Christmas Style and Gift Guide

November 14, 2020May 3, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

I have selected some of my favourite British brands to feature in this Christmas style and gift guide. As most Christmas shopping will be done online this year I thought it would be a good idea to bring together some great British brands that complement each another into one virtual Christmas “pop-up” shop, and encourage people to shop from British independent brands this Christmas. Many milliners and designers, such as Camilla Rose, Bee Smith, Beverley Edmonson and Lisa Redman, have pivoted during the pandemic by introducing small accessories which are a bit more lockdown friendly than their usual flamboyant race day creations. I’ve also included a few beautiful occasion wear pieces by Laura Green, Suzannah London, Vaai and Lalage Beaumont, Claire Mischevani and Caroline Charles for those who are planning on dressing up for Christmas Day at home. There’s luxe loungewear and fancy flats from Sargasso and Grey, Yosuru, Ethereal London, Nuiami and Bombshell, for sitting room soirees. For more casual festive style, take a look at my top picks from Troy London, Really Wild and Guinea London for Christmas walks in the countryside. Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of sparkle, courtesy of Jennifer Gibson, Susan Caplan and Auree Jewellery. I hope you enjoy browsing and find something suitable to buy for yourself or to give to your friends and family and support small British brands this Christmas!

Accessories:

Camilla Rose

Beverley Edmondson

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-10.56.50.png — Hand-made velvet corsage by Beverley Edmondson Millinery. Can be worn in the hair or as a brooch. **Use the discount code: LADYSMAID10 for 10% off.**

Bee Smith

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-14.39.00.png — Hand-made gold holly hair slides by Bee Smith Millinery. **10% discount available at Bee Smith with the code: THELADYSMAID**.

Lisa Redman

Jewellery:

Jennifer Gibson

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-11.43.20.png — 1940s pink crystal and pearl brooch by Jennifer Gibson.

Lily & Roo

Auree

Triple engraved disc pendant in 9ct yellow gold. Each pendant is engraved in London for you with your initial, or the initials of a loved one, name or date and in the font of your choice.

Susan Caplan – Vintage Jewellery

1980s Vintage Monet Regal Brooch. 22ct gold plated regal brooch. Features round-cut ruby red and clear Swarovski crystals and faux pearls.

**For 10% off at Susan Caplan use the discount code: LADYSMAID10**

Vaaii London

Hand-made brooch featuring red crystals and beads with antique gold bullion embroidery threads on raw silk with a felt backing.

Amelia Coates

Cornelia James

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.31.07.png — Beatrice merino wool glove by Cornelia James. Made from fine merino wool featuring anti microbial technology. Available with touchscreen option. Wide range of colours and other styles available.

Katherine Hooker

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.52.39.png — Merlot cashmere scarf, Katherine Hooker. **10% off at Katherine Hooker** **is available with with the code: LADYSMAID10**.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.55.48.png — Red fingerless mittens. Made in London, from soft wool and lined in cashmere. **10% off at Katherine Hooker with the discount code: LADYSMAID10.**

The Travel Wrap Company

Millinery:

Laura Cathcart

Sarah Cant

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-13.35.20-1.png — 3 of my favourite hats from the AW collection of Sarah Cant. **Quote @theladysmaid at time of purchase for for 15% off and free p&p** **at Sarah Cant.**

Dark grey peachbloom felt bow headband with gold overlay.

Felt and gold leaf headbands. **Quote @theladysmaid at time of purchase for for 15% off and free p&p** **at Sarah Cant.**

Camilla Rose Millinery:

Festive fedoras:

Deck Fedora. Burgundy peachbloom felt Fedora, finished with a velvet petrol blue bow.

**Discount code: THELADYSMAID for 10% off at Camilla Rose.**

Troy London

Troy x Brora Fair Isle Jumper in Almond.

My top picks from Troy for Christmas in the country:

The curlew cape in forest green; silk scarf in cream and burgundy; stock shirt in green; welly socks in burgundy.

