10 industry experts select the hero homeware on their wishlists this Christmas

Look to these homeware specialists for the most inspirational gift ideas this festive season
10 industry experts select the hero homeware on their wishlists this Christmas
Tom Griffiths

Whether you're buying for a partner, best friend, or for a work colleague's secret santa, choosing the perfect Christmas gift never gets any easier. A gift centred around elevating a living space is something everyone can appreciate and take pleasure from, whether it's the transformative power of a luxury scented candle, or a decorative trinket to brighten up a shelf. Which got us thinking, what about the people who source, design and curate homeware for a living? Those who are surrounded by countless lovely furnishings on a daily basis, all year round. They have each developed a discerning eye for design in their various jobs, so they know exactly what they like. We decided to ask the experts for their must-have pieces for gifting and receiving this Christmas, which range from vintage curiosities to affordable accessories. Read on for the inside scoop from some of our favourite department stores, independent home brands and high street mainstays.

Sophie Salata, Head of Brand at Vinterior

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Model 3808 Magazine Rack By Carl Auböck For Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, 1960s

I love the pop of red leather in an otherwise understated living space and the curve of the brass. This is top of my list.

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Original Vintage Poster, Babar The Pink Carousel

I think this would be perfect for a child's bedroom with a wooden frame, whimsical and timeless.

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A Vintage Onyx And Marble Chess Set

I saw a beautiful chessboard in Olive Wakefield's living room the other day and just thought it was such an elegant piece, and a brilliant gift (I just might need someone to teach me how to play chess first).

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Rustic Wooden Candleholder By Jan Johnsson For Smålandsslöjd, Sweden, 1975

There is something so satisfying about the shape and tactility of this candlestick, the chunky heavy pine feels particularly festive for a cold winters night but could be just as beautiful for use year round in a more minimal setting.

Calum Wild, Fabric & Seasonal Interiors Buyer at Liberty

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Prospect Road Velvet Cushion

Printed on a sumptuous velvet, this cushion from our in-house Liberty design studio is the perfect gift for any design lover. Ablaze with rich tones of reds and golds, the weave has a slight metallic element to it - glistening as it catches the light. Fitting for any interior style, this cushion is the perfect way to gift a piece of what we call “usable art”.

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Saved NY Artist Sketchbook Cashmere Throw

Made from the finest cashmere, this unique throw is adorned with sketches from artist Fee Greening. Combining statement artistry and luxurious warmth, this is the perfect gift as we head into the cold winter months - be gone boring throws! This is the way to do it.

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Marin Montagut Heart Hand of Flowers Showcase of Wonder

Handmade in Marin’s Paris studio, this unique 3D window of wonder is the perfect gift for a cherished one. Fresh flowers wilt, but this one-of-a-kind piece with paper mâché floral stems will last for the rest of time. Crafted into a heart shape, there really is no other way to say, “I love you”.

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Stately Bouquet Scented Candle 200g

Our newly launched candles encapsulate the magic of a Liberty print. Hand-poured in the UK, each provides a moment of true, calming, escapism. Once burnt through, the vessel can be reused as a statement storage pot - something the recipient can keep forever.

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Jia Jia Onyx Vase

A gift like no other. With each piece hand-carved in New York from 100% Onyx, it adds an unmistakable statement to any interior, transcending trends and becoming a modern heirloom.

Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director and Director of Fine Art at 1stDibs

I love working at 1stDibs, but the downside is that I am tormented on a daily basis by the (literally) millions of covetable objects on the site. Compiling this wish list, I focused just on items featured in our Holiday Gift Collection. Even so, it was hard to narrow the list down to just these four fabulous things.

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Vintage Bottle Opener, Silver Plated Tennis Racket Shape for Perrier, 1980s

When I was a kid, our little tennis club had a sole vending machine filled with ice-cold glass bottles of soda topped by fluted metal caps, which were a beast to remove. (I liked nothing more than the orange soda after a grueling best-of-five-sets match played in the summer sun.) Therefore, this bottle opener pleases me both from a nostalgic and practical viewpoint.

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Trinket Box by Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design

A contemporary take on traditional silver-plated trinket boxes, this raw finished aluminum container by Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots might just be the thing to bring order to a chaotic desk-scape.

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Fornasetti Hot Air Balloon Poker Card Game Set Box

I haven’t played poker with any regularity since college, but this game set - cards, chips, dice and all by the 20th-century master Piero Fornasetti - would happily turn it into a daily habit.

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Green Seahorse Art Deco Candlesticks, Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs Sweden, 1930s

I can’t have enough candleholders in the cupboard. These earthenware beauties (from the Art Deco period, known in Sweden as Swedish Grace, which is trending right now) depict particularly adorable seahorses — who doesn’t love a seahorse?! — and sport a lovely green glaze that pleases in any light.

Judith Harris, Head of House & Home at TOAST

Forte Wool Hot Water Bottle

I love the vibrant colours and pattern of this British-made hot water bottle cover. It’s fun and contemporary with a wonderfully soft hand feel.

Cisco And The Sun Stoneware Butter Box

I’m really drawn to the elegant mid-century shape of this butter box, and the sophisticated moss green colour. I love that it fits a whole block of butter.

