Lovely Things

Airline lounge cocktail sign

Fancy a retro cocktail hour? I think there's something very civilised, if a little Bondian, about getting dolled up for a fancy drink before dinner. To help you get into the spirit (see what I did there?), hang this cute pink metal airline lounge sign (Rex £3.95), and pretend you're about to embark on a glamorous trip filled with exotic intrigue.

Oriental Storage Cannister from Accessorize

I've been on the hunt for a pretty asian-inspired ceramic cannister for the bathroom ever since my poor mother picked up the lovely crackle-glazed one I had, not realising the lid just sits loosely on the top, and smashed the lid to smithereens (she was mortified). This one might just do the trick, with handpainted birds and floral details. It's 10 cms tall and £15 from Accessorize.

Ideal Home editor responds

Thanks to Susan Rose, editor of Ideal Home for responding in her blog 'Sue's News' to an issue I raised last month about magazines being published early. I was perusing the January 2007 issue of the magazine and thought it interesting that, because most consumer mags publish a month earlier than their cover publication date, in order to respond to what readers want to see in December, their January issue is filled with great ideas for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.

Sue explains why magazines do it, and it's understandable: readers want to know about the latest, greatest ideas and trends as early as possible. And of course, each mag wants to give it to us before other publications do! While this wouldn't usually be a problem most months, when it gets to seasonal festivities with specific 'celebrate by' dates, editors have a tough time.

Naturally you want to read about the festive season in December, but does that mean you're getting the latest info by reading it in a magazine with a January publication date? Wouldn't the trends for January (being out early in December), mean you're getting a heads-up on what's new, rather than what's now? Certainly a tricky one...

Retro Pin-up Alarm Clock

Wake up with a bombshell every day with this retro-style pin-up alarm clock. Available in blue as shown, it's 11 x 15 cms and currently on sale for just £4.95. Get it while it's hot! (Okay, okay stop groaning).

Cupcake/Fairy Cake Kitchen & Dining

I thought it was appropriate to start the new year with something sweet (did you overindulge during the festive season? I did). If you're going for the shabby chic look, or want a girly touch in the kitchen (hmm, that sounds ruder than it was meant to), these fairy cake/cupcake decorated items would be just the thing. The hook comes in four different designs and is made of metal (£2.95), the cute 'tea & cakes' placemats are laminated for easy cleaning and cork-backed to protect your table (£8.95 a set of four), and if you want to go all out, how about using these paper napkins as well (£1.95 for a set of 20).