – but they’d also quite like to be able to knit themselves a hat.

Twenty-something women have reclaimed the art of making it themselves from their grannies and they’re finding modern ways to indulge in these old-fashioned pursuits. This can be seen in the rising profile of movements such as Stitch n Bitch – the umbrella organisation for knitting groups made up primarily of young, urban women. The groups began in New York but soon spread to the UK and Europe, spawning offshoots and imitators along the way. While many women would balk at the idea of a knitting group or sewing circle – imagining white-haired old ladies sitting around in a draughty church hall sipping weak tea – when the same principle is transferred to a trendy East London pub or a chic boutique it instantly becomes cool.

Stitch n Bitch and similar groups have caught people’s imagination because, in a world increasingly centred around technology and the internet, they tap into a desire to get back to simpler pleasures and human, social interaction. That’s not to say that the internet and social networking sites haven’t played an important role in the rise of craft. There are now countless blogs where professionals and amateurs share their homemade projects, and online communities have helped draw craft enthusiasts together.

The London Stitch n Bitch (now known by the friendlier-sounding name of Stitch London) describes itself as a “global stitching community” and “possibly the biggest stitching group in the world”. It organises meet-ups in London but anyone in the world can join to receive patterns, news and take part in discussions through Facebook, Twitter and Ravelry – an online site for knitters and crocheters. Founded in a South London pub, Stitch London aims to “take over the world one stitch at a time”, and it seems to be succeeding – in September the group hosted a “graffiti knitting” workshop at Tate Britain.

 That’s right, graffiti knitting. You see, it really is a revolution and it’s being taken to the streets. Graffiti knitting, also known as yarn bombing or yarn storming, involves “tagging” the public environment – railings, street lamps, statues – with knitted goods, such as scarves and animals. Magda Sayeg, a shop owner from Houston, Texas, is credited with starting the movement when she knitted a cosy for the handle of her boutique door, followed by a knitted sheath for the stop sign pole across the road. Encouraged by the enraptured responses from passersby she began spreading her woolly tendrils further afield. Others took up their needles to do the same and yarn bombing was born.

An example of graffiti knitting in situ

Yarn bombing is about making otherwise sterile personal spaces feel more personalised – in an industrialised, over-developed world there is something comfortingly nostalgic about the sight of a hand-knitted cosy tucked around a parking meter. It is for much the same reasons that people are drawn to other, less anarchic forms of craft. You could buy a complete outfit from the heaving rails at Primark and still have change from £50, but there is little joy in the transaction. And you’re likely to spot three girls wearing the same thing on the commute to work the next day.

Making something yourself takes time and patience but at the end you have something that is truly unique – and ethically produced. We all know that fast, cheap fashion often comes at the price of Third World sweatshops but the only sweat, tears, and pricked fingers over a homemade skirt are your own. And even the pricked fingers are part of the enjoyment. Many of us now spend much of our lives in front of a computer screen, toiling away in desk jobs that seem to exist mostly in the ether and don’t necessarily produce anything tangible.

We’ve lost that sense of accomplishment that manual work gives us. But knitters, sewers and other crafters still know the sweet satisfaction of making something from start to finish, standing back to the admire their handiwork – and then using it. So shut down your laptop, arm yourself with needle and thread, and join the revolution.

Telephone Box Cosy image courtesy of Knit the City.

Head outdoors for a garden party!

Summer is here, and it’s time to head for the garden for an afternoon soiree that lasts late into the night. Grab your prettiest sun dress and put away the heels (lawn and stilettos don’t mix!) – create an environment that charms and enchants with inspiration from our choice garden party picks.

A Chic Cocktail or Two?

The sun is shining and people are getting thirsty! Anyone for Pimms? An essential tipple for the warmer weather, a jug brimming with Pimms and floating sections of blood orange, ripe summer strawberries and refreshing cucumber is pleasing to both the eye and the palate. Serve in mismatched antique tea-cups to channel a Victorian garden party vibe, and don’t forget, lots of ice. Experiment with your Pimms recipes and try a PimPom (Pimms with pomegranate juice) or a Pimms Royale (Pimms with champagne).

