Hot Brands Cool Places The Festive Issue 2015

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2015

The Festive Issue

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our Festive issue packed full of gift ideas for friends, family and the home.

Also in this issue we have an inspiring interview with Dan Mu, Creative Director of Le Mu. If you are planning a last-minute getaway, or are looking ahead to next year’s holidays we have plenty of suggestions in our Festive Escapes. We also have a special selection of special venues if you are planning a wedding, or special event in 2016.

This year we have been promoting the slow route, taking time to savour things, and in this issue we have a feature about Creating Festive Memories, finding time to be creative, visiting friends and family, and taking time to relax!

We have reviews of some delightful crafting books for all the family and our Winter Beauty Round-up, full of gorgeous gifts.

If you are looking for more inspiration do visit our website www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com As this is our last magazine for 2015 we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our magazines throughout the year, to the fabulous companies in our Directory, the authors and the PR/publicity teams who always respond to our requests so promptly, and to YOU, our wonderful readers who always give us such positive feedback.

We wish you all a very happy festive holiday and a peaceful and happy 2016.

Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team xxx Picture Credits: Front Cover courtesy of LINLEY http://www.davidlinley.com

Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.

Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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LINLEY Find the perfect luxury gift for him and her from LINLEY. Shop from luxury stocking fillers, Christmas gifts for the home and Christmas dining table ideas. Christmas highlights at LINLEY Belgravia include: Sunday 13th December – Wine tasting with deliciously paired cheeses, biscuits and chutneys from Daylesford Organic. With mince pies and mulled wine to enjoy, these are the perfect ways to spend chilly winter days.

Christmas opening hours: Wednesday’s – late night shopping until 8pm. *All events are free of charge and do not require booking www.davidlinley.com

RED LILLY New collection of tantalisingly festive products to decorate the Winter home. Make your interior cosy with unusual lighting ideas and a wide range of decorations and gifts. www.redlilly.co.uk

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ARTS AND CRAFTS LIVING The Art of Beautiful Living - Looking for Christmas gifts that are beautiful and useful?

Arts & Crafts Living sells elegant home interiors and gifts inspired by the style of the Arts & Crafts era (c.1860 – 1930). Products in designs by William Morris, CFA Voysey, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright. Many handmade items inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement www.artsandcraftsliving.co.uk

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BY ELISE

By Elise - Classic and trending jewellery for all ages and occasions. many of the items have been created, designed and selected by Elise herself. www.byelise.com

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RED HEN Red Hen’s collection of quirky and unusual gifts along with stylish accessories for the home are all available at: www.redhentrading.co.uk

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LSA INTERNATIONAL Explore original, design-led gift ideas from LSA International this Christmas. Shop hundreds of products across contemporary drinkware, porcelain and decorative accessories or browse specialist Festive Gift edits for him, for her, for entertainers, for foodies and more at www.lsa-international.com

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ROBERT WELCH Update your home for spring with unique tableware, kitchen accessories and other homeware products - all designed at the Robert Welch Designs studio in the Cotswolds www.robertwelch.com

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Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Dan Mu, Creative Director of Le Mu for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What was the inspiration behind setting up Le Mu? My inspiration for Le Mu was that I wanted to create something that inspired and made children feel good. To design products that is synonymous with both elegance and creativity. Our products, and the cultural values they embody, blend tradition and innovation.

Creativity and product excellence are at the heart of Le Mu’s design process and from the selection of the highest quality materials to the hand crafting of the finishing touches, nothing is overlooked. Layers of luxurious fabrics, oversized bows, bejewelled belts and detachable collars are just some of the design elements that make Le Mu’s collections so distinctive and chic.

You are just celebrating your 1st year Anniversary, what have been the highlights for you during your first year?

The brand has gone from strength to strength and has an established, loyal clientele of both sellers and buyers. With the initial collection proving a resounding success from the start, we looked to build out the designs into chic and contemporary occasionwear and accessories to further complement and strengthen the customer’s Le Mu shopping experience. I think the best highlights for me, over the past 12 months, has been the opportunities for us to to run many well-attended in-house events and earning nomination’s in Bubble’s Rising Star and Little London’s Best New Brand Awards. It is great to be recognized within the industry.

