Lovely Things

Moderno Glassware from the Pier

How wonderfully gothic these 'Moderno' glasses look, very sleek and simple, but incredibly opulent at the same time. You could go all out baroque style with decadent tableware and flowers, or quite minimalist with plain edgy white china and stark cutlery and this glassware would complement either look. The glasses are mouth-blown, so you'll probably need to wash them by hand, but being from the Pier, they're still keenly priced at £4 each. 

Related: Kate Spade Gwinnett Lane Tableware | Gift Ideas: Laura Ashley Tableware | Lovely Things: Tableware

Retro Coasters from Truly Ace

It's great being able to buy from small, independent designer-manufacturers. Through little online shops, you'll often discover new things that aren't available anywhere else, like these retro coasters from Truly Ace by designer Amanda Vlahakis. They come as a boxed set of four for £8 and are available in a striped design or the fabulous rounded design shown which makes me think of watermelons. They're cork-backed and suitable for hot or cold drinks.

Related: Fabulous chairs by Aiveen Daly | Pink kitchen appliances | Store Discovery: Retro Decades

Store Discovery: Retro Decades

Into all things retro? Check out vintage-loving store Retro Decades. They stock a range of items from furniture and lighting, to clocks and art, and have a section labelled 'everything else' containing anything from a fabulously-shaped 'toot-a-loop' radio, to seriously vintage hand-held video games. Some of my favourite picks include the Arco style floor lamp (£175) which would look gorgeous on my landing, and the fab polished aluminium 1950s Launderette sign (£1745), which I think I'd struggle to get into my flat at all, given its seven-and-a-half foot length. 

Related: Fabulous chairs by Aiveen Daly | Pink kitchen appliances | Ceramic hanging tealight holder

Retro Toaster - I Love Toast

When I first saw this fabulously retro toaster, all I noticed was the great colours and styling. It wasn't until I had a proper look at all the details that I realised it also toasts 'I love you' on all your slices. Very kitsch! While I'm not too sure how I feel about sentimental breakfast foods, I do love the toaster itself. It would go very nicely with your vintage style colander and 50s-inspired appliances. It's available in turquoise as shown and is £20.

Related: Fabulous chairs by Aiveen Daly | Pink kitchen appliances | Ceramic hanging tealight holder

Gift Guide: £20 and under

Ah Christmas shopping. It can be tricky finding an interesting gift without having to spend a lot of money, or a lot of time trawling websites and shops. And if you have a lot of people to buy for, the whole thing can really take it out of you. To give you a hand is our gift guide to lovely things for home and living, for £20 or less...

Art Canvas from ASOS

ASOS call this canvas print 'retro' but I think 'vintage style' would be more appropriate. In a gorgeous fuchsia pink and gold, it's mounted on a chunky wooden frame and measures 30 x 30 cms. It's just £15, so if your walls are already bright enough for your taste, it would make a lovely gift.

Alternative Christmas Decorations

Not a sparkly, tinselly type? If you'd like to inject a bit of retro personality into your festive decor, these recycled vintage vinyl decorations might be just the ticket. Made by New York artist Jeff Davis, the records come ready to hang as a set of three for $18. Given that Christmas is looming large in the calendar, UK readers might need to buy with an eye to next year's decorative scheme. If you're in the US, take advantage of express shipping to have these in your hot little hands this week.

[via Retro to Go]

Gift Ideas: Laura Ashley Tableware

Laura Ashley has a range of offers on at the moment including up to 30% off on homewares, and three-for-two on a range of gifts and accessories. I love their casual dining tableware like this pretty lace-detailed tumbler at £4, available in pink and blue. The pink is currently sold out on the website, so if you think it's the perfect gift for someone (even if that someone is you!), pop into a store.

Pink Kitchen Colanders

Our feature on pink appliances for your kitchen is one of our most popular posts - people just love that colour! And of course, as I am here only to serve our lovely readers, I just had to show you a few fabulous pink colanders that have caught my eye...

Clockwise from bottom left: Maxwell & Williams light pink colander (£11.95), shocking pink colander from Typhoon (large £10), Typhoon pale pink colander (£10), fuchsia pink colander from Matalan (£5).

Related: Lovely Things: Vintage Style | Pink kitchen appliances | Ingenious chopping board

Anusha Painted Sequin Jewellery Box

Indulge your inner little girl with this very sweet embellished tin jewellery box from Anusha. It would make a lovely gift for Christmas, or keep it for your own jewellery - I don't know if I could part with it if I bought one intended for someone else! It measures 14 x 9 x 4.5 cms and costs £25.

[via The Bag Lady]