Floral Flights of Fancy

Spring has spring; summer is here – but what about your garden? Even if your tulips are blooming, add an air of whimsy and femininity with some gorgeous floral arrangements. From the traditional configuration of brightly coloured blossoms in a vase, to large white urns with a more modern arrangement. For a shabby-chic feel, select hyacinths, freesias, hydrangeas and peonies in pastel tones and arranged in tight posies. Dependent on your level of whimsy, have your florist create you a floral garland using the same selection of blooms as your arrangements.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Take your garden party’s sophistication and girliness up a notch by including some sweet delights from French patisserie and desserts wonderland, Ladurée. Is it any surprise that Ladurée were responsible for the gourmet fancies that surrounded Kirsten Dunst in her role as Marie Antoinette? So let your friends eat cake, and then let them eat some more. Take your pick of Ladurée’ss fabulous French fancies, from macarons in the most amazing flavours: orange blossom, blackcurrant violet and lily of the valley; to French-style rose flavoured cupcakes and raspberry Saint-Honorés pastries. Scout your local flea market or charity shop for old crystal candy bowls and odd pieces of china to serve your delightful treats!

Summer Sports

After consuming sugar-coated delights, and topping up the Pimms jug, it’s time to get your guests moving with a game of boules (also known as petanque or bocce). Find a piece of lawn you don’t mind denting and off you go. Play in two teams or as individuals. The aim of boules is to try and get your team’s boules (the metal balls) closest to the jack (small wooden ball). Choose a starting line. Toss a coin to decide which team plays first. The winner of the toss then throws the jack, and then the first boule. The opposition then tries to better that throw. If they are successful, the starting team throws again; if not, the opposition continues until they are closest to the jack. Once all boules have been thrown, the winner is the team with the closest boule to the jack. A little gentle exertion may not be such a bad thing after all that cake…

The Enchanted Garden

The sun may be packing up for the day, but your party doesn’t have to. Add some ambience and light up your garden with sweet little lanterns. Hang them from trees, and place them on tables. These lanterns also make great table settings, so put them out at the start of the day to make the transition to evening seamless. We love the London Garden Trading Company’s Solar Chinese Garden Lanterns; you don’t even have to bother with candles (and they’re better for the planet) meaning that you’ve more time to enjoy the Pimms!

Grab your prettiest sun dress and create an environment that enchants with inspiration from our choice garden party picks...

Christmas candles are perfect for creating a special ambiance

Nazareth Candle – Cire Trvdon

Cire Trvdon know a thing or two about candles. Being the oldest wax and candle makers still in operation the company have been making the finest quality candles since 1643, supplying the court of Louis XIV as well as the greatest cathedrals and churches in France, no less!

What better time to invest in the Nazareth Candle by Cire Trvdon, which is fitting given the season? The scent of orange will flow through your home with hints of seasonal spices – cinnamon and cloves dancing alongside olibanum incense from the Orient. These lavish fragrances are housed in a stunning red hand-blown glass holder which can be placed on its own as a centre piece on a table or in a point of interest in your chosen room

Santal Cardamome Candle – Frederic Malle

Bespoke fragrances have long been a source of decadence and luxury; following the success of Editions de Parfums, renowned perfumer Frédéric Malle has created a collection of home fragrances and candles that are perfect all year round to become an integral part of your home.

Santal Cardomome harmonises the fragrances of rich sandalwood with spicy cardamom, both powerful scents on their own and a sensual force as a partnership. The marriage of these two fragrances in the contemporary designed holder will make this candle a very special gift for a loved one, or you can wrap it up and put it under your own tree, topped with a tag with your name on it…

Fireside Tales – ESPA

Get into the festive spirit with the Fireside Tales candle from acclaimed spa and skincare brand ESPA, which combines the opulent aromas of sandalwood, vanilla, sweet orange, clove, cinnamon and coriander. Open the deep purple box and be dazzled by the mixture of the fabulous scents incased in the glass holder. ESPA ensure that their products benefit from the finest quality ingredients and only the best goes into their hand poured candles. Place the candle amongst a few others on a brass plate for to create a halo of light and dim the lights for dinner or drinks this Christmas.

Spiced Punch on a Winter’s Afternoon – Davina Peace

Davina Peace creates beautiful mood-enhancing candles alongside her organic skin care products; each evoke a precious memory such as Spiced Punch on a Winter’s Afternoon. A large proportion of candles on the market are palm oil or paraffin based which contribute to the deforestation of some of the worlds forests, and so to honour Davina’s belief in sustainability, her exquisitely crafted candles are made from a combination of Ecosoya ®, beeswax and organic essential oils. Each is presented in a bespoke, re-usable handmade Japanese porcelain container topped with a recyclable metal lid, to preserve the fragrance and add a further touch of luxury.