What are your plans for the coming year?

We treat clients and customers as one and the same; like-minded individuals with great taste and an eye for something a bit special. I want to continue building on Le Mu and create a brand with the right ambience of high-end style and glamour, from the luxurious patterns and design to our attention to quality fabrics for comfort and feel. I hope to expand our collection into more casual, chic wear and branch out into further boutiques Do you have favourites in your collection for the coming festive season?

There are so many to choose from and I love them all so much. However, if I had to choose one my favourite pieces will be the carpe diem dress and shorts. I love the classic tartan look and there is something about wearing thick shorts in winter that makes it all so chic.

What do you see as the occasion wear trends for Spring/Summer 2016?

I think stripes and bold colours will be big this S/S. Classic colors coupled with something bright and trendy – red, greens, blues, pink and ivory I think will be a fashion statement for S/S. What makes a perfect weekend for you?

The perfect weekend for me is simply spending quality time with my children. There is no bigger joy in life than seeing the smile on their faces. www.le-mu.co.uk

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AliOli KIDS Established in May 2012, AliOli Kids burst into the online market and since built a reputation of supplying classic and timeless children’s clothes aged 0 -12 years old and accessories to clients all over the world. Online you will find beautiful baby, children’s clothes, accessories as well as a selection of other unique brands that complement the main collection.

The products reflect the great design and high quality synonymous with Spanish clothes. http://www.aliolikids.com

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HOITY-TOITY Hoity-Toity the new stars in fashionable, sustainable childrenwear burst onto the scene in Spring. The brand’s new winter collection showcase the perfect wardrobe occasion pieces. Produced with luxurious organic cotton, plush faux fur and finished with their trademark delicate cutwork and appliques; the essence of this British made label are heirloom pieces made with love and designed to last. The brand were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ from the Junior Style Awards 2015 and have new pieces launching on the site soon so keep your eyes peeled! http://www.hoity-toity.co.uk/

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ATTICUS & GILDA Take a look at the fabulous festive accessories from Atticus & Gilda including party capes and headresses, then cosy up in bed in our beautiful nighties and pyjamas.

Seasons Greetings!

Visit www.atticusandgilda.co.uk

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AURALEY Beautiful designer nightwear for girls and boys ages 2 to 8. The acclaimed signature is luxurious sustainable fabrics, tailored styling, gorgeous trim and embroidery, while always maintaining exceptional comfort. A piece from the Auraley collection is a wardrobe staple makes the perfect gift. www.auraley.com

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WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is a luxury childrens’ brand founded in 2001 by sisters Charlotte Thompson and Victoria Sullivan. We design and manufacture lighting and interiors for the nursery and special gifts for little ones. Our award winning White Rabbit lamp represents perfectly the uniqueness and quality of both the design and manufacture of everything we do to create heirlooms of the future. “Designed by us, made for you, keep forever” http://www.whiterabbitengland.com/

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LITTLE LUCY WILLOW Handmade to order here in the UK, Little Lucy Willow childrenยนs furniture is lovingly built to last your toddler through to their teens and many years beyond. Create a picture perfect bedroom, with us. http://www.littlelucywillow.co.uk

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RUFUS RABBIT Rufus Rabbit, the funny bunny whose gorgeously packaged baby gift range was lovingly created by Anna Danielle, co-owner of the family firm The Little Dog. Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, Rufus Rabbit always goes the extra mile to create a smile! http://www.rufusrabbit.co.uk/

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LOAF Loaf makes laid-back furniture and accessories that make people want to kick off their shoes. The one-stop shop for the home is a champion of serious quality and good old British manufacturing. Check out their swish sofas, bonza beds and cool kitchen-y stuff at loaf.com / 0845 459 9937

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Creating Festive Memories

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image courtesy of Loaf.com

Festive Family Fun! Many families are often busy throughout the year, not just with parents working, but children often have weekend and after-school commitments, but during the Christmas/New Year holiday there is often more family time available.

