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Archive for October, 2010

Christmas decoration storage solutions

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

How do you store your Christmas decorations?

All my nice and special Christmas tree decorations are meticulously wrapped in bubble wrap and tissue paper and stored in a hat box, but the other bits and pieces that won’t fit in are simply stored in carrier bags.

It’s not the best idea and every year I think about whether I should get something a bit more substantial to store them all in properly. So I’ve been on the lookout for proper storage options and have found these ideas.

Large Christmas decorations storage box

Multi compartment storage box

This looks like a super, sturdy box and I love the idea that it has all sorts of different layers and compartments available. The cardboard insert trays have room for 48 baubles to be laid out individually, which will help prevent them getting knocked or bashed, and there are two useful compartments in the lid for extra bits and pieces.

Of course, you don’t need to use the trays for baubles – any of your christmas decorations could be stored here.

The Christmas decorations storage box is £23 from Amazon.

Ktwo Christmas decorations bag

Get 50% off a Christmas decorations storage bag

Storage bag

I also like the idea of this Christmas decorations storage bag. It looks like it’s got a good amount of space inside and it opens up to reveal several compartments. As well as decorations such as baubles, it would be ideal for storing reusable Christmas wreaths and help prevent seasonal decorations from getting squashed or dusty.

The Ktwo Christmas decorations bag has 50% off at the moment from Gifts From Handpicked, making it a bit of a bargain at only £9.95.

* If you’re looking to invest in some new Christmas decorations this year, or simply want to have a nose at what’s available, then check out this post on Fresh Design Blog.

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Little Book of Heirloom Christmas Tree Decorations by Jenny Stephenson: book review

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Make your own Christmas decorations

Christmas decorations to make

Now we’re into October (where does the time go?) we’re starting to turn our thoughts towards Christmas. If you love being crafty and making your own Christmas decorations, and enjoy sewing and stitching, then this beautiful hardback book - The Little Book of Heirloom Christmas Tree Decorations, by Jenny Stephenson – is full of small silk Christmas tree decorations to make and treasure for years to come.

All of the decorations in the book are miniature pieces that can be used to decorate a Christmas tree, although I’m sure you could easily adapt the patterns to make larger versions if you wish.

The decorations you can make include items such as stars and snowflakes, bells and balls, angels, mini garlands, snowmen and gingerbread men. The designs for some of the pieces, such as hearts and birds, could easily be transformed into non-Christmas decorations for your home too.

(more…)

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Lockable post box from Spotty Button

Monday, October 25th, 2010
Lockable post box

Lockable post box

Most of us take it for granted that our post will drop through our letterbox with no problems. But not all houses have standard sized letterboxes, which can make post deliveries awkward.

Older or period homes, for example, may have smaller letterboxes, so post has to be squashed to get into the letter box. Some homes also have letterboxes that are low down or awkwardly positioned, which doesn’t help the situation either.

That’s where this lockable post box could come in handy. In can be positioned in a convienient spot, so it’s easy for a postman to see and deliver post without any hassle. It also locks, so your post will be safe until you empty it (this could prove useful for when you’re on holiday too).

This clay coloured lockable post box is available from Spotty Button, where it’s priced at only £16.75.

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Babushka russian doll storage tins

Friday, October 22nd, 2010
Russian doll tins

Russian doll tins

Russian doll, or babushka, images continue to be a popular design in homeware products.

This set of three metal tins has the characteristic russian doll design on each of them. The tins vary in size from small, to medium to large and come in three coordinating colours.

The babushka tins currently have 20% off the usual price and are available from Bouf.

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Decorative iron multi hook

Thursday, October 21st, 2010
Coat hook

Coat hook

This decorative iron hook would look just the part in your hall, serving a multitude of hanging needs.

There’s space for coats, scarves and hats, and you could even hang an umbrella on the hooks too. Made of sturdy iron, the five hooks are attached to the metal base, but can be moved around as required.

