All Things Christmas Gift Giving...

What is at the top of your Christmas list this year?

Top of my list this year is a very well-earned rest, a box of champagne and four days in my PJs with no questions asked!

It has been absolutely non-stop here since we opened The Dog & Duck Inn in June this year, so a few days off would be great.

If I were being materialistic- I ‘need’ a new Barbour Tarras bag in Olive- mine is now 22 years old and there are holes in places there shouldn’t be.

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever recieved?

A custom-made hammered silver cuff bracelet which my husband had made for me. I always wear a cuff- they are strong and robust- a bit like its owner!

Do you have any advice on Christmas gift planning and how to stay organised as well as within a budget?

My family and I always agree really early on that there is a budget that we should stick too. This idea lasts for about two weeks and then we tend to buy what we like for each other!!

What are some good ideas for stocking fillers or secret santa presents?

I never had a stocking at Christmas, it wasn’t until I met my husband and I had my first Christmas with his family that I had one. I have now stolen the idea of putting an orange at the bottom of the stocking and filling it with small items like gold chocolate coins, face packs, mini cheeses, new socks, small bottles of liquors etc. which works really well.

My experience of secret Santa presents is always trying to get who you want to give gifts to by whatever means possible (swapping, bartering etc)- as the better you know a person the better your gift will be!

Bonnie is a 3-year-old female lurcher looking for her forever home. She would be a wonderful companion as she loves her long walks and yearns to find a warm sofa to snuggle into. Bonnie would be best suited to a family with children over the age of 12 as she does have some issues with guarding toys, but this can be worked on by a family dedicated to help her.

Credits

Dog - Bonnie, The Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards

Model - Keely Hannaway, ACA models

Styling - Katherin Farries, personal shopper at Victoria Square

Hair - Denise McCluskey of Michele International

Makeup – Make Up Pro Store

Photographer – Khara Pringle

Dog Styling - Urban Pup