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Posts Tagged ‘baileys home’

In light of Mother’s Day coming up, and any other occasion where you need a thoughtful gift, opting for something from the homeware department can go a lot further than just a scented candle. Buying gifts for the home can be a great way to give something that’s long lasting, sentimental and unique. Whether it’s a house warming present, a birthday or holiday, or just something to show someone you care, a thoughtful home accessory can be the perfect gesture.

There are two ways you can look at it when it comes to gifting home accessories to a close friend or family member; adding to their already existing theme of pieces and ornaments, or giving them something a little outside their comfort zone, something they wouldn’t ever get themselves. When giving homewares there is a chance to get creative, have a little fun and give a touching present.

Typically, when it comes to the big touches in a home, the owner will want to make that call on their own, so when giving homeware as a gift it’s all about the small, but special touches. This sweet blackbird tea towel from Angel & Boho is an ideal gift; the adorable print takes away the functionality aspect of the gift, making it a great addition to a kitchen, to be displayed as a bohemian design feature.

‘Blackbird Tea Towel’ from Angel & Boho

Sticking to the bird theme, a simple way to add some life to a garden is with a bird feeder. This rustic piece from Catesby’s is the perfect way to decorate a garden and entice from real birds as well. The piece is great for adding a little charm to an individual tree or a small garden or balcony area.

‘Hanging Bird Feeder’ from Catesby’s

The great thing about giving or receiving homeware as presents is that it’s an opportunity to get an item that you might not be able to justify getting for yourself. Buying something fun, with perhaps just a hint of kitsch that makes a fabulous finishing touch to a home. I love these pin-up candlestick holders from Ark, ideal for putting a smile on someone’s face and lighting up an area of the home, perhaps a table or dresser, giving the space a bit of humour and life.

‘Show Girl Candlesticks’ from Ark

As with many people my age, I’m just being to start a collection of homeware pieces that I’ll (hopefully) treasure forever, so receiving items that I can add to this assembly of ornaments is a great way to give the collection some diversity and give myself new ideas about what I like. Pieces like these multi-coloured candle holders from Habitat are quite a particular style, but if you have someone you know will love them, or someone you think can take on the challenge then they’re a great, creative gift that goes a step further than the typical candle themed gift.

‘Odela Multi-Coloured Ceramic Candleholder’ from Habitat

My mother has always had a love for flowers and nature, whether it’s in the garden or in the home, so giving her pots and vases has always been a sure-fire way of getting her something she likes (and will use), whilst still being able to get her something with an unexpected design or style. This speckled jug from Catesby’s is a versatile piece that can be used as its primary function, or as a vase. It would make a great accompaniment for some fresh spring Daffodils, with the electric blue and yellow contrasting perfectly.

‘Speckle Ware Jug’ from Catesby’s

For more of a rustic feel, these antique French pots from Baileys would make amazing gifts, for vases, planters or just ornaments. The individual nature of them means that you can give a few in an array of shapes, styles and colours.

‘Old French Poitiers Pottery’ from Baileys

If you have a friend, or maybe a son or daughter who has recently bought their first home, or renting their first grown up flat, they may need a few things to help get them started. Whilst a lot of necessities can be bought from places like Ikea, buying some pieces that can give the home a few special touches can make great presents, especially if it’s for someone who can’t justify getting it for themselves. A simple bowl like this one from French Connection is a great starter piece for those finding their style footing. It’ll look great against some simple chinaware sets and begin to add some character to a home.

‘Green Stone Bowl’ from French Connection

On the contrary, if you know this person has quite an experimental kind of style, and is always keen to try new things and be surprised, an item like this flamboyant tray from Porcupine Rocks is not only a fantastic gift, but also full of flair, making it a real statement piece.

‘Shine Shine Tiger Tray’ from Porcupine Rocks

Finally, if you’re searching for a gift for someone that already has it all, then something frivolous and fun may be just the ticket. This lollipop holder from Jonathan Adler ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a present with a sense of humour, individuality and a hint of madness. It makes the perfect addition to an already fruitful collection of eclectic ornaments.

‘Mohawk Lollipop Holder’ from Jonathan Adler

Buying gifts for loved ones is a great way to express your appreciation from them, and give them something they’ll love. Deciding to give them homeware means choosing something that they can treasure forever, giving sentiment to their home and help add to the collection of wonderful items. Whether it’s an antique item, something a little outside of their comfort zone, something sweet or an item that encourages them to walk on the wild side of interior design, there is so much fun to be had with picking out gifts, you’ll just have to refrain from keeping them all yourself!

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As if by magic we seemed to have powered through almost the first two months of 2016 which means we’re nearing the month of March and onto another special occasion, Mother’s Day! As we are trying to stick to our resolutions of being more organised this year we’ve already dug up some wonderful gift ideas for our beloved mothers.