It’s a lovely piece – a design statement in its own right – and is perfect for a cosy home. The decorative iron multi hook is £16 from The Chic Country Home.

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Lisa Stickley Posie tea set on offer at Debenhams

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

lisa-stickley-posie-tea-set lisa-stickley-posie-creamer-sugar

We’re rather fond of designer Lisa Stickley’s House & Home range and thought you might be interested to know that many of them are currently on offer in the Debenhams sale (making way for all the Christmas goodies, we suspect).

The 12 piece Posie tea set comes on a useful metal stand and includes six teacups and six tea saucers. The set features a mix of colours – blue, green and a dull red – and the posie design on the cups is in an abstract floral style.

All the pieces are made of stoneware and are microwave and dishwasher set. The 12 piece Posie tea set was originally £35 but is now £28 in the Debenhams sale.

Other matching items from her Posie range are also reduced, including this multi-coloured creamer and sugar bowl set, now £14.40. All of Lisa Stickley’s House & Home range can be viewed here, along with lots of new pieces from her Christmas collection.

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James Brown limited edition prints at Cath Kidston

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Exclusive limited edition james brown printRetro limited edition print from Cath KidstonGorgeous retro home print

If you love retro style, then you must check out these limited edition prints by James Brown.

Each of the prints has been screen printed and is signed by the artist – they’re available exclusively from Cath Kidston.

Choose from A Taste of the Good Life, East and West, Home is Best!, Stop and Smell the Roses or Hold Your Horses.

Each print measures 51cm by 36cm and comes unframed, so you can pop it in a frame of your choice or use it as a poster for you wall.

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Breast Cancer Care tree peony

Thursday, October 14th, 2010
Gorgeous pink peony

Gorgeous pink peony

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a number of retailers are selling special pink-themed products to help raise money for this vital cause.

Shopping channel QVC screened their annual Breast Cancer Care (BCC) event last night, where the net profit of all items sold goes to charity. Last night their website didn’t cope too well with the numbers of people trying to order online, but that’s a blessing in disguise if you missed the event, as lots of goodies are still available to buy this morning.

Amongst the products, we spotted this gorgeous deep pink tree peony. The peony flowers from late spring to early summer and is apparently quite resistant to frost. Usually costing £12.50, it has a special Breast Cancer Care price of only £9.38.

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Colin and Justin Influence homeware at Matalan

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

colin-justin-floral-bincolin-justin-jewelled-drawerscolin-justin-jewelled-trunk

Interior designers Colin and Justin (Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan) sell their Influence homeware range exclusively at Matalan.

With their homeware stocked by Matalan, you can be sure that the prices will be affordable, which is great if you’re shopping on a budget. The style is certainly not compromised though, and everything looks good and is nicely produced.

Three of the new Colin and Justin pieces recently available from Matalan include the brown floral bin, jewelled drawers and jewelled trunk.

The jewelled drawers in particular are very nice – each of the four drawers is finished with a jewel-like handle in varying colours – and there’s plenty of useful storage space inside. It would be great for use in a bedroom, lounge or hall and the piece is priced at £40.

The matching jewelled trunk (£60) would also be ideal for storage purposes and the brown floral bin is a bargain at only £8.

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White fluted jug from The Furniture Barn

Monday, October 11th, 2010
Elegant fluted jug

Elegant fluted jug

One of my favourite interior stores is The Furniture Barn. They have a huge range of items available and, as well as lots of furniture at great prices, you can pick up all sorts of home furnishings and home accessories too.

Like this elegant white jug, for example. I love the look of the jug, as the fluting around the top of it it, and on the handle, makes it stand out from plainer white jugs. You could use it as a milk jug, to serve dessert sauces in or as a vase.

The white fluted jug is only £6.95 from The Furniture Barn. I thoroughly recommend a look around the rest of their site too, as there are all sorts of bargains waiting to be discovered.

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