Here, we’ve compiled a luxurious selection of all of the above. Except the grace and gratitude – those you will have to summon yourself.
Ocelot Chocolate
This Edinburgh chocolatier produces chocolate that tastes as good as its packaging looks. With free delivery when you spend over £25, it’s worth buying several flavours. Don’t miss the Sea Salt, Blood Orange or White Almond. Whether you should give them as presents or scoff them yourself is a decision only you can make.
Matilda Goad Emerald Beeswax Candles
The unusually vivid colour of these ridged candles cannot help but raise the spirits, as Matilda Goad’s creations tend to do. They’re so pretty that you’ll be tempted to save them for a special occasion. Trust us, this Christmas is that occasion.
Rae Feather Women’s Monogram Sheepskin Slippers
High on your list of creature comforts this Christmas should be a proper pair of slippers. No more shuffling around in that holey pair of your husband’s socks; it’s time to invest in an upgrade. These chic slippers from Rae Feather are made in Portugal out of 100 per cent merino sheepskin. Their signature stripe and hand-painted monogram elevate them into the slipper stratosphere.
Wiston Sparkling Wine
There are two fabulous things about this award-winning English sparkling wine, which comes from the chalky slopes of the Wiston Estate in the South Downs. The first is its exquisite taste; the second is its enchanting label. Both will have you hurrying back for more. It’s time to make some room in the fridge.
Fortnum & Mason Potted Welsh Rarebit
Maybe you’ve ordered a turkey for Christmas day; maybe you ditched that tradition this year. Either way, you’ll need something easy, delicious and comforting to ring the changes. Allow us to present the Potted Welsh Rarebit from Fortnum & Mason. Basically the poshest cheese on toast in the land, it is simply irresistible. (Don’t forget to lay in supplies of very good sourdough, too.)
Toast Quilted Velvet Throw
No dog, cat, child or grown up will know how they survived a winter without this, the mother of all soft furnishings. With velvet on the front, linen on the back and a generous cotton filling in between, the luxurious weight of this throw is yet another reason never to leave the sofa this Christmas.
Cos Recycled Cashmere Joggers
Yes, in bygone years, you judged people who defended the concept of tracksuit bottoms made out of cashmere. A ridiculous extravagance, you insisted. Who has that kind of money, you cried. Who’d want such a thing in any case? But that was before. You’re allowed a U-turn now. Try these on this Christmas and you will reconsider your position.
Byredo Woods Scented Candle
Net-A-Porter has reported a 130 per cent increase in scented-candle sales this year. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. Inspired by a journey through a forest, this candle – from the impeccable Scandi fragrance brand Byredo – is earthy and wintry without being cloyingly ‘festive’. It’s a gift for your senses – and it won’t look too shabby on Instagram either.
The Monocle Guide To Better Living
If 2020 has given us nothing else, it has given us time to reflect on the quality of our normal life. How a person can improve the way they live is at the heart of this beautifully produced 400-page book. An entertaining collection of writing, reports, photographs and recommendations, it is a supremely stylish treatise for a life well lived. Caution: it may make you want to make changes.
Polkra X Fee Greening Matches
To go with all those candles and log fires, you are going to need a strong supply of matches. Now is not the time for Cook’s Matches from the supermarket. We’ve trawled the virtual aisles and declare there isn’t a prettier box around than this one, with its Zebra design by the super hot illustrator, Fee Greening. It can sit prettily on your mantelpiece and won’t ever get misplaced.
By Becky Ladenburg
December 2020
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