One of the things that we love at Hot Brands is creating memories and this is the perfect time of year to reflect on the past twelve months and recall those special memories and also create new ones.

Here are some ideas for enjoying family time together.

Visit beautiful places out of season There so many beautiful places to visit that are very special out of season, why not plan a day-trip, or a preChristmas weekend away? There is nothing quite like a bracing day at the seaside when you have a wide expanse of beach all to yourselves.

In many seaside towns, shops open up for Christmas, and have beautiful Christmas light displays in the harbour. You will find also find Christmas light displays up and down the country, where forests, gardens and buildings are illuminated for the festive period. This is also a wonderful way of walking off the Christmas lunch on Christmas Day, or Boxing day, or to celebrate the New Year.

Baking Baking together can create a lot of family fun, it can be a traditional Christmas cake using a family recipe, or more simple recipes like biscuits, pastries, mince pies, or savoury dishes. Take a moment for everyone to join in and stir the mixture and make a Christmas wish.

Crafting homemade cards, presents Throughout the year we have featured crafting books and during the Christmas holidays is a perfect time to spend time together creating cards, and other handmade gifts for friends and family. We feature a selection of ideas on P.26-27 of this issue.

Gathering together all the materials required before the holidays can make the projects easier to complete.

Alternatively a crafting shopping expedition can be fun to do together.

Games With today’s range of technological gadgets, it is so easy for everyone to disappear into their own techno bubble. Taking time to play games together is a way of reconnecting as a family. You may have a family favourite. but traditional games can be as simple as a game of cards, or pin the tail on a reindeer.

Pantomime/Family entertainment Planning a special outing over the Christmas/New Year holiday, is another way of creating your own family tradition. Laughing together can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, pantomimes or festive shows appeal to young and old.

Collate memories Scan your mobile devices, or cameras for your favourite images from the past year and think about creating either albums, calendars or perhaps selecting a special image as a canvas for a family gift as a special memory.

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Plan next year’s holiday

image courtesy of akvillas.com

While you are reflecting on this past year’s holidays/family breaks why not start to plan/book next year’s holiday. Often the earlier you book the more choice you have, with the restriction of school holidays it is important to try and plan ahead.

Music Christmas is a perfect time to fill the house with music, there are many Christmas compilations available, as well as other relaxing collections of background music that can be used when decorating the tree, writing cards, crafting or baking. If your life is normally frenetic, slowing everything down and relaxing can be beneficial for everyone.

Shopping together We love the convenience of online shopping, but last minute shopping in Christmas markets, or local shops when coupled with mince pies, mulled wine or a meal together can create a special memory.

Helping others Many people are alone at Christmas, visiting friends, family and neighbours and taking a small gift can really make Christmas special.

Take time to relax And breathe! As Christmas approaches, savour those moments either early in the morning, or late at night when the house is still and you get the chance to just stop running and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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ELLA JAMES Ella James has a passion for eclectic, imaginative and inspiring products, the emphasis is always on the unusual and eye-catching. For delightful gifts visit www.ellajames.co.uk

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CHH DESIGN British designer, Caroline Hely Hutchinson’s distinctive and fabulously exuberant, hand painted range brings joie de vivre to the home and garden. The finest bone china is for aficionados of the refined, chic and modern table.

Luxuriously gift boxed for wedding and birthday presents. www.chh-design.com

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SCARLET & ARGENT Never leaving our family, the Hainsworth Mill story is intricately woven throughout 230 years of history across 7 generations. Scarlet and Argent connects our family to your own through our blankets, throws and finishing touches. Woven with generations of skill, dedication and knowledge, they are the perfect foundation for your own family memories. www.scarletandargent.co.uk

REVIEWS

We have a wonderful selection of crafting books perfect for family activities.

Monograms - The Art of Embroidered Letters - Susan O’Connor Synopsis: The allure of an elegant monogram is irresistible and has timeless appeal. Contemporary applications illustrated in this book include cushions, napkins, bridal bag, towels, blankets, sheets. Any of the projects in this book can be adapted for different uses.