The combination of fragrances in Spiced Punch – bergamot, orange peel, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, ginger nutmeg and vanilla read like the ingredients of a delicious wintery warm cup of mulled wine. A flicker of a flame on the 100% natural cotton wick will seduce the senses and the ingredients suited for your taste buds will tantalise your nostrils, filling your room with a majestic aroma.

White Forest Scented Candle in Glass – Kenneth Turner

Bring the freshness of the outdoors into your home this Christmas with the Kenneth Turner White Forest Scented Candle. This luxury candle is hand-poured into a glass and when ignited fills your home with the familiar aroma of Christmas fir trees, middle notes of cedar wood and sandalwood, and spicy floral top notes. For those who live in cities and are not fortunate to be surrounded by nature this candle will bring this pleasure to the confines of your home.

Presents that won't break the bank

Okay, so you’re perhaps not looking forward to even thinking about Christmas presents: the only thing you can see turning a festive red at the moment is your bank balance. In your mind’s eye you see your vision of last year you: lavishing generous armfuls of gifts upon friends and family, throwing dozens of designer cards around the office, still having enough money to spend on drinks and a new coat. This year’s you has spent the past month trying to become convinced of non-materialistic, Zen philosophy, and failing miserably.

Never fear. Running in Heels is here to show you a way you can lavish armfuls of gifts on your nearest and dearest, and still feel vaguely Zen. Make everything. It’s cheap, gives you something to snuggle down to doing on these long winter nights, and, best of all, something handmade always looks as if you’ve thought about it – even if you’ve made a job lot of scarves or seven hundred ginger biscuits. Plus, crafts are officially cool: your annoying hipster friend and yummy-mummy wannabe aunt will be just as impressed as your granny.

The secret to not ending up with a kitchen full of burnt pans, scarves that look like gloves or cards with more rubber dust on them than glitter is simple: planning. We’ve come up with a few funky projects, links to how-tos and lists of what you’ll need: just follow the instructions for instant present.

Project One: The Knits

● What you’ll need:

For the scarves: Aran-weight yarn, approximately 600 yards, or three 100-gram balls; size-9 knitting needles and a tape measure. For the decorations and toys: thinner yarn, around 4ply in 2.75 mm needles, some stuffing, small black beads, cotton, needles, fabric scissors and the patterns linked below.

It’s a good idea to… have a practice first on some cheap wool before you start the gifts. Don’t be snooty about where you buy your wool: charity shops and places frequented by grannies are likely to be cheaper than trendy knit cafes or cool markets.

Simple Scarves

Other than “a mess”, a scarf is really and truly about the easiest thing humankind can make. Follow a simple knit stitch for your first one after casting on about 32 stitches, and simply knit, knit, knit until you get to the length you desire. If you feel comfortable, count your rows, change colour at the end of a row, and then knit the same number of rows in the new colour to achieve equal stripes. A much simpler, cheaper and quicker way of getting a multi-coloured design is simply to use multi-coloured wool. Once you get more comfortable, try alternating each row with a purl stitch – it creates a pretty texture which looks super complicated.

If you’re short of time, thicker wool is much quicker to knit, but you’ll need larger knitting needles and thick wool is generally more expensive. Don’t be afraid to ask the shopkeeper for advice!

Cute Decorations

If you’re already an accomplished stich n’ bitcher, try out these funky, cute ideas from Little Cotton Rabbits . Stitch a stocking, teddy bear, holly or Christmas pud to hang on the tree, or improvise: expand the stocking pattern to make a full size stocking and stuff it full of gifts. Stockings should be stitched firmly but with some give: you don’t want them to split or stretch when slung over a bedpost.

A cute, hand-knitted mini stocking

These will be fiddly to knit, and so unless you’re looking for a headache, don’t attempt these unless you can look at the patterns without feeling the urge to stab something with your needles.

Project Two: Silk Scarves

● What you’ll need: Thin cotton which matches the colour of your silk; silk off cuts from the market, trade warehouse or online – about 75cm sq at least for each scarf; pins; a very thin needle; a tape measure, scissors, tailor’s chalk and a ruler, and a sewing machine is more or less essential here to ensure straight, neat hems.

It’s a good idea to… wash and iron your apron material before starting work.

