Interior Design

with Gill Greenwell

When I’m travelling, I’m always on the lookout for interesting design and homeware shops for unusual gifts for family and friends. When I was in Spain a couple of months ago, I stumbled across one such store and was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was UK highstreet favourite Zara.

At this time of the year, we are all looking for welldesigned, good value gifts. Where better to start than our own much-loved high-street stores? Here are some of my picks.

I was drawn to the shelves of colourful glasses while browsing in Zara. Also check out the latest trend for mottled glassware at Monsoon – the jugs and glasses in bright cobalt blue and citrus green will brighten up any winter tablescape or cocktail trolley.

I am lusting after Henry Holland’s gorgeous multicoloured Murano glass tumblers, available from online store

Image: Marks and Spencer Freemans. They will certainly be on my Christmas list.

For unusual ceramics look no further than Anthropologie; a perfect hunting ground for presents for your bohochic friends. The fun Audrey face vases bring a dash of quirkiness to bookshelves and the patterned House of Hackney cup and saucer set would add an elegant touch to anyone’s afternoon tea. At Zara, the brightly painted add a spicy pop of colour to a winter sitting room. floral earthen- Special scents ware plates are In the winter I like to sure to pep up have lots of candles kitchen shelves. For your around my home, green-fingered friends, the Pegi and they make good gifts. The painted plant pot from Oliver high-street clothes chains have Bonas would look fabulous some strong offerings here filled with an interesting-shaped too. I’m impressed by the new cactus. Marks and Spencer classy Cool cushions Cushions make great gifts, especially for anyone starting out in their first home, and the high-street fashion stores have some of the best buys. My niece has just moved into her first flat share in London, and Apothecary range, and I love their affordable cityscape lightup candles. My daughter is a fan of Anthropologie candles and always has one burning in the winter months. I’ve got my eye on a House of Hackney Glass Tortoise candle for her. I’ve found her a pink, gold and Add to basket aqua flower-patterned cushion If you’re still stuck for ideas, that will really brighten up her why not brighten someone’s bedroom. bathtime with the Urban Out-

Urban Outfitters have some fitters disco bath light? Their of the coolest designs around logo bath mats are guaranteed – their folksy tufted cushions to make anyone smile. Now all come in mini versions too. For you need to do is ‘add to a more classic, vintage-boho basket’ and you will have your look French Connection’s tass- Christmas presents sorted in elled Katrina cushion would plenty of time for the big day.

Image: Oliver Bonas Image: Oliver Bonas