Instead of purchasing the usual gifts of flowers, which will wither away in just a few days, or chocolates, that will disappear in a mere matter of minutes, at Angel + Blume we want to think outside the box and give something a little more permanent as a present that mums can treasure forever.

Whatever style or taste you mum likes, be it quirky, traditional, nature-loving or contemporary, we’ve got something that will make her smile from ear to ear this Mothering Sunday.

For all the mothers who follow a traditional sense of style, and love adorning their homes in lovely little trinkets An Angel at my Table, as always, has some absolutely beautiful home accessories.

Glory Be! & Amour Tea Towels from An Angel at my Table

 

These beautiful floral printed tea towels will add a lovely spurt of colour into any kitchen, and the added touch of some pom pom trimmings are a wonderful idea, so wonderful in fact that we think they may be best left as display items and not actually used for washing up!

Small White Country Jug from An Angel at my Table

A wonderful gift for a traditional style loving mum is this simple yet sophisticated jug, also from An Angel at my Table. The detailing around the side of the vase creates a lovely finish to the ceramic piece, making the jug ideally matched for a classic interior.

If, like mine, you mum has green fingers then opting for some nature related gifts will get two thumbs up. Thornback & Peel make some wonderful products with the some amazing designs that are the perfect combination of tradition and modern. I completely love this pea pod tray from the vibrant green colour to the herringbone inspired print.

Pea Pod Tray from Thornback & Peel

Another wonderful idea for all the nature loving mothers out there are these rather spectacularly designed plant pots from Not on the High Street. The aged copper Verdigris-like colour is stunning and helps make these pots a real feature piece.

Leaves Plant Pot from Not on the High Street

For a sweet little gift, and a flower that will last, this paper rose from Not on the High Street is simply marvellous, using printed text from novels the whole look has charm to boot.

Literary Paper Rose from Not on the High Street

If you hear the words ‘wonderfully wacky’ and your mind immediately wonders over to your mother, then taking the unconventional route and giving her some adorable and quirky gifts this Mother’s Day will fill her with joy. This cushion from Fine Cell Work featuring the ‘princess of fruits’, the pineapple will make a lovely addition to an array of scatter cushions. It’s a fun and playful item that will look good in any home.

Pineapple Cushion from Fine Cell Work

I love this quirky, full-to-the-brim of individuality vase from Rockett St George. It’ll make a fine talking point and will no doubt put a smile of everybody’s face. It’s full of character and is a perfect gift if your mum is too.

David Display Vase from Rocket St George

Last but not least if your mum is a bit of a cool cat, with a home to match, why not help her kit it out with some amazing and stylish pieces. Since the cold weather doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon a cosy blanket and cushions are most certainly in order. These hand woven, hand printed cushion and blanket are laid-back contemporary style at its best and will look great on a sofa or bed.

Bailey's Home - hand woven cushions

Hand Woven Cushions and Blanket from Bailey’s Home

I completely fell in love with this ceramic collection from Rockett St George, so much so that I may have to treat both myself and my mother to a set. The modern marble effect is a wonderful design for all the lovers of the classic contemporary style.

Indigo Storm Collection by Faye Toogood from Rockett St George

So there you have it, a sweet guide on what to buy your mum this Mother’ Day, or if you can’t resist a preview of all the lovely items you’ll be filling your own home with as well!

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With so many special occasions getting closer and closer in our calendars, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fireworks Nights, and dare I say it, Christmas, it’s more than likely that we’ll be booking in family visits, dinner parties with friends, and beginning to plan the holidays.

The next few months are really a time for bringing people together and spending time with loved ones you don’t often get to see. So in preparation for these upcoming soirées, we’ve assembled our absolute favourite pieces of tableware and accessories from the best collections to shower you with ideas for transforming your everyday table into a thing a beauty. Even if you’re not having guests over, indulge yourself and marvel over these items. You’ll be drooling over your table setting, not just at the food!

Firstly I’m paying homage to Thanksgiving with this American classic style plate set from Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren Carolyn Dinner Plate

The elegant feather trim makes me nostalgic for winter walks with the family and spotting a flustered pheasant shooting up from the nearby ditches. The pattern is lively enough to catch your eye without being so overwhelming that it distracts from the beautiful food about to be served onto it.

Sticking to the feather motif but taking a little more of a flashy turn, these feather napkin rings, from Not On The High Street are a real show-stopper. They take elements of traditional English heritage with a splash of fun quirkiness, to make a playful addition to a formal table.

Not On The High Street Pheasant Feather Napkin Ring

For a table with a touch more allure and mystery, here are some elegant accessories to spice up a table and create the perfect ambience for an evening of glamour.

