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Tag: xmas

Where to Source One of a Kind Gifts

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in Gifting, Latest, Lifestyle, Partner Blogs.

By Amira Hashish

It’s that time of year when the last minute dash to find a thoughtful gift kicks in. Trawling through shopping sites with thousands of products sounds about as appealing as department store queues but thankfully a new wave of online marketplaces dedicated to curating pieces that feel truly unique make the shopping experience seamless and joyful. 

From rare jewellery items to beautifully crafted homeware or guilt-free fashion finds, these platforms will put a special spin on your present hunt in the festive season and beyond. Each is tightly edited to cut out the time-wasting and tells the story behind its treasures. Let the wishlist commence…

Glassette

Laura Jackson and Daniel Crow launched this homewares marketplace with the aim of putting the UK’s best homeware brands in the spotlight. They have done a grand job of curating and championing independent makers with an eye for thoughtful design. From soft furnishings to affordably priced art, every piece that makes the cut has been lovingly selected.

Pick of the bunch: Casa Celva Murano Tumbler, £22.50

Start shopping: glassette.com

Collagerie

Life through a long-term Vogue icon’s lens makes for an impeccable edit on Collagerie. The fashion, accessories, beauty and lifestyle hub is a labour of love by Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood. As Fashion Director of British Vogue for 25 years, Lucinda has extensive experience directing fashion’s most memorable shoots. Meanwhile, former Executive Fashion Director at British Vogue, Serena has written countless style and fashion edits. Together they have curated a platform that feels fashion forward but attainable. 

Pick of the bunch: Jigsaw x Collagerie Liner Coat, £400

Start shopping: collagerie.com 

La Romaine Editions

Founded by Parisian fashion buyer Pauline Vincent, La Romaine Editions is the epitome of her quest for simple and spontaneous beauty in everyday life. She recalls the artisans’ workshops visited with her decorator aunt and grandmother, and the museums where she accompanied her curator mother. Browsing her site feels like being given the key to a dreamy home in the French countryside and unlocking all its secrets. 

Pick of the bunch: The Flower and Checkboard Cushion, €60

Start shopping: laromaine-editions.com

TAT London

There is something extra special about finding a storied vintage treasure but how do you know you’re selecting a quality piece? Charlie Porter does the legwork and sources a joyful collection of discoveries for her online jumble shop. With new stock being added to the site frequently you never know what you may stumble upon. 

Pick of the bunch: Framed Oil On Board, By Stig Norberg, £188

Start shopping: tat-london.co.uk 

Reluxe

Seeking a guilt-free way to invest in a statement fashion piece? Enter Reluxe. Founded by stylist and tastemaker Clare Richardson, who counts Hermes, Balenciaga and Calvin Klein amongst clients and collaborators, this is a destination for fashion resale through an insider’s eye. Working with independent sellers, as well as Relove brands, Reluxe authenticates every item. A great way to do good by the environment whilst sourcing a dream piece.

Pick of the bunch: Black and White Braided Quilted Lambskin Preowned Saddle Flap Bag, £3,300

Start shopping: reluxefashion.com

ABASK

Shining a light on craftsmanship and design, ABASK is the latest kid on the block for collectible and unique objects with a focus on luxury. From sharing the skills of fourth-generation artisans and contemporary craftspeople to telling the stories behind pieces that are sourced globally, there is a considered approach. 

Pick of the bunch: William & Son Snakes and Ladders & Ludo Games Compendium, £1,795

Start shopping: abask.com 

Z.d.G 

Z.d.G (aka Zoë de Givenchy) seeks out the finest European craftsmanship and artisanal techniques with a focus on the dining table. The weavers, potters and painters who are championed share a passion for heritage, family and the preservation of ancient decorative arts. Every item presented on this platform feels like a treat.

Pick of the bunch: Banyan Box Wood Hand Stamped Cutlery, €239,00

Start shopping: zdgofficial.com

Trouva

A shop window into some of the UK and Europe’s best independent boutiques and brands, Trouva has it all. From baubles and books to clothing and jewellery there really is someone for everyone here…and the best news is you are supporting small businesses. 

Pick of the bunch  Woodland Journal, £29.99

Start shopping: trouva.com 

1st Dibs

From furniture to watches and everything in between, 1st Dibs sets the bar high for extraordinary gifts. A worldwide network of trusted sellers, each of whom is thoroughly vetted by in-house experts, guarantees best-in-class items. You can buy directly, negotiate a price or bid on items at auction.