Through the pages of this book readers will learn, in step-by-step photographs, how to produce the various forms of stitching, what materials to use, and where to place a monogram. A range of alphabets from cross stitch to padded satin stitch are also supplied. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9780992314446/monograms Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We adored this beautiful book! It is a comprehensive guide that will appeal to both the beginner and experienced embroiderer.

This is a very special book, beautifully produced with stunning examples to uplift and inspire you, a wonderful gift, or something special for you to create. Highly Recommended!

Half Yard Christmas - Debbie Shore Synopsis: Half Yard Christmas contains over 30 stylish, festive projects in six Christmas-themed chapters. Simply select your favourite Christmas style or mix and match them throughout your home. Featuring Debbie Shore’s informative and friendly guidance, this book is ideal for all abilities. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782211471/half-yard-christmas Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We absolutely love this book, there are over 30 simple, stylish projects, each requiring only a half yard of fabric, Beautifully produced with easy-to-follow photography, this book is ideal for beginners as well as providing inspiration to more experienced. We loved the variety of styles, you can pick and choose from the six Christmas themes: ‘Scandinavian’, ‘Rustic’, ‘Traditional’, ‘Contemporary’, ‘Monochrome’ and ‘Kids’.

This book is perfect for family crafting. Highly Recommended!

We Love to Craft Christmas - Annabel Wrigley Synopsis: Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas? Then it’s time to think about presents! This year, give your family and best friends something they can’t find in the shops! This book will teach you how to make 17 of the cutest things you’ve ever seen. All you need is paper or fabric! You’ll learn how to make barrettes, pillows, ornaments—you name it.

You’ll even learn how to make Christmas stockings for everyone in your family! Tips on sewing and picking fabric will make you the best gift-giver ever! http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781617450679/we-love-to-craftchristmas Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a delightful book, perfect for Christmas crafting, we loved the selection and range of projects in this book, everything from a skirt for the Christmas tree to cute wreaths for the front door.

As well as detailed descriptions and templates for the projects there are also tips and tricks for successful sewing and crafting. Our junior reviewers loved it! Highly Recommended!

Mini Knitted Toys-Sachiyo Ishii Synopsis: The latest title from innovative knitter, Sachiyo Ishii, this charming book contains fun, simple knitting patterns for a range of wonderful toys.

Create simple playthings such as animals, cars, trains and cupcakes, as well as larger items, including a castle under siege, a prehistoric playscene and a fairytale cottage complete with characters! The book is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, and all the patterns require only small amounts of readily available yarn. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782211457/mini-knitted-toys Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This delightful book creates a fun and charming range of toys, from simple bears, figures and playthings to larger castle scenes, prehistoric characters and fairytale settings. The book also contains a useful techniques section containing step-by-step instructions for the necessary techniques, including stuffing and sewing up figures, creating knitted eyes, and all the embroidery stitches needed to create the facial features and details.

Christmas stockings - Rachael Rowe Synopsis: Sewing expert Rachael Rowe has designed twenty fantastic Christmas stockings that readers will want to make. There are step-bystep instructions with selected photographs and beautiful styled shots of the finished stockings, and all the templates are provided. Ideal for beginners to sewing and full of ideas for the more experienced. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781844489749/christmas-stockings Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a cute collection of Christmas stockings in a wide variety of styles: shabby chic, country style, modern and sophisticated, traditional and more. The techniques required are all shown with step by step photographs at the beginning, then each project has full step by step instructions and selected step photographs, with beautiful styled photographs of the finished stockings

BLUE ISLE Blue Isle is an online home interiors store, offering a classic and timeless look with a paredback, contemporary twist and a focus on design quality. Solid weathered oak in calm grey tones leads the collection of furniture, table lamps and accessories. www.blueisle.co.uk

DUSK LIGHTS Dusk Lights is a UK online lighting superstore that not only sells an eclectic range of contemporary and traditional lights at great value but also offers a free professional telephone support service offering advice and technical help on all lighting matters. www.dusklights.co.uk