Silk scarves are sexier than woolly ones, and will be welcomed by fashionistas. The material is a little more expensive, but they’re quicker and easier to run up and so great if it gets to December 20^th and you’re in the midst of a panic attack. Buy off cuts and scraps of silk, and use the chalk and ruler to mark straight lines on which to cut. Hem these very quickly after cutting, as thin silk will fray: fold the fabric over and tack with pins, then loosely stitch down with unknotted cotton before removing pins and letting the sewing machine do the rest of the work. If you’re confident and have a good sewing machine, use a different colour of silk and cut out a star or flower shape, then stitch onto the finished scarf to add a more personal touch. Cheap Fabrics has some lovely, affordable silks, but markets may give more variety and the chance to take out Christmas rage through violent bartering.

Project Three: Grub.

● What you’ll need: 125g soft unsalted butter, 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces, 300g morello cherry jam, 150g caster sugar pinch of salt , 2 large eggs, beaten,150g self-raising flour, a 12-bun muffin tin and papers, 150g icing sugar, custard powder, small glace cherries and tiny bay leaves.

It’s a good idea to… pack these in airtight plastic boxes: not glam but it will keep them fresh for your friends and family.

Christmas, for me at least, is about stuffing your goddamn face until you pass out. The wealth of food you get given offers no other alternative. Such a glut is only given to you but once a year. Help your friends and family to a coronary or diabetes with these recipes: they seriously, if they’re anything like me, will thank you from the bottom of their congested heart. I’ve featured a recipe of my own here in full, but there are links to several others.

Mini Christmas Pud Cupcakes

These look great and are sooo easy to make. I’ve adapted an idea from BBC Good Food, substituting their mix, which was slightly dry, with a fruitier Nigella Lawson one. First, make the sponge. It’s classic Nigella: naughty, very fun, and just a bit too rich.

Scrumptious Christmas cupcakes...

First, preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4. Put the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan on the heat to melt. When nearly completely melted, stir in the chocolate. Leave for a moment to begin softening, then take the pan off the heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the butter and chocolate are smooth and melted. Now add the cherry jam, sugar, salt and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon and when all is pretty well amalgamated stir in the flour. It should be thick but silky. Don’t worry about lumps of cherry: these are perfect for a faux-Christmas pud..

Pour into the muffin papers in their tin and bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack, and turn out. Take the muffins out of their paper casings, being careful not to damage the cakes. Turn them upside down and trim into the shape of a traditional pudding. Mix 1 tsp of the custard powder, after sifting out lumps, with the icing sugar and 2tbp water. Spoon it over the cakes, and when just setting, place a small cherry and a bay leaf on the top. Dust with remaining icing sugar to make it all pretty.

Other Recipes to Try

● Fruit Vodka: This homemade fruit liqueur is deliciously moreish and will provide any would-be barman with oodles of inspiration for mixing up a few cocktails. Some of which you could always be on hand to try out…

● Lebkuchen: Covered in crisp, sweet icing, these spicy, soft Christmas biscuits are a festive staple in Germany and very easy to make.

● Christmas Macarons: Undeniably the sweet treat du jour, macarons are a dainty and very delectable gift although we don’t recommend trying to whip up a batch unless you’re an experienced cook.

● Yule Log: A wonderful festive present for the chocoholic in your life – this recipe is slightly lighter than most and a perfect baked gift for those who don’t like traditional Christmas cake.

Domestic goddess and Christmas aficionado Nigella Lawson’s chocolate cookies are absolutely irresistible…

The essentials for an elegant afternoon tea party with friends

Here are just a few items that will make your tea party one to remember…

English Bone China Hearts Tea Set

Start as you mean to go on and fall in love with this heart-decorated tea set from Northampton-based creative Susan Rose. The delicate, traditionally-made bone china collection will be the foundation of your tea parties now and forever more. This handmade set has all you need for a pretty, girly tea party; with teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl and a couple of tea cups.

Bespoke Cake Stands

Give your old plates a new lease of life by transforming them into a glamorous bespoke cake stand for your cakes, sandwiches and macarons. Pack them up and sent them to creative people at My Vintage Party who will return them with a chrome handle affixed ready for you to impress your guests. The retro stands can be easily dismantled and packed away for next time.

Liberty Eloise Print Tea Bag Dish

Of course, we’d really recommend that you use the freshest loose tea (Fortnum & Mason’s Countess Grey is a fragrant blend perfect for afternoon drinking), but if you are opting for the convenience of tea bags, you’ll need some where to put them. The perfect hostess wouldn’t dream of asking guests to pop them on their saucers – Liberty’s charming floral print tea bag dish solves the problem in style.

