SCALLOPED CUSHION BY MATILDA GOAD FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE

Like brass, pineapples, and grey before that, scallops is a design classic that is having a fashion moment. The key is to know what and whether to invest. Firstly decide if you genuinely like it or if you are being influenced. Secondly, pick an item that you will always use in a colourway that you already have in your house. That way it will fit cohesively into your interior and look like it’s always been there rather than assuming fashion victim status on the sofa. That’s it not you!

DAVID HICKS PLAYING CARD SET, ROCKETT ST GEORGE

A pack of playing cards is one of the most useful presents you can give anyone. Play patience by yourself on train journeys or while away on rainy days on holiday with furious games of Cheat or Racing Demon. And there’s nothing like a competitive card house building session to bring everyone together.

COLOURED GLASS CANDLE HOLDERS, GRAHAM & GREEN

For someone who is always afraid the candle will blow over, I have an unhealthy obsession with candlesticks. Add height to a mantelpiece or arrange in the centre of the table as décor they will always add something to a room. Not to mention they make the most perfect presents.

LARGE TASSEL  EMBROIDERED THROW, LA REDOUTE

Times being what they are you can never have too many throws. This is so pretty and will work draped over the arm of a sofa casually waiting to warm a set of cold toes. Or on the end of a bed for those cold winter nights.

ORTIGIA LIQUID SOAP, GRAHAM & GREEN 

Events of the last couple of years have meant we are all much better at washing our hands and these Ortigia liquid soaps are just beautiful. Choose a colour to tone or contrast with your bathroom, or better still the kitchen sink and see if you can encourage offers of help with the washing up – just so they can wash their hands afterwards.

HALSEY BOTTLE OPENER, SOHO HOME

The key to buying presents for people who have everything – or are just generally hard to buy for – is to find something they use all the time and elevate it. This bottle opener is a case in point. It’s an everyday object that probably gets used without a second thought so they won’t necessarily think to buy themselves a beautiful version. Do it for them.

BLUE STRIPED VASE, GRAHAM & GREEN

Blue and white is a classic and so there isn’t a room this vase won’t go in. More to the point it will love all the flowers you put in it from Spring daffodils to pale pink roses and dramatic dahlias. And, of course, the key thing to remember when buying vases is that you want them to look as good empty as they do full so you can display them on open shelves and it will still be pretty.

EDGAR THROW, SOHO HOME

Handknitted by skilled artisans in India for Soho Home the pattern was designed by the in-house team. It’s proper cosy and the colours and style will sit well in a minimal scheme while not fighting with a more maximalist interior.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY PLATES, ANTHROPOLOGIE

I’m not one who goes mad for Christmas decorations preferring to bring out the same thing year after year but a set of plates like these are fun and there’s something charming about getting to December and saying that all cakes and biscuits will be served on these for this month only. Plus they’re pretty. And there’s always the possibility that the collection will be expanded next year and you can add to your collection.

WONKIWARE JUG, SOHO HOME

The trend for artisanal homewares shows no sign of abating and this South African wonki ware is a great example. This is an exclusive collaboration for Soho Home and each piece has to be moulded, shaped, smooth and painted in 15 different stages. Use it for flowers, water and display.