UNIQUEWORKS Treat yourself to some beautiful Uniqueworks Handmade Furniture. Expertly crafted at our small workshops in Pembrokeshire, we use the most delightful hardwoods from British trees such as cherry, elm or oak. Our classic furniture looks and feels gorgeous and will last a lifetime. www.uniqueworks.co.uk

TREASURE TROVE The Treasure Trove is the place to find shabby chic and vintage furniture with a unique style and Free UK Delivery! Lovingly hand painted and sourced by us ‌ why not see what treasures you can find? www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk

HICKS AND HICKS Hicks and Hicks luxury designer furniture and contemporary home products have been handpicked for quality and style and blend together to create an overall look of warmth and comfort. We have covered everything from lighting to bathrooms, from rugs to decorative gems, contemporary to traditional, all handpicked by our team of design professionals bringing together stylish rooms of comfort and elegance. www.hicksandhicks.com/

GO MODERN Go Modern specialises in contemporary furniture design including luxury, made-to-order Italian wardrobes. Located on London’s Kings Road, and online, we represent a mix of wellknown brands. Our partners include Bonaldo, Jesse, Porada, Vibieffe and Manutti, plus smaller, specialist companies such as Tonelli Design and Cierre. www.gomodern.co.uk

DANGLY HEARTS Dangly Hearts is run by husband and wife team, Linzi and Jason, in the New Forest. They design and make beautiful heart themed textiles using UK sourced cotton and linen with appliquĂŠ and free machine embroidery decoration. Most items can be personalised making them perfect gifts for special occasions. www.danglyhearts.co.uk

IN THE LINEN CUPBOARD In the Linen Cupboard is an online shop offering extremely luxurious bed linens and towels made in England. We also have a unique click and design feature. In just 5 clicks you can design your own bed linen in various designs. www.inthelinencupboard.co.uk / enquiries@inthelinencupboard.co.uk

DESIGNERS GUILD Established in 1970 by Tricia Guild, Designers Guild designs and wholesales furnishing fabrics, wall coverings, upholstery, bed and bath collections as well as a complete range of rugs and home accessories throughout UK, Europe and worldwide. www.designersguild.com

ZIGGIZIGGI For this Winter season, indulge in strong berry shades and warm tones for your home.

Ziggiziggi’s designer Candelabras, Coffee Bamboo Bathroom collection, stylish Shower Curtains and modern Wall Clocks will be inspired choices to help transform your home interiors. www.ziggiziggi.com

NATURAL RUG We supply bespoke Rugs made from Natural Fibres such as Sisal, Seagrass, Coir and Jute.

Our natural Rugs are handmade to order, just choose your favourite Natural product, add a border from our large collection and your Rug will be made exclusively for you.

More details on our web site: www.thenaturalrugcompany.com

GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. A perfect wedding gift.

For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide

THE HEADBOARD WORKSHOP The Headboard Workshop started making headboards 30 years ago in a garage in London.

They were all made to order, all in customers own material and always delivered on time.

THW have come a long way since then, but their principles remain the same; made to order headboards, beds, ottomans & chairs, backed up by outstanding service. The team design, develop and make all of their products in their factory in Wales. www.theheadboardworkshop.co.uk

GROHE GROHE is Europe’s largest and the world’s leading single-brand manufacturer and supplier of beautiful sanitary fittings. GROHE’s products offer the ultimate in luxurious styling, with mixers and showers that will suit any bathroom or kitchen, from modern to traditional. www.grohe.com/uk

Winter Beauty Feature KORRES MERITERANEAN TRIO RRP: £26.00 Dazzling fresh Basil Lemon, freshly cut figs, bergamot and pears from Aegean island gardens; Reminiscent of long summer afternoons, the KORRES Mediterranean trio collection, instantly sets the mood for an idyllic get-away.

Contains: BASIL LEMON SHOWERGEL 250ml, BERGAMOT & PEAR BODY MILK 200ml, FIG BODY BUTTER 125ml KORRES SHOWER GEL COLLECTION GIFT SET RRP: £10.00 A Limited edition Mini Showergel set containing a deliciously scented quartet of KORRES most popular and best selling scents in miniature 40ml sizes. The perfect stocking filler!