Laura Ashley Platinum Rim Optic Champagne Saucer

Now tea parties don’t have to be all about Earl Grey and English Breakfast brews – why not add a twist to your event with some champagne served in these gorgeously decadent champagne saucers? Many of the finest  hotels and tea houses raise the bar by offering a tipple with your tea and your party should be no different. These sophisticated glasses are edged with platinum and are simply essential for creating a late afternoon tea/cocktail party hybrid.

Teacup Candles

Adorn your party setting with these fragranced teacup candles or why not turn off all the lights and have a romantic tea party for two? Not only do these dainty decorations fit in with the theme and help create a chic atmosphere, once the wax has evaporated away the cups can be cleaned and added to your tea set collection. The candles are individually sourced (no two teacups are the same) and made with the highest quality wax.

Handmade's spacious, airy Sewing Café

‘Make do and mend’ has never been as chic as it is at the moment, and boutique workshop Homemade London is the chic-est way to learn a new craft, be it sewing, perfume making or concocting your own beauty products. The high-level of attention provided by the workshop leaders (class numbers are not allowed to exceed more than eight) and quality of the materials mean that guests leave with creations they actually want to keep, as opposed to a shoddy piece of tat which can often be mistaken for a GCSE art project.

Indeed this was the opinion of Homemade’s founder Nicola Barren who used to frequently attend evening classes but was miffed by the lacklustre end-product she would often come away with. Having summoned the talents from a wealth of designer contacts, she assures prospective visitors that the resulting atmosphere of each of her classes is laid back, accessible and the result worth paying the class’s (often three-figure) price for.

The launch party for the classes was held in Homemade’s pretty workshop (complete with sewing machine wallpaper) in the West End of London, part of the up and coming Portland Village area – an assortment of niche boutiques and eateries, together with service-led salons, and indie art galleries, aimed at providing a respite from the busy corporate-driven high street round the corner. Visitors were given the opportunity to make their own homemade body scrubs as well as admiring the creations of previous workshops such as lingerie making, and sketches turned into tapestries. Also on display was a pile of pretty Liberty fabrics that are provided for the sewing classes, in addition to the sartorial efforts of recent students, which would have sat comfortably in any vintage-lover’s wardrobe. Guests also tucked in to a selection of cheeses from La Fromagerie as well as cakes and pastries from Cocomaya – which are included in all of Homemade’s classes. The

Seasoned stitchers can also find a place to sew in peace at Homemade’s Sewing Café on Tuesday and Friday afternoons in addition to Wednesday evenings, where they can hire sewing machines by the hour and help themselves to complimentary tea and cake. With an array of courses to choose from – including the opportunity to make your own Christmas gifts – what better excuse to roll up your sleeves and get creative?

For more information on classes, prices and times , see Homemade’s website.

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French Cocktail Shaker Set, available online here.

Mixology Class at the Hemingway Bar in Paris, available online here.

Alivar Fortuna Armchair, available online here.

The Geffrye Museum Membership, available online here.

Fortnum & Mason’s Classic Christmas Hamper, available online here.

Gift Dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri, available online here.

Pierre Hermé Classic Macarons, available online here.

Interior Design Inspirations, available online here.

Kuntzel+Deygas MiCha Lamp, available online here.

Dare Studio Katakana Writing Desk, available online here.

Delafée Celebration Box, available online here.

Moss graces the cover of Vogue Covers

Our bookshelves can be crammed with literary classics, beloved children’s books and chick-lit romances galore but there is something undeniably fabulous about the glossy pages and solid weight of a coffee table tome.

From art to fashion, these heavyweights are worthy of display, as well as being inspirational to look through. Fulfilling a totally different function to the flimsy paperback, these books are made to be cherished and treated with care. Here’s our round up of some of the best….

Vogue Covers: On Fashion’s Front Page

The Vogue brand is recognised the world over as being at the forefront of fashion, and the magazine is regularly referred to as the ‘Bible.’ This wonderful book picks out some of the best covers of British Vogue’s long history.

What’s really interesting about this book is its unique look at the changing face of magazine covers, from the charming illustrations of the 1920’s and 1930’s to the familiar ‘model looking at camera’ shots of today. Visually stunning and inspirational, this book is essential for any magazine lover.

