Shopping Small
I’m resisting the urge to be a November decorator, but I am a November shopper. I like to be done before December 1st so that I can then get immersed in baubles and baking and the many festive events in the diary now that we’re at school.
There is nothing that brings me more joy at this time of year than seeing how my favourite independent shops bring festive cheer, so before you turn to any of the bigger chains why not explore the unique and carefully chosen treasure they have to offer.
To get you started I've listed five of my favourites below, some local to me, some further flung.
FREIGHT, Lewes
Freight HHG is celebrating 10 years this month, selling beautiful knitwear, household goods, antiques and food. I personally have my eye on their socks, panettone, and those dungarees.
DESIGN VINTAGE, Chichester
Design Vintage is my local go-to for interior accessories, baskets, chopping boards and their delicious cake. They source wonderful antique furniture, and always stock the most beautiful Christmas decorations, like these glass baubles and hanging rattan wreaths.
NEIGHBOUR UTILITY, Frome
For useful but beautiful homewares, you can't do better than Neighbour. With regular vintage drops including furniture like this milking stool which I can already see in my bathroom, and a steady collection of unique kitchenware, soaps and candles, you could very easily fill a stocking. I would like to eat Christmas chocs out of these beautiful scalloped bowls whilst cuddled up with my sheepskin hot water bottle please.
ALICE IN SCANDILAND, Lostwithiel
An award winning lifestyle store, Alice’s expertly curated collection of contemporary and vintage homewares cannot fail you this season. From vintage and unique handmade pieces to baskets, textiles and artworks from the best Scandi brands, it would all look beautiful in anyone's home. In my letter to Father Christmas, I’ll be asking for the laundry basket, one of the waffle kitchen textile sets, and with my fingers crossed, this beautiful vintage sleigh bed for M’s room.
CHOOSING KEEPING, London
I cannot resist beautiful stationary, and have just discovered Choosing Keeping. Currently selling the most striking vintage glass decorations, it is full to the rafters with perfect notebooks, calendars, wrapping paper and stocking fillers.
LÒN THE STORE, Dunkeld
A little bonus inclusion, Lon is the sister shop to the beautiful Aran bakery, run by GBBO contestant, baker and author Flora Shedden. One day I will undertake a pilgrimage to Dunkeld and visit both shops, but until then I must be satisfied by my monthly subscription box from Lòn. My monthly treat, it always turns up full of beautifully wrapped pantry essentials and kitchen goods, and would make a joyful gift that keeps giving. Or for a one-off, Aran is offering a Christmas hamper full of deliciousness.
Has Amazon ever presented such a storefront? No. And Jeff has never received your order with a flush of delight or even relief. Our high streets wouldn’t be so festive without these brave, clever, determined people, so please think of them first when you’re doing your Christmas shopping. It will make Christmas morning all the better.
All photography courtesy of the respective artists, makers and retailers