Pick of the bunch: Heart Ruby Signet Ring in 14ct Yellow Gold, £975

Start shopping: 1stdibs.com 

The Gift Consultancy

What do you gift the person who has it all? The Gift Consultancy founder Hetty Lintell provides a discreet, bespoke service sourcing the finest presents from her coveted contacts book. Be it an unusual present or an experience like no other, Hetty has you covered. Working via private referral only, gifting needs for the whole year, a one-off or project-by-project can be requested.

Start shopping: thegiftconsultancy.co.uk

THE NEW CHRISTMAS PARTY – LONDON’S HOTTEST SPOTS FOR SMALLER CELEBRATIONS

Written by Crispin Moller on . Posted in Latest.

By Jenna Jones

Whilst it’s most certainly a major step up from Christmas 2020, it’s safe to say that we’re all still treading cautiously when it comes to the thought of festive celebrations this year. As most of us slowly return to the office, navigating staggered office hours and new routines, it’s clear that we still have a long way to go until we’re back to what we once called ‘normal’.

But on a lighter note, with smaller celebrations now safely allowed, we’ve rounded up a host of enviable London locations suitable for a more bijou affair. And while it’s sadly a far cry from the extravagant office parties that once were, you’re guaranteed a great night out with your nearest and dearest cohorts at one of these stylish London hotspots. From private dining rooms and member’s clubs to all manner of alternative activities, there’s a space to suit every taste…

Sessions Arts Club

The newly opened Sessions Arts Club is an urban sanctuary that sits in the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House, a Grade II listed building in Clerkenwell. Built on a studio ethos, The Sessions Arts Club has its finger on the pulse of the contemporary culture, effortlessly combining arts, culture and the finest gastronomy.  

Bistrotheque

For the perfect blend of fine dining and East London charm, we recommend Bistrotheque. Opt for the Cockatoo, a contemporary converted warehouse space that seats up to 60 guests for a delicious three-course feast. What’s more, groups are also free to make use of the space’s electric piano for some memorable after-dinner entertainment!

TT Liquor

If cocktails are the order of the evening why not try making your own at TT Liquor. Be taught by their in-house mixologists to make (then drink) a selection of four different cocktails at one of their fully interactive cocktail-making classes. The Shoreditch establishment also offers dining options and a vintage 52-seater private cinema space. 

Hide

If Modern European fare and a Michelin star sound appealing, then head straight to Hide. The Hide & Seek rooms on the first floor offer a combined private dining experience for up to 20 guests to enjoy the finest seasonal ingredients and the largest wine list in Europe.

Quo Vadis

Head beyond the great edifice of historic member’s club Quo Vadis to The Marx Room. Affectionately named after former resident Karl Marx, the elegant and airy space seats up to 24 guests to enjoy the seasonal British delicacies of head chef Jeremy Lee and his team.

Gymkhana

Quietly tucked away on the lower ground floor you’ll find Gymkhana’s exquisite private vault. Seating up to 10 guests in an intimate banquette style, the space is perfect for smaller team gatherings and also offers the option to create a bespoke menu and wine pairings.

Clays Bar

Who’s up for a spot of virtual clay pigeon shooting? Yes, you heard us right! Clays Bar are inviting you to take a shot at a new experience as you compete against colleagues on their high-resolution screens. Shooting sessions last 90 minutes and a booth can accommodate up to 20 people. Clays Bar doesn’t officially open until November 1st, but we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

AllBright

AllBright by name and all bright by nature, the Mayfair female member’s club private dining space is bright, airy and refreshingly modern. The first-floor space can cater for up to 27 guests across two adjoining rooms. AllBright also offers a completely bespoke experience working alongside their events team to create a tailor-made package just for you.

Gauthier

Soho restaurant Gauthier is redefining French gastronomy as plant-based, creating environmentally conscious, progressive cuisine of the future with some phenomenal private dining spaces to boot! For a fun-filled evening of up to 18 guests, we recommend the Games Room, including an old 1950s arcade machine and a selection of vintage prints and pictures.

The House of St. Barnabas

Celebrate the season whilst donating to a great cause by choosing The House of St. Barnabas. On a mission to break the cycle of homelessness, the member’s club funds the Employment Academy through membership, private hire and hospitality profit. If a sit-down dinner isn’t quite your style, choose The Monro Room. Emulating a traditional smoking lounge, this cosy corner of the club can comfortably accommodate 45 standing guests.

Bvlgari Hotel Private Cinema

Swap dinner for the silver screen at the Bvlgari Hotel Cinema. The luxurious private cinema offers the most advanced cinema-quality HD sound and vision, including 4K resolution in 2D or the latest Dolby 3D. Choose from the hotel’s curated library of 300 new and classic titles, watch live sports events or even play video games!