Really Wild Clothing

Guinea London

Festive Style:

Laura Green

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.29.42-1.png — The most beautiful festive red angora wool “Hollie” coat by Laura Green – perfect for Christmas Day. I love the clean lines of the neckline with a simple double button fastening at the waist and chic pleating to the skirt and cuffs. **Quote The Lady’s Maid for 10% off at Laura Green.**

Vaaii London

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.54.54.png — Cross-stich silk velvet trousers and matching top by Vaaii London. This would be a great outfit for Christmas at home – comfortable but still festive with the gold embroidery and velvet fabric. **10% off is available with the discount code: THELADYSMAID10**

Winser London

Lauren Cape Wool Poncho. Available in several colours.

For 10% off at Winser London use the code: WINSER10ALICIA

Katherine Hooker

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.45.58.png — Capelet coat by Katherine Hooker. Made in London from a classic Blackwatch wool (also available in aubergine. Detachable capelet so can be worn without for a different look. **For 10% off full price items at Katherine Hooker use the discount code: LADYSMAID10**.

Suzannah London:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.22.58.png — Hunter Coat Dress, Navy Velvet; Marylebone Coat Dress Rosewood; Anna Dress Cherry Red.

Enter Ladysmaid at checkout for 10% off at Suzannah London

Caroline Charles:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.12.21.png — Burgundy wool crepe coat; faux fur hat; faux fur stole. **Quote THELADYSMAID for free p&p at Caroline Charles.**

Smart/Casual Festive Frocks

Navy & Ivy Shirt Dress, Brora; Rose Tartan Dress, Justine Tabak; Shae Cord Dress, By Iris

Claire Mischevani

Finola Coat – mauve Italian wool. Bespoke options available.

Lalage Beaumont

Velvet midi dress in starlight French navy.

Bombshell

More festive velvet pieces from Bombshell:

Smart/Casual Festive Frocks

Sargasso & Grey

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-13.51.26.png — Wide fit dark green velvet embellished flats by Sargasso & Grey. (Also available in navy). **15% off at Sargasso & Grey is available with the code: LADYSMAID15**

Yosuru Shoes

Elegant and comforatbale festive flats and low-heeled shoes. Use the code: THELADYSMAID20 for 20% off.

Wilbur & Gussie

Free snowflake brooch with the code: TLMXMAS

The House of Bruar

The Cambridge Satchel Company

Brandy leather and green tweed traveller bag.

Luxury Loungewear:

Nuiami

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.48.53.png — Bordeaux cotton striped pyjamas; Birdsong cotton pyjamas; Voyager cashmere hoodie, cashmere joggers. **Use the code: THELADYSMAID10 for 10% off and free UK shipping at Nuiami.**

Ethereal London

For the Little Ladies:

Hannah Sophia England

Long-sleeved tartan smock dress with detachable collar. Matching accessories available.

Gifts benefitting charity:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.11.20.png — Rowfant rainbow charity hoop earrings, Auree. £95.
100% of profits goes to baby bank charity Little Village.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-08-at-13.02.24.png — Damascus silk scarf by Rory Hutton, £90. Made in Italy and inspired by tiles from the old city of Damascus. 20% of profits are donated to Hands Up foundation.

Signed copies of Wardrobe Wisdom From a Royal Lady’s Maid: How to dress & take care of your clothes by Alicia Healey. Free Total Wardrobe Care anti-moth oval sent with each book. Can be used to freshen your wardrobe or as a bookmark! 10% of profits are donated to Mind.

Stocking fillers:

Bamboo and organic cotton robin gift socks from Thought Clothing.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-11.00.25.png — Teal cotton face mask by Vaai London. Made using left over fabric from previous collections at Vaai. Other colours available. £15. **10% off with the code: THELADYSMAID10**.

Get crafty with a Christmas decoration craft kit designed by milliner Bee Smith Millinery: gingerbread man, brussels sprout and Christmas pudding available. £8 each. **10% discount available with the code: THELADYSMAID**.

Ceramic wardrobe hanging infuser and natural anti-moth essential oil gift set from Total
Wardrobe Care.

Christmas cards by Locky Lobster Art. **10% off at Lucky Lobster Art with the code: Ladysmaid10.**

Mallow & White Hand Sanitiser. 70% alcohol hand cleanser + sanitiser, made from a bespoke blend of anti-bacterial essential oils, including tea tree and peppermint. Winner of 2020 “Best Hand Sanitiser”, Beauty Shortlist Awards. **10% off with the code: Ladysmaid10**

An English Christmas, edited by John Julius Norwich.

Gold foiled red leather personalised notebook.