Contains: GUAVA SHOWERGEL 40ml, BASIL LEMON SHOWERGEL 40ml, BERGAMOT & PEAR SHOWERGEL 40ml, SANTORINI VINE SHOWERGEL 40ml.

KORRES MEN’S KIT RRP: £19.00 The newly revamped KORRES MEN’S KIT includes the brand’s top grooming products packed in a compact, environmentally and travel friendly kit. Whether on an express business trip or a long weekend escape, this gift set caters for the man on the move.

Contains: ABSINTHE SHAVE CREAM 25ml, MARIGOLD & GINSENG AFTERSHAVE BALM 25ml, ALOE & DITTANY SHAMPOO 40ml, BASIL LEMON SHOWERGEL 40ml, GUAVA SHOWERGEL 40ml Korres Christmas Sets are available to buy online from www.Debenhams.com

La Source Hand Care Duo With its restorative mineral salts and nutrient-rich seaweeds, our La Source Hand Wash and Hand Therapy cream promises gently cleansed and moisurised hands lightly scented with a relaxing marine fragrance.

Presented in a beautiful festive design box, this hand care duo will make a beautiful gift for your loved one this Christmas.

Contains: La Source Hand Wash 250ml La Source Hand Therapy 250ml Gift Box Deluxe Hand Therapy Collection Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Therapy 25g Summer Hill Hand Therapy 25g Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy 25g Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy 25g Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy 25g Gardeners Hand Therapy 25g La Source Hand Therapy 25g Rosewater Hand Therapy 25g Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Hand Therapy 25g Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage Hand Therapy 25g Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Hand Therapy 25g Pear and Pink Magnolia Hand Therapy 25g Men’s Hair & Body Wash Gift Set This sophisticated gift set for men contains two full size rich lathering hair and body washes that will thoroughly cleanse and condition the skin while leaving it lightly scented.

Contains: West Indian Lime Hair & Body Wash 300ml Moroccan Myrrh Hair & Body Wash 300ml Gift Box http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

PRE-PARTY MAKE-UP KIT Your search for Christmas make-up is finally over! This Pre-Party Make-Up gift features all you need to create a party-ready look this festive season.

A gorgeous gift for the make-up lover in your life, presented in a stunning, special edition gift box. Christmas presents don’t get much more beauty-full!

Colour Crush™ Nail Colour 6.8ml (Relish the Moment) Colour Crush™ Eyeshadow 1.5g (Sparkling Black Glittery Night) Colour Crush™ Lipstick 3.5g (Red Siren) MODERN GENT’S POST PARTY RESCUE KIT Who said men are hard to buy Christmas presents for? Give his skin a refreshing winter treat with this Post Party Rescue Kit. Designed exclusively to care for male skin, this skincare gift contains Peruvian maca root to help protect and hydrate skin.

For Men Maca Root Eye Rescue Serum 15ml For Men Maca Root Energetic Face Protector 100m FROSTED PLUM SHIMMER LOTION Sparkle all season long with this elegantly scented Shimmer Lotion from our seasonal bath and body range. This lightweight skin indulgence gives you a touch of sparkle with a festive fruity floral scent whilst leaving your body feeling deliciously soft.

It contains plum extract from Turkey, and Community Fair Trade shea butter.

Leaves a sparkling finish Lightly fragrances skin Part of our seasonal Frosted Plum bath and body range With plum extract from Turkey, and Community Fair Trade shea butter Fruity floral fragrance with notes of ripe plum, peony and magnolia http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Festive Escapes

image courtesy of akvillas.com

ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent Villas offer a wide range of luxury villas throughout Europe, from French chateaux to Tuscan farmhouses. As well as beautiful properties, we can also help organise the finer things that make your holiday complete with everything from private chefs to local hosts to help you make the most of your stay. www.akvillas.com

BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson are a British based luxury travel company providing tailor made holidays across hand-picked global locations. Our experts will create a holiday to match your requirements and help you choose the best location for you. www.baileyrobinson.com

POWDER BYRNE Powder Byrne is the luxury holiday company for parents. And kids. With over 30 years of experience creating inspiring getaways for active families, we’d love to put together the perfect holiday for you. www.powderbyrne.com

CARRIER Carrier knows that to travel is to make aspirations comes true; our curated selection is the perfect starting point to explore some of the finest family holidays. Time together is precious - allow Carrier to create the ultimate family getaway in 2015/16. www.carrier.co.uk

ELEGANT ADDRESS PROPERTY GROUP Introducing the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group - a Luxury Property Consultancy providing specialist knowledge, unrivalled British bespoke service and a vast portfolio of hand-picked luxury villas, five star hotels, chalets and apartments for rental and sale within some of the world’s most glamorous, exotic and characteristic locations. http://elegant-addresslpg.com/

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP Enriching the lives of the world’s most passionate travellers. Bespoke, luxury experienced based holidays in Asia. Experience is everything! www.experiencetravelgroup.com

INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual holiday experience. From carefully crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays, to inspiring winter snow holidays, uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences along the way. www.inntravel.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH Founded by Paul Carberry in 2003, New Zealand in Depth specialise in creating tailormade holidays to New Zealand. Paul has spent more than a year of his life on the ground in New Zealand and offers a genuine personal service, taking the time to understand his clients, their interests and their needs. This is the only way to create a truly bespoke honeymoon experience. http://www.newzealandindepth.com/

QUALITY VILLAS Winter sun just a short hop, skip and a jump away! Enjoy a fully staffed villa holiday at Villa Damali in Morocco. Quality Villas offer luxury villas with pools across the country, a perfect way to ditch the winter blues. Fully bonded members of ABTA: book in confidence. www.qualityvillas.com/morocco

QUALITY UNEARTHED Something a little different... unusual holiday accommodations such as Treehouses, gypsy wagons, off-grid places, or cool glamping abodes are our passion. And these alternative, ecologically sensitive holidays are something more of us are seeking out. Increasingly we want things in life that are authentic and unique and our choice of holiday accommodation is reflected in this. www.qualityunearthed.co.uk

QUALITY COTTAGES The tight knit family business based in North Pembrokeshire represents over 300 fabulous holiday properties throughout the most stunning coastal, countryside and mountainous regions of Wales. Quality Cottages was the first company to be awarded a gold medal for services to self catering holidays in Wales. http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk

ST MAWES RETREATS Boutique collection of private holiday houses sleeping 2 to 12 in unrivalled luxury in Cornwall on the idyllic Roseland peninsula. Our properties are ideal for 2 to 12 guests, couples looking for a relaxing holiday together or larger groups of families and friends gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend break of 3 nights, midweek break of 4 nights or a week or two week holiday we would be delighted to welcome you to St Mawes Retreats. http://www.stmawesretreats.co.uk/

TOAD HALL COTTAGES With over 600 wonderful holiday cottages throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, we’ve got something for everyone. For nearly 30 years, we’ve welcomed guests to the West Country and now also proudly offer over 100 properties in The New Forest, too. Over half of our properties welcome dogs, making us one of the ‘dog-friendliest’ holiday companies in the country, so, head over to our website today and find your perfect property for 2016. http://www.toadhallcottages.com/

FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS Personally owned and run by Ian and Suzanne Newman, Footpath Holidays has been providing high quality walking holidays in Britain since 1983. Holiday options include guided walking as part of a group, self-guided holidays based in a single centre and self-guided holidays moving on each day and having your luggage transported. Every year Footpath Holidays organises a number of ‘tailor-made’ itineraries e.g. walks associated with pilgrimage routes, James Herriot’s Yorkshire, Daphne Du Maurier’s Cornwall, or the Arthurian Legends. http://www.footpath-holidays.com/

SYKES COTTAGES Give yourself something to look forward to with a holiday from Sykes Cottages. With over 4,000 self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your 2015/2016 getaway. To find out more, visit our website or give us a call. www.sykescottages.co.uk

BEACON PARK BOATS Beacon Park Boats is a family-run business offering luxury narrowboat holidays on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales.

Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick combine their love of design, craftsmanship, boating, engineering and hospitality to give you the very best in canal boat holiday experiences. https://beaconparkboats.com/

ST BRIDES BAY COTTAGES St Brides Bay Cottages offers delightful cottages in superb locations around the North Pembrokeshire Coast. “Welcome� might be a small word, but here it has a very big meaning.

The scenery is spectacular, the air is crystal fresh and the villages are full of character. The rugged beauty offers the perfect backdrop for a real get-away-from-it-all holiday. www.stbridesbaycottages.com

WILDERNESS COTTAGES Wilderness Cottages offer a variety of self catering holiday properties throughout Scotland. These range in size from small cosy cottages, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, or larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve. From remote crofts to stays in luxury apartments we have properties to suit all tastes. Many cottages are open all year, have log fires and make pets welcome. http://www.wildernesscottages.co.uk/

SUFFOLK COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Whether you are looking for contemporary chic or classic comfort, Suffolk Cottage Holidays’ stylish, luxury cottages are the very best in Suffolk. In the heart of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our coastal and countryside cottages are set in some of East Anglia’s finest locations. www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/

HIDEAWAYS Hideaways cottages provide the perfect escape from busy and stressful lifestyles. Located across the south of England from Cornwall to Kent and up to the Cotswolds and Welsh borders, Hideaways specialises in high quality properties – from idyllic, romantic retreats just for 2 to large barn conversions sleeping up to 22. www.hideaways.co.uk

Special Venues

image courtesy of thetythebarn.co.uk

THE TYTHE BARN The Tythe Barn, built back in the early 14th Century, provides the most amazing setting where you can create the wedding day of your dreams. With Jamie Oliver’s team as our in-house caterer, we are a small, friendly and dedicated team who are here to help you every step of the way. We listen, we sit down and talk and we are really passionate about getting it right - for you. Arrive with us in the morning and do the whole thing in one place, ceremony - indoor or outdoor, food - whatever you want and party - a civilised affair or a rave. The choice is yours. We’ve even created a unique and exciting place for the bride and groom to stay over...if you can’t bring yourselves to leave! http://www.thetythebarn.co.uk/

NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, see more at www.dartmarina.com/numberone

INTERVIEW

HINTLESHAM HALL

Beautiful grounds, surrounding a graceful 16th Century Grade 1 listed Country House Hotel.

A warm welcome from friendly efficient staff, showing you through to a sumptuous lounge with a roaring log fires during the winter months, papers to read while you relax on deep sofas with a Traditional Afternoon Tea awaiting you after a stroll in the grounds. www.hintleshamhall.com

BOVEY CASTLE Bovey Castle is a five-star hotel set within a 275-acre private estate with its own championship golf course, offering guests the unpretentious grandeur and sumptuous dĂŠcor of true English luxury on Dartmoor National Park www.boveycastle.com

BRUISYARD BARN Set in 700 acres, Bruisyard Hall & Barn is perfect for your wedding. With uninterrupted views of Suffolk countryside, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Accommodating both small intimate weddings from 20 people to larger group weddings up to 200 people. www.bruisyardhall.com

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85 degrees all year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car. www.milsomhotels.com/maison

KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with head chef Stuart Oliver championing all that is great about Suffolk produce. www.kesgravehall.com

THE PIER The Pier stands proudly overlooking the picturesque harbour and the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. Long established in Harwich, the hotel boasts four stars with two rosettes for cooking. The Harbourside on the first floor of The Pier, is renowned for using locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. Head Chef, John Goff takes much of his influence from the sea so Harwich lobster and crab are nearly always on the menu served whichever way you’d like. Stay over and capture the ambience of this delightful old town, a night in The Mayflower suite, complete with telescope is a must! http://www.milsomhotels.com/thepier

UFFORD PARK Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more! http://www.uffordpark.co.uk/

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com