Compiling a gift list is a great excuse to go (window) shopping for your home. Associate editor Debbie Codd shares some of her current favourite gifts…
Great Works china
I love the sentiments behind this new china - and it looks really good too. Each plate has a different quote from such great works as Jane Eyre ("Reader, I married him...") and Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, perfect for romantic meals.
A dinner plate is £11.95, by Miller & Co from Wrapit (www.wrapit.co.uk) and department stores.
LG Designers Guild washing machine
Normally a washing machine would be a practical but unexciting addition to your gift list, but Designers Guild has given the traditional white box a makeover. Made by LG, it comes in four stylish designs and costs £1200 - so maybe your guests could all club together.
For stockists, call LG on 0870 873 5454.
Eon kettle and toaster
Even if you've already got a toaster you'll want to make room in your kitchen for this smart Eon one from Kenwood (and the kettle's not bad either!). If you want to upgrade your old appliances these make a sleek couple.
Eon toaster and kettle, £49.99 each, Kenwood (0239 239 2333).
Manhattan cutlery
Show off at dinner parties as a married couple with this Manhattan cutlery. From Gant Home, it will make any table look fantastic.
Knives, forks and spoons are £13.95 each (£12.95 for the teaspoon). For stockists, call 0845 1111010.
Duck egg towels
This bale of towels from Next is great value at £18.99 for six pieces - two bath towels, two hand towels and two face cloths. I particularly like this duck egg blue colour but there are 23 others to choose from.
You'll find them at www.next.co.uk or call 0845 600 7000.
Clarendon glasses
Coloured glass is really big at the moment and a few new pieces will revitalise your dining table. These martini glasses by Waterford are gorgeous - and really glam! In Cobalt blue or Ruby red, they cost £90 for a pair.
For stockists, call 0800 039 0077.
Flower dustpan & brush and iron
Thank goodness shops have woken up to the fact that humble household items don't have to be boring! I love the girly pink dustpan and brush, duster and dish brush (not forgetting the iron!) from Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com).
The dustpan and brush is just £6 - just be careful he doesn't use it as an excuse to avoid helping with the cleaning...
Wesco dustbin
I must be having a bit of a pink moment... Forget butch black and chrome, this dustbin is far prettier - I'm even thinking of getting one myself. From John Lewis, it costs £195 but when you're looking at it every day it's worth every penny!
For your nearest John Lewis, call 08456 049049 or visit www.johnlewis.com.
Pendant lighting
Finding good lighting can often be a bit tricky - especially if you don't have money to burn. So I was really pleased to see this wonderful range of pendant lights from House of Fraser. Ranging from contemporary to more traditional, there's sure to be something to suit your home and will most of them costing around £40 they're well within your guests' budget.
For your nearest House of Fraser store, call 0870 160 7270.
Shalford bedlinen
Add some beautiful bedlinen to your gift list and going to bed after the wedding will be a completely different experience. Laura Ashley has got some lovely ranges at the moment but I particularly like this Summer Garden floral bedspread, £250, and the pretty Butterscotch quilt, £200. Definitely family heirlooms of the future.
Laura Ashley is on 0871 230 2301, or visit www.lauraashley.com.