Happy shopping! 🎄

(N.B. this guide contains some affiliate links)

Christmas Gift Guide

December 16, 2018December 16, 2018 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

If you’re still looking for Christmas gift ideas for stylish ladies, here are some of my top picks to help with your Christmas shopping this week. The only “person” I’ve bought for so far is my dog, so I need a little inspiration myself! (And if any of my family are reading this, this is pretty much my wish list, hint hint 😉).

Stocking Fillers

No lady’s maid would be without a fully stocked sewing kit – This Liberty print sewing scissors and holder would be a stylish addition to it for a budding seamstress.

My favourite chocolates at Christmas time from Hotel Chocolat; best to only buy the pocket selection or I won’t stop eating them 😋

Please don’t think me weird for including a stapler in my wish list, but there’s something about Ted Baker’s “let’s get together” rose gold stapler that I love! Perhaps one for those who are hard to buy for, have a sense of humour and like a tidy desk.

I love Christmas scented candles – these are two of my favourites from Marks & Spencer – Frankincense and Myrrh and Mandarin and clove. Really good value and they smell amazing.

A Royal Christmas – a great Christmas book, published by the Royal Collection Trust, exploring the Christmas traditions of royalty, past and present.

Luxury Gifts

I know you shouldn’t be swayed by packaging, but when it’s a Fortnum’s hamper I don’t really care what’s in it – just save the basket for me 🙂

This world class tech case is a really good buy for jet-setting ladies who travel a lot – keeping all your gadgets organised in style on the move. Available in different colour combinations, but this is my favourite.

I love Smythson notebooks and diaries. I especially like this Soho diary as it has a “To Do” page for notes each week as well. The cobalt blue is super stylish.

Aspinal currency wallet – I have a similar wallet to this one that I bought from Heathrow Airport several years ago when I was travelling a lot and didn’t want to carry different wallets for multiple currencies – really useful.

Wilbur & Gussie make the most stylish clutches. It’s impossible to pick a favourite, but this gold glitter clutch is a wardrobe classic.

For hat-loving ladies with a busy social calendar in 2019 – an unlimited hat hire voucher for a year from The Cotswold Hat Club. Wear a different one each weekend if you want! Great value if you have a lot of formal day dress events to plan for.

You can’t go wrong with a cashmere scarf as a gift. These ones from John Lewis are great value for cashmere, and available in a large range of colours, I like this coral red to brighten up wintery days.

Add a glamorous touch to your winter coats with a brooch from Susan Caplan. I like this wreath of pearls and turquoise – it would look great on a winter white coat. (20% off with the code LADYSMAID20).

I couldn’t not mention my book! If you’re bored of the family on Christmas afternoon, then dip into a copy of Wardrobe Wisdom and start planning your New Year Wardrobe for 2019.

Christmas Jumpers

December 1, 2018December 1, 2018 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

Christmas Jumpers

You may think that Christmas jumpers have no place on a page about style, but you’d be wrong! I used to think they were incredibly naff – my main image of them being from American 80s/90s Christmas movies. These days there are much more subtle and stylish festive sweaters out there, so you don’t need to worry about looking like your Grandma dressed you on Christmas Jumper Day. In my wardrobe, this silver sequinned angel jumper, bought from Top Shop in 2015, is a favourite. The plus side of only wearing it a few days a year is that it’s still in excellent condition! (There are a few on ebay if you like it.)

Christmas Jumper Day is on Friday 14 December this year. People in schools and offices across the UK wear their best novelty knit in aid of Save the Children. I’ve trawled through the festive knitwear on offer to bring you some of my favourites – from novelty knits to stylish sequins, via festive Fair Isle: there’s a Christmas jumper out there for everyone!