Set the mood with these beautiful neo-gothic style candlestick holders from The French House.

The French House Pewter Candlestick

A few dotted on the dining table or the surrounding areas will help to transform your home, and once a few beads of candle wax work their way onto the holder the vintage style will really come alive.

Mixing both vintage and more contemporary accessories together on the dinner table will create a really beautiful effect. I love this water glass set from Rockett St George, they’ll work for both everyday use and for when you’re planning something more special. The beautiful smokey finish on the glasses creates an old Hollywood style allure.

Rockett St George Smoked Grey Water Glass

An elegant table needs an elegant centrepiece, and this stained gold glass bottle, from An Angel At My Table, is an ideal candidate; just right for adding a few English roses, or flowers of your choice.

An Angel At My Table Gold Glass Bottle Vase

All these events may mean digging out some recipes for some delicious meaty dishes, therefore what better time to invest in a beautiful carving set. This charming 1950’s style carving set from Baileys Home are a perfect addition to any table regardless of style as they’ll work in perfectly with whatever cutlery you already own.

Baileys Home 1950's Carving Set

If you’re feeling a little more mischievous and playful and want your table to reflect this, there are hundreds of quirky, fun tableware items to choose from. Rockett St George is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with an original flair. This whale tray set by Thomas Paul is a wonderful contemporary piece for a modern home and table. Handy for carrying drinks or condiments but also great as an innovative statement piece when left bare.

Rocket St George Set of Two Whale Trays

Another little gem from Rockett St George is this cactus margarita glass.

Rockett St George Cactus Margarita Glass

If you’re not one for wine and are planning on serving up some cocktails these are absolutely adorable, plus they’ll look just as good on display as well as in your hand!

If playing host becomes a little too stressful then sit back and relax with a cup of tea poured from this outrageously cute little elephant teapot from Anthropologie.

Anthropologie Losin Teapot

It’s so sweet you can’t help but smile, and even if it’s not your usual style it’ll be great as a little one-off piece amongst your other tableware items.

Last but not least are these festive harvest-style napkins from Anthropologie, they’ll refresh any table in an instant and are the perfect extra touch it make a Sunday lunch with the family just a little bit more special.

Anthropologie Harvest Foliage Napkin

The next couple of months are full of happy events, and with your cupboards and tables stocked full of glorious new things there will be even more cause for celebration.

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Having spent ages trying to weigh up the pros and cons of having a real fire or a gas fire in my living room, I finally decided on a real fire and with great excitement (from me) it was fitted last week. I immediately went out and purchased the initial requirements of logs, coal, kindling and firelighters, (and thus reminding myself of some of the cons of a real fire) and tried it out (very lovely), and I am now deep into the research of potential accessories for my fireside. Who knew the endless possibilities and options available? Here are just a few that are tempting me at the moment. Other suggestions welcomely received.

Graham and Green fireguard

I have always loved this simple and stylish fireguard, available from Graham and Green

somerset willow

I could happily have any of Somerset Willow‘s beautiful products in my home, but this balloon log basket is one of my favourites.

Baileys Home dustpan and brush set

The major drawback, in my opinion, is clearing out the ash, so it’s important to have good equipment – a practical and stylish dustpan and brush from Baileys Home fits the bill.

Chesneys fireguard

A very elegant alternative fireguard from Chesneys – decisions, decisions!

Cox and Cox firelighters

These firelighters from Cox and Cox are made from pine cones with natural wax and scented with cinnamon – I’m worried they might be just too nice to burn!

Dibor matches

No more burnt fingers with these long matches from Dibor

Garden Trading 4 tool set

A must have requirement is a great set of fireside tools – I’ve got my eye on this set from Garden Trading, although it doesn’t include a toasting fork so I may need one of these from Jim Lawrence for my crumpets!

Jim Lawrence toasting fork

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We’ve all experienced the odd culinary disaster, particularly in the baking department (me more than most I suspect) and whilst presentation will never make things taste better, a minor collapse (a de-thawing for example) could be brought back from the brink of the dustbin by a gorgeous platter or cake stand. Should such an event occur in your household, I have some presentation suggestions for you.

Baileys Home pressed cake stand

Pressed glass cake stand by Baileys Home £48

Rockett St George cake plate

Bone China ‘Beautiful Alchemy’ Cake Plate by Rockett St George £20.50

Anthropologie cake stand

Handcarved Acacia Cake Stand by Anthropologie £30.00 – £54.00

Graham and Green pressed cake stand

Pressed glass cake stand by Graham and Green £41

 

Anthropologie cake plate

Anthropologie cake plates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holly Frean Gallus Dessert Plate at Anthropologie £14 each

The White Company cake stand

 

Stoneware Cake Stand from The White Company £35

 

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