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide

This is a must-have; informative, well-written and lovely to look at. Charting the journey of art from primitive cave paintings to Renaissance masters and including sculpture and modern art, this book explores common themes such as landscapes and nudes. Works of art are studied in depth, providing a crash course in art history and showing you how to read composition, technique and style. This is indispensable for any art buff; inspiration and beauty is packed onto every page and you will discover new delights as well as old familiars.

The Fashion Book

The striking graphic style of this book makes it a staple for any stylish home. It does exactly what it says on the tin, providing a look at the movers and shakers of the fashion world, giving a short biography and defining image of each. From photographers to designers, via models and stylists, this book contains the most influential people in fashion from the last few decades. Helpfully laid out in an A-Z format, it also contains a useful glossary of fashion terms at the back. Flicking through this book will provide endless fashion inspiration and is a quick and easy lesson in the meaning of enduring style.

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life 1990 – 2005

Celebrated American photographer Leibovitz may be best known for her iconic picture of a naked and pregnant Demi Moore, but this book shows the many faces of her talent. Showcasing the photography of a woman for whom life and work are inextricably linked, the hundreds of images here jump from celebrities to intimate family portraits.

Iconic images from Annie Leibovitz

Leibovitz’s talent lies in capturing the beautiful within the ordinary, and a narrative exploring the thoughts and feelings that went into composing the shot accompanies each work. Not one to shy away from difficult subjects, she photographs the decline and death of her companion Susan Sontag as well as the death of her father. This book is a visual delight, and is a wonderful exploration of photography and its relevance.

This Little Piggy Went to Prada

Not strictly a coffee table book due to its diminutive size, this deserves a mention because of its whimsical look and clever idea. Re-working nursery rhymes for the Blahnik generation, this book will give you a little thrill of pleasure every time you pick it up. Beautifully illustrated with dreamy colours and an ethereal quality, this inspires daydreams. Join the pussycat on his visit to London to visit McQueen and hear about the cobbler who mends Christian Louboutins in this charming little book. Worthy of a place on everyone’s bookshelves.

Fun furnishings and eye-catching walls

Adding colour to your home has to be one of the simplest (and cheapest) ways to jazz up a tired, bland interior. The clean lines and pared-back chic look of Ikea is all well and good, but it’s not exactly bright or inspiring, now is it? If you’re not sure where to start and would like to change up your rooms a little bit, read on – all of these projects are achievable in a weekend with minimal effort required.

Painted Furniture

Sounds easy, is easy, and it’s also very effective at transforming a room. Whether you’re painting a wooden chair red or a table green with spots, a flash of colour will transform your furniture in to something brand new, and at very little cost. You could also consider painting fixtures, such as kitchen cupboards, pipes or doors. Or alternatively, if you have neither the time nor the patience, buy a piece of colourful furniture, such as this Reclaimed Comic Decoupage Chair from customising creatives and re-design specialists Bombus.

One Wall Wonder

You could find a large, wall-sized tapestry (Medieval chic is very in), or for a simpler option you could decorate one wall of the room in a totally different style to all the others. Choose paint in a bright colour; cover it in pretty wallpaper, or the more artistic amongst you could even create a mural. There is a HUGE selection of wallpapers available from patterned to plain and everything in between; whether you’d like bright British stripes or grasshopper green palm fronds. If you’re looking to spend a little more, choose traditional designs in vibrant, modern colours – The Designers’ Guild has a really stunning collection.  It’s a great way of diverting the eye away from the drab and towards the colourful.

Get a nice rug

If you have dull lino or ugly, stained carpets, rugs are great at hiding a multitude of sins and making the room look great. In fact, they could be described as the maxi-dress of the flooring world. If you love your floorboards, keep them in great condition so that they attract rather than repulse. There’s a kaleidoscopic Moroccan Rag Rug stocked by Liberty that will add lots of vibrant, bohemian tones to your interior, or if you have a little more time, you could always have a go at making your own – check out this tutorial video to learn how. You’re looking for colour, but remember rugs come in interesting, different shapes too; Michele Masson’s Apple Rug is intended for children, but why should they have all the fun?

Furnish with Flowers

A vase of beautiful tulips, roses or lilies instantly adds colour to a room (as well as a heavenly scent). Get creative – use multicoloured bottles, jugs and champagne flutes to display your bouquet around your home. Have a look at Floral Craft Resource for ideas on how to arrange your flowers in unusual and imaginative ways. And this may sound obvious, but make sure you look after them. If you’re really not green-fingered at all, cacti can survive even arrid desert conditions, so sporadic watering won’t be a problem!