Novelty Knits

M&S leads the way with some stylish and wearable Christmas jumpers this year. These are three of my favourites:

Embellished Mistletoe jumper, M&S

Robin embroidered jumper, M&S

Embellished stars jumper, M&S

All other high street stores now have a Christmas knitwear offering too – there are some good ones in H&M, Next and Dorothy Perkins. Tu at Sainsburys and George at Asda also have some great ones:

Sequin stag sweater, Dorothy Perkins

Red reindeer studded jumper, New Look

Are you noticing a pattern? I quite like reindeers 🙂 Gold sequin reindeer jumper, Monsoon

One for dog lovers – puppy in antlers from Tu at Sainsburys

A subtle offering from Top Shop – a mini candy cane crested black jumper

There are quite a few Fair Isle/novelty hybrids if you want something that doesn’t scream Christmas:

Jacquard knit reindeer Fair Isle, H&M

Robin Fair Isle, Asda

Slogan knitwear merges with festive fun in this “baby it’s cold outside” sweater from Bella Freud

Make it easy for people to guess your drinks order with this Navy sequinned champagne Christmas jumper from Asda

JOY red sweatshirt – Save the Children x Selfish Mother. 50% of the retail price is donated to Save the Children.

Everything sounds better en francais – “joyeux Noël” from Top shop

Festive Fair Isle

If you don’t want to spend money on a jumper that you only wear one or two days a year, then Fair Isle is a great alternative to the novelty knits – still Christmassy but much more stylish and wearable throughout the winter months, not just December. Fair Isle knits are named after the place where they originate from – the tiny island of Fair Isle, one of the Scottish Shetland islands (where you’ll be in need of a cosy knit to keep warm at Christmas). The style became popular in the 1920s when the then Prince of Wales was photographed wearing a Fair Isle jumper whilst playing golf. Since then they’ve become a winter wardrobe classic, especially during the festive season.

Ivory Agnes Fair Isle, Boden

Georgina sweater, Hobbs

Mohair Icelandic jumper, Brora

Fair Isle sweater, Ralph Lauren

Islay print, Fat Face

Somersby Fair Isle, Jack Wills

Stylish Sequins

Another more wearable option to the classic Christmas jumper is sequinned and jewelled knitwear – a great cocktail casual option for Christmas parties. I particularly like the grey ones as the dull colour carries sequins and jewels really well.

This grey jumper with bow motif from HM is my top pick

I also love this pretty blush snowflake number from Next – this would look great with a pleated satin skirt and sparkly silver heels

Jewel embellished jumper, Warehouse

Grey sparkle jumper, Oasis

Arqyle sweater with sequins, Zara

These Christmas jumpers all get the seal of style approval from The Lady’s Maid – which one will you pick for Christmas Jumper Day?!

Christmas Style – Bombshell HQ

November 13, 2018November 13, 2018 ~ Alicia ~ 1 Comment

The festive season is just around the corner, and The Lady’s Maid loves a Christmas party frock!

In this post I have picked my top five festive dresses from Bombshell HQ – a London based dress label designed by Katya Wildman who specialises in elegant dresses for curvy ladies.

Mother of the Bride – Christmas Wedding

Forest green was one of the most popular colour choices at the recent Royal wedding this year. It’s a great colour for brunettes and perfect choice for a Christmas Wedding Mother of The Bride. I’ve styled Bombshell’s Confident dress in dark green here with a feathered hat by Bundle Maclaren, available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club, green velvet clutch and heels from L.K. Bennett and vintage star earrings by YSL available from Vestiare Collective.

Winter Wedding

All shades of red have to be the most popular choice for the festive season. If you like your reds a little more mature and discreet, as opposed to a standout scarlet, then this mulberry hue is the one for you. Pictured is the Scoop Neck Elliptical Midi Skirt Dress in wine accessorized with a matching pill box hat and kitten heels from Phase Eight, clutch from Hobbs and vintage earrings by Jennifer Gibson.

Christmas Party

It wouldn’t be Christmas without some burgundy velvet. I’ve picked out the Stretch Luxe ¾ length sleeve in wine velvet as my top choice for a Christmas party frock. Accessorized here with matching velvet heels by L.K. Bennett, bag by Dune London, earrings by Susan Caplan and a winter white coat from Hobbs.

Christmas Day

The Midnight Tartan on this Scoop Neck Elliptical Midi Skirt Dress is a great choice if you want to dress up on Christmas Day. I’ve accessorized it here for a trip to church on Christmas morning – winter coat and faux fur scarf by Hobbs, bag by Aspinal of London, gloves by Mulberry, heels by Rupert Sanderson and earrings available at Vestiare.

New Year’s Eve Ball

You can’t wear too much glitter on New Year’s Eve! If you have a fancy ball to go to over the festive season then this Gold Sequin Gown will put you at the top of the best dressed list. Glam it up to the max with a glitter clutch from Wilbur & Gussie, snake hoop vintage earrings by Susan Caplan and sandals by Dune London.

