Lovely Things

Castaway Striped Bedding from George @ Asda

Judging from the number of visits we still get to my post back in June about the 'Trellic' bed linen from Heal's, there are lots of you out there looking for interesting bedding that isn't too girly. In a very similar style is this 'Castaway' bedding from George at Asda. It's a great price with a double duvet set, including a cover and two pillow cases, at just £10, and only £12 for the king size set. The supermarkets have really been raising their game as far as clothes are concerned and I'm hoping that homewares will follow suit. Do you have any great supermarket bargains in your home? Share your fabulous finds in the comments below...

Unusual Gifts: Torrini Champagne Stirrer

Ever been in that embarrassing social situation where you've had friends over for champagne and...shock...you realise it's too fizzy?! For the person who has everything, why not give the Torrini Champagne Stirrer this Christmas. Ostensibly to 'eliminate excess gas' from champagne (I always thought the point of bubbly is, well, being bubbly), I think it'd make a lovely cocktail stirrer, or, as they suggest, magic wand. It's sterling silver, hence the price - a touch over £70.

Cushions from John Lewis

I've been browsing the John Lewis site, looking at their lovely new season's soft furnishings. There are some really gorgeous cushions that have caught my eye, so here's a little round-up of some of the best...

This 'Tessica' floral cushion in chocolate brown is a great example of the trend for 'statement' cushions this season. It's 40 x 40 cms, the cover's a high-percentage wool mix and the 3D roses are felt, so soft enough to lie back on comfortably. It's £30 and also comes in red and a soft aqua blue.

Click the link below for more fabulous cushions...

Country Living Christmas Fair

Yes it's that time of year which means the Christmas fairs are getting in full swing. Next up after this week's Spirit of Christmas Fair (running til Sunday), is the Country Living Christmas Fair. As well as the usual gift, decoration, food and drink shopping opportunities, attendees will have the chance to try samples from the Cognac Seller, learn to wrap awkward-shaped items in the gift wrapping seminars and enjoy the charity gala evening on 8th Nov. The show runs from 8-12 November at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.

Matalan Christmas Gift Wrap

Okay, I know it's only just hit November, but it's time to start posting about the holiday season for those of you who like to get organised early! At just £2 per roll, this beautifully-patterned Christmas gift wrap from Matalan is a complete bargain. Add to that the 3-for-2 offer they're currently running and you can sort your Christmas wrapping needs in one fell swoop. There are also some lovely gift bags and packs of 40 metallic gift tags at the same price.

Ebay Watch: Vintage-Style Christmas Cushion

How gorgeously kitsch is this cushion? It depicts little boys and girls decorating a Christmas tree and is really very sweet. Made from a 1950s inspired vintage-style cotton fabric it comes with a 40 x 40cm cushion pad included and the start price is £9.50. Be quick, the auction only has one more day to run.