Accessorise Your Interior

A yellow telephone isn’t something that only Lady Gaga can pull off, you know! Display photographs in pretty frames, find some pretty wall decorations or maybe treat yourself to a retro poster or two. Buy colourful saucepans for your kitchen, and some patterned plates. Quirky door handles are also relatively cheap, and an unusual paperweight can speak volumes – John Derian’s wonderful creations are fun and useful too! Whether it be patterened shower curtains, a tea towel with a motto or a retro coat stand, little details can make a big difference to the overall feel of a place. Get some cheeky bookends to brighten up a dull shelf.  And who says that accessories have to be strictly relevant; why not find something a bit unusual? Head over to Etsy, where arty types from all around the world sell their amazing creations at relatively cheap prices. Follow the advice of William Morris and only choose things that are either pretty or useful: but try to blend the two as often as possible.

Quirky, bright touches add personality

Creative Cushions

Cushions are scattered all over the home can add a great deal to the overall ‘feel’ of a place. Mix and match – some tiger print here, some rainbow stripes there…get creative. Not On The Highstreet has an enormous range of cushions, in practically every style and design imaginable. Show your zeitgesty spirit with the Tweet! cushion by Clare Nicolson, or go ethical and choose a creation from the Jaipur Collection, from Couch GB who make cushions with locally-sourced materials, thus keeping that old carbon footprint to a minimum. Alternatively, buy some cheapish cushions from a homestore and sew on some cute material of your own choice. Vintage Fabrics Market has material available in a variety of sizes, depending on whether you are looking for original ‘scraps’ or ‘vintage inspired materials’. Blankets and throws also look cosy thrown over the backs of sofas – if you have the time you could always try and knit or patchwork a throw of your own. The clever people over at Instructables have some foolproof tutorials to help you out.

Brave in the Bathroom

If you’re feeling brave, make like Charles Pooter (star of The Diary of a Nobody) and paint your bath. He chose to paint his red, what colour will you opt for? Make sure you use the right paint beforehand though – Charles didn’t, and ended up covered in paint. If you’re not feeling brave, consider perhaps getting a few pretty tiles. Dull white tiles are instantly brightened up when interspersed with pretty equivalents; we absolutely adore Rob Ryan’s quirky handmade tiles which will instantly add personality and are guaranteed to make you chuckle in the tub. it’s easy to make your bathroom a visual feast; decant shampoos and shower gels into pretty bottles, paint your cupboards and find a cute soapdish, such as the truly charming bird-adorned dish by Victoria Goss.

Mirror Image

A decadent mirror can do wonders for a dreary room – it reflects light (as you obviously know) and so opens up the room and makes everything seem brighter and prettier. If you can find one with an unusual design or fun frame (Matali Crasset’s Alice in Wonderland mirror adds a little imagination to the looking glass experience!) then even better. On the other hand, you could always make your own frame -see  Country Living‘s guide to DIY-ing it for tips.

Let the Light in!

Light fittings are amazing at transforming the feel of a room. A glitzy chandelier is expensive but will send twinkling rays of rainbow light all around the room. Clear glass is no longer the only option, and there are now many modern takes on the chandelier such as The Contemporary Home’s ornate technicolour number. If that’s a little bit too Liberace for you, make a statement with a fun lamp – the orange Pigeon Light from talented RCA-grad Ed Carpenter is surely an essential for an urban dweller with a taste for new design and a sense of humour? Tiffany lamps are also fantastic for adding a splash of colour with a boudoir feel, thanks to their Art Nouveau-style stained glass. And don’t let it end at electrics either; candles are great ways of adding colour – plus great aromas – to a home.

Back to Bed…

You might not think you can do much with your bedding, but think again. There are lots of chic duvet and pillowcase solutions that will instantly add colour and personality to your home, such as Marimekko’s beautifully vibrant retro-inspired print bed linen or Missoni’s girly polka dot sheets. Another way of ensuring that your bed keeps that colourful look is by choosing a bedspread in a statement shade, we love the vintage style of Clarissa Hulse’s bright satin bedspread. Don’t forget your accessories in your bedroom too – empty perfume bottles on your dressing table scream glamour and glitzy beaded jewellery should definitely be shown off.

Bright printed bedlinens and unusual lamps are easy peasy touches that will bring colour to your interior