Christmas Party Dresses

December 10, 2017December 10, 2017 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

As Christmas falls in the midst of bleak midwinter, you may find the prospect of wearing short party dresses a little uninviting. Sparkly sandals may look pretty, but they only really look good on bare legs – tight-seamed toes are a fashion no-no – so if you are wearing a short dress, The Lady’s Maid advises going for dressy court shoes so that you don’t freeze as you tip-toe around the party circuit this festive season. As a dress code, cocktail dresses are traditionally short in length (mini to knee length). Christmas is a great time to go for rich jewel shades – think sapphire blue, emerald green and burgundy red – or metallic silver/gold sequinned numbers. Here are the Lady’s Maid’s top picks for party dresses on the high street:

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 16.54.12 — Ted Baker embellished pleated dress, £249; Adrianna Papell embroidered crepe shift dress, £230; Whistles Aria star embroidered dress, £185; L.K. Bennett Matilde black/gold courts, £150; Coast black/gold clutch, £45; Karen Millen satin stilettos, £45

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 16.45.36 — Warehouse navy velvet tieback dress, £36.80; TopShop royal blue fringe beaded dress, £150; Ted Baker Jeanne Stardust flute sleeve dress, £199; blue satin clutch – Bottega Veneta; L.K. Bennett blue metallic court shoes, £129-£195

Screen Shot 2017-12-10 at 09.57.15 — Whistles green satin pleated scrappy dress, £169; Adrianna Papell sequin shift dress with flared cuff, £142.50; L.K. Bennett Kara evergreen velvet dress. £295; KG by Kurt Geiger Silver Stiletto Court Shoes, £79.20-£99; Dune Everlina Clutch Bag, Silver, £112; Ted Baker Tie the Knot Azeline Bow Stiletto Heeled Court Shoes, Silver, £126

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 17.17.49 — Principles by Ben de Lisi – Gold sequin knee length shift dress, £63.20; L.K. Bennett Jazz Sequin Dress, Silver, £175; Dune silver clutch, £48-£52; Steve Madden Daisie Stiletto Heeled Court Shoes, Pewter, £68; Steve Madden Daisie Stiletto Heeled Court Shoes, Rose Gold, £68; L.K. Bennett Flora Clutch Bag, Soft Gold, £157

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 16.40.39 — Reiss, Zaira wrap neck cocktail dress, crimson, £195; Dune Eterrnal Clutch Bag, Gold, £52; L.K. Bennett Fern Pointed Toe Leather Court Shoes, Gold, £129-£195

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 17.40.07 — Fenn Wright Manson Elaoise Dress, Wine, £199; L.K. Bennett Nina Suede Box Clutch Bag, Poppy, £195; L.K. Bennett Floret Pointed Court Shoes, Poppy Suede, £175

Screen Shot 2017-12-09 at 16.31.02 — Lace and Beads Low Back Short Dress, Burgundy, £100; Reiss Rana Halterneck Dress, Wine, £180; Boden Carrie Stiletto Heeled Court Shoes, Burgundy, £68.60-£88.20; Ted Baker Cena Bow Evening Clutch Bag, Oxblood, £109

⭐️🎄Christmas Jumpers🎄⭐️

December 5, 2017December 9, 2017 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

Christmas jumpers are a fun novelty addition to the wardrobe during the festive season – you may not want to “dress up” when at home on Christmas Day so donning a Christmas jumper can be a comfy and casual way of entering into the festive spirit. They can be stylish too – The Lady’s Maid suggests selecting Fairisle or star patterns ⭐️ so that you can wear them a little longer than the 12 days of Christmas!🎄 Here are her top picks for festive knitwear and how to wear them:

Star Embellished Novelty Jumper, £29.50, Marks and Spencer

A light-weight knit that can easily be tucked into skirts or worn casually with jeans. Shown here dressed down with jeans from Mint Velvet and Grey suede boots from Ted Baker. Or dress it up with a silver pleated skirt, block heel sandals from Whistles and matching clutch from Dune.

Berry Red Snowflake Jumper, £26, Dorothy Perkins

Features pretty diamanté snowflake embellishents. Shown here with a maroon pleated skirt from Ted Baker and Burgundy velvet heels from Boden.

