Christmas is about being at home with family and friends, celebrating in your own way, and honouring long-standing traditions. Make those moments even more cherishable, says Country Life’s luxury editor, Hetty Lintell, as she picks 10 home comforts to shop from Bond Street boutiques to add luxury to the home this season.
Pitch perfect
Those in the know might instantly recognise the sleek, modern lines of this Koppel pitcher from Georg Jensen. No fuss or frills here, just elegant refinement with this pleasing piece conceived by sculptor Henning Koppel – now considered an icon of Danish design. Serve water, mulled cocktails, wine, or even display festive flowers – this is a multi-tasker and very collectible, fitting with any interior scheme.
£218; Georg Jensen, 164 New Bond Street, W1S 2UH
Shake it
It’s not Christmas until you’ve mixed up some devilishly decadent cocktails for your house guests – or just yourself. This cocktail shaker is surely the ultimate for the season with its Father Christmas-red enamel and silver, and all the bits you’ll need to craft all the classics. Handmade in the UK, with Asprey you know you’re buying into a little slice of history, and these make excellent heirlooms, too.
£5,500; Asprey, 36 Bruton Street, W1J 6QX
Knit picking
Cashmere is ageless, genderless, and the perfect gift when you’re just not quite sure. Brunello Cucinelli makes some of the finest, and this striped cashmere throw is lovely to take along as a house gift if you’re staying away from home for Christmas. The camels and greys will suit most interior schemes, but honestly, I’d just wrap myself up in it and head outside.
£2,630; Brunello Cucinelli, 135-137 New Bond Street, W1S 2TQ
Tray chic
One can never have too many trinkets, and where better to keep them than in one of Cartier’s Diabolo de Cartier trinket trays, made in Limoges porcelain with a goat suede base. This set of four is firmly on my Christmas list, and would sit pretty on a dressing table to keep jewellery safe, or how about as olive or nut dishes for a drinks party – now that would certainly set the tone.
£530; Cartier, 175-177 New Bond Street, W1S 4RN
In the frame
Christmas is about spending time with friends and family, but sadly, for many reasons, that’s not always possible. Keep family close to mind by piling up the sideboards, bookcases, piano, window sills (and any other available surface) with stylish photo frames like these from Ralph Lauren. They have woven leather, wooden inlay and lots of silver examples, including this lovely Bryce bamboo frame, which I collect. The design doesn’t take away from what’s displayed inside.
£135; Ralph Lauren, 1 New Bond Street, W1S 3RL
Deck the halls
Claridge’s is renowned for its fabulous and creative Christmas tree, which is unveiled each year to be admired by hotel guests and those visiting for a festive afternoon tea. Imagine a tree covered in these baubles, which showcase an “inside out” painting technique on hand-blown glass, depicting Claridge's famous Rocking Zebra.
£45; Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1K 4HR
Back-up plan
This is a sizeable backgammon set, made from stunning walnut and oak marquetry. Picture yourself settling in next to a roaring log fire, dice in hand, for a long session of the game with your partner of choice. The perfect accompaniment would be some spiced whisky cocktails –mixed up in your shiny Asprey shaker.
L.U.C. Backgammon, £11,200; Chopard, 12-13 New Bond Street, W1S 3SS
Choc-a-block
Imagine arriving at a dinner party with these – you’d certainly be invited back next year. A statement chocolate gift box for sharing, this elegant “Boite Blanche” is jammed full of milk sea salt caramel truffles, whose balance of sweet and savoury is what the brand is perhaps most famous for. Best not bought online, head to Charbonnel et Walker’s little shop where you’ll learn the history of the brand, and get to taste as many different flavours from its counter as you like.
£300; Charbonnel et Walker, One, The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, W1S 4BT
Softly, softly
If you’re like me, Christmas involves a lot of lounging around, so of course head-to-toe elegant loungewear is called for. Try the very fine pieces at Loro Piana and you’ll struggle to look back. To top off the ultimate hunker-down moment, the brand makes these lightweight silk cashmere robes that take luxuriating at home to another level.
£2,650; Loro Piana, 153 New Bond Street, W1Y 9PA
A big scoop
For the person who has everything (and loves ice cream), what a perfect gift Tiffany’s solid silver ice cream scoop would be. At this time of year it’s all about decadence, and there’s something fabulous about taking a basic kitchen implement, and making it incredibly luxurious. The Elsa Peretti Padova Ice Cream Scoop is made in sterling silver, and would certainly be a conversation piece at the Christmas dinner table.
£310; Tiffany & Co., 25 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QB
Hetty Lintell is luxury editor of Country Life