I have curated a list of my top ten design-inspired Christmas presents, many sourced from independent shops in Bath.
A portable Blossom light
Blossom is the first portable, cordless light from British lighting designer, Original BTC. The design, with its fluted bone china shade, is inspired by the plum blossom, the national flower of Taiwan. There are three brightness levels from a soft, warm glow to sufficient light to dine or entertain. It comes in olive, red or cream. Charged using a USB charger, it lasts for 20 hours on the lowest brightness setting. Portable lights are huge in the interiors world so this would make the most beautiful gift for an interiors trend setter.
Holloways of Ludlow in Milsom Street are a family run business sourcing designs from the UK and Scandinavia. They stock Original BTC lights.
www.hollowaysofludlow.com
A gift card for Mr & Mrs Smith
Mr & Mrs Smith is a global travel club which offers getaways in designer hotels. The carefully curated collection of hotels is by invitation only and every hotel is visited by the Mr & Mrs team and anonymously reviewed by a group of tastemakers, including Stella McCartney, Philip Treacy and Dita Von Teese! A hand-illustrated gift card gives the key to over 1,800 of the of the world’s best boutique hotels and villas.
Divine Savage pyjamas
The Divine Savages limited-edition collaboration with luxury slow fashion brand Byroses takes you from bed to bar and back again! The collection of all-gender, luxe loungewear is suitable for all occasions and there are vacation sets and swimwear too. They’re the perfect blend of style and comfort, with each piece lovingly hand made to order. The all-gender satin pyjama set with trousers features the all-over “Bloomin’ Marvellous” floral print which is an exclusive colour palette featuring rich gold and ochre on a regal navy base, adding an elegant touch.
Wallpaper and fabric designers Divine Savages are about to open a new shop in Margaret’s Buildings, which is fast becoming the design hub of Bath.
House of Hackney throw
Design brand House of Hackney are known for their moody and exquisitely detailed prints and love of maximalism. They have collaborated with Anthropologie to create an exclusive collection – all of which are all future heirlooms, made to be cherished and passed on from generation to generation. This Jacquard Throw is adorned with elaborate botanical prints, intricate embroidery, and a playful fringe. It would make a decadently luxurious gift for a special friend.
Anthropologie is on New Bond Street in Bath and is a treasure trove of homewares, gifts and gorgeous designer clothes.
An Astier de Villatte candle
Nam Store is a tiny treasure trove in York Street that stocks Astier de Villatte candles along with ceramics, beeswax taper candles, incense sticks and handmade Murano glasses.
A stunning candle designed with perfumer Françoise Caron from French brand Astier de Villatte would make a wonderful gift. I love Oulan Bator, which is a soft leather infused with tobacco, incense, ambergris and angelica root essence. The plant-based wax formulation is free from paraffin or petrochemical derivatives. The candles come in handcrafted blown glass tumblers from Tuscany and the labels are printed on an old press by SAIG, one of the last typographic workshops in the world.
Instagram @namstore_bath
I hope I have given you some inspiration this Christmas.