Star Black Cashmere Sweater, Chinti and Parker £350

Luxurious and playful – this starry “forever sweater” is shown here with cashmere star wristwarmers and hat from Brora, black scrunch suede ankle boots from Carvela Kurt Geiger and a winter white coat from Ted Baker.

Jewelled Fairisle Cashmere Jumper, N Peal, £399

Farisle is a stylish alternative to the novelty jumper and looks trendy as well as traditional. Perfect for cosy Christmas weekend walks. Seen here with tan leather Dune boots a tan Jaeger wrap wool coat and cream cable beanie hat.

Fliss Fairisle Jumper, Monsoon, £55

This cosy cream/grey fair isle jumper from Monsoon features pretty sparkling beads across the pattern. Shown here with a long wool skirt from Joseph, grey suede ankle boots from Mint Velvet, a faux fur jacket from Reiss and star earrings from Estella Bartlett.

Christmas Stocking Fillers

December 1, 2017January 12, 2018 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

With the arrival of Advent, The Lady’s Maid’s mind has turned to the small matter of Christmas shopping. This post looks at her favourite ideas for Christmas stocking fillers with a Lady’s Maid’s leaning.

Liberty Print Sewing Roll Kit, John Lewis, £15.95

No Lady’s Maid would be without a sewing kit. This useful sewing kit from Liberty has everything you’ll need to make basic sewing alterations on the go. Features a classic ‘The Strawberry Thief’ Liberty print.

Katie Loxton Travel Jewellery Case, “Sparkle Everyday”, John Lewis, £19.99

This pretty gold leather heart jewellery case, lined with grey suede, is the perfect travel accessory to keep your jewels safe on the go so you can sparkle every day everywhere!

Cashmere Pilling Comb, M&S, £5

If Father Christmas has brought you a luxury cashmere jumper this year, you will need to give it plenty of TLC to keep it in top condition. Knitwear is prone to pilling (little bobbles) after wear, so a pilling comb is essential for all those who covet cashmere. (See Caring for Cashmere for more tips on the care of woollen knitwear).

Golden Lily Lavender Eye Mask, Morris & Co., £16

If the festive season gets a little too much, you can relax in style with this Golden Lily Lavender Eye Mask from Morris & Co., featuring a classic William Morris print.

Vintage & Co. Fabrics & Flowers Scented Drawer Liners, Heathcote & Ivory, £7

Scented drawer liners will help keep your clothing fresh as well as repelling bugs such as moths. These vintage fabric and flowers patterned liners from Heathcote & Ivory will also add a touch of colour to your drawers and shelves. (Fragrance Notes: Orange Blossom, Sweet Birch, Gardenia, Jasmine, Rose, Lilac, Coconut, Peach, Amber and Vanilla). See The Scourge of the Moth for more tips on how to repel this pesky pest.

Mini Initial Lavender Pillow, Museum Selection, £9

Delicate, hand-embroidered cotton pillows filled with lavender inspired by Victorian embroidery. Lavender is particularly hated by moths, so place these in your knitwear drawers to help keep moths at bay.

“Star of Wonder” Myrrh & Opium Flower Scented Candle, M&S, £7.50

Christmas candles create a cosy ambience on winter nights at home – this Myrrh and Opium candle from M&S is subtle and exotic without being overpowering.

L’Occitane Refreshing Verbena Bauble, M&S, £12

The Lady’s Maid’s dainty hands suffer in wintertime, especially when she is hand-washing delicates! This festive bauble will add a little luxury to your hand-care. Inside the gold bauble there are three L’Occitane verbena surprises: verbena soap gently cleanses, and the hand cream and body lotion protect and moisturise hands and skin, leaving behind an invigorating scent.

Twelve Poems for Christmas, Seren, £5

A sparkling anthology of Christmas-themed poems to peruse over the festive season.

Charbonnel et Walker Milk Chocolate Handbag & Heels, John Lewis, £7

Stylish and tasty – the perfect gift for every shoe-loving lady!

How to Dress for Success, V&A Shop, £9.99

Edith Head, Hollywood designer to the stars, offers no-nonsense fashion advice straight from the 1960s. There is still much to learn today from Head’s witty style tips and delightful drawings. Bound in real cloth with ribbon page marker and foil embossing.

Happy Advent!

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