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Bristol Weaving Mill Block Stripe Blanket

This blanket is just beautiful, and it’s made in the UK which is a big tick for me. The colour and pattern would stand out in any home, whether draped over a chair or across a bed.

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Knitted stripe tea cosy

This tea cosy makes a lighthearted and useful gift. It’s a playful twist on a classic and also supports artisans in Nepal, hand-knitted by women through a Fairtrade organisation. The yellow pom-pom is my favourite detail!

Alex Bilton, Product Manager at Rowen & Wren

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Ashby Oak Tray

I love the Ashby because it brings a quiet sense of occasion to even the simplest moments. Its hand carved shape and gentle curves make morning coffee or evening drinks feel that little bit more considered.

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Edwin Oak Table Lamp, Dark Oiled

I love the Edwin for its calm, timeless character. Paired with our simple card shade, it creates the softest glow, perfect for those slower moments at the end of the day.

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Clara Flared Glasses, Set Of Two

These are a favourite because they make any tipple feel special. The flared edge and slender stem catch the light beautifully and instantly lift everything from a simple spritz to a celebratory champagne.

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Odin Brass Drinks Trolley

The Odin is the one I always reach for when I want a room to feel grown up and ready to host. Its antique brass finish and generous tiers turn a practical piece into something quietly glamorous, and it has a way of making even a small corner feel like cocktail hour.

Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, Head of Design and Creative at H&M HOME

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2-pack hand-blown coupe glasses

Champagne glasses are essential at this time of year. I would choose our new line in clear
glass with coloured stems. I always prefer a coupe shape when drinking champagne. It feels both
festive and nostalgic.

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Wine decanter

The clear glass carafe is a beautiful decorative item. Its sleek design brings elegance and
modernity to serving wine or simply displaying a beautiful bouquet.

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Large pillar candle

Candles are a must in any home. I like to have them in every room. I change the scents
depending on the season. I love the XXL two-tone version we offer, which will last a long time.”

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Tall stainless steel coupe

I love our range of stainless steel products, such as the serving bowl with a stand, for example.
They add a “bistro” touch to the table. I've always preferred silver to gold. So, I'm delighted that
this trend has been fully embraced for the festive season.

Amie Scull, Buying Manager at Anthropologie

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Ferm Living Ryu Platter

One of my favourite new additions of the season to land at Anthropologie. Scandinavian style at its best from Copenhagen brand; Ferm Living. This beautiful platter is made by two different colour clays kneaded, rolled and cut by hand before being glazed. Perfect for biscuits with friends, lunch at home or mounted on a wall for a stunning, conversational statement. Guaranteed to have guests ask where they can get one for themselves.

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Aphrodite Vase by Jen Lindup Wall Art

The ultimate treat, a joyful piece of art. Characterful and charming in equal measure and set in a textured wood frame. I'd be thrilled to find this under the tree and would set about discovering the artist's worldly travels that inspired the piece.

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Arabesque Martini Glass

An elegant addition to a tablescape, I love the white for a little interest. These glasses would make for a very chic martini moment.

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Found Notes Woody Juniper & Cedar Candle

There's something luxurious and soothing about lighting a new gifted candle at home. In our signature glass vessel, with notes of fresh juniper, pine, delicate rose, warm cedarwood and praline, the room smells instantly divine.

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Love Notes Juice Glass

I'm an oat milk gal and this is such a fun gift which would make me smile every time I pour my iced coffee.

Kate Salmon, Head of Buying for Home at Oliver Bonas

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Tortoiseshell Glass Essential Oil Electric Aroma Diffuser

Our Aroma Diffuser is a brilliant gift for the person who has everything. I’m especially fond of the tortoiseshell design, it feels timeless and looks beautiful in any space. Pair it with a couple of fragrance oils as a little add-on, so they can mix and match to create their perfect scent.

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Knitted Pink Stripe Hot Water Bottle Set

Wellness and the gift of ‘me-time’ remains a big focus for us, and our hot water bottles and eye masks in beautifully tactile fabrics make wonderfully thoughtful presents. I especially love the knitted pink stripe hot water bottle set, it’s soft, cosy, and such a comforting treat for anyone in need of a little relaxation.

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Shrimps x Oliver Bonas Striped Glass Coupes Set of Two

I adore the Shrimps collaboration coupes, so elegant and joyful. I’ve already bought sets for several girlfriends, as they make such a beautifully striking gift.

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Alyssa Burgundy & Pink Resin Photo Frame 6x4"

The bold pink and burgundy on this Alyssa photo frame has been the colour combination of the season, and it’s a stunning way to create a meaningful, personalised gift for a loved one. It’s perfect for adding a vibrant touch to any home.

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Cotton Pyjamas, Honey Checkerboard

I’ve also been loving the pyjamas from The Tartan Blanket Co. this year. They’re incredibly soft, beautifully designed, and make such a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates a little luxury at bedtime.

Henrietta Klug, Head of Home at Selfridges

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Oluce Atollo 238 Table Lamp 35cm

Giving the gift of light this Christmas! Designed by Vico Magistretti in the 70’s, this Atollo light from Oluce is the archetypal table lamp. It brings a touch of retro modernism to your interiors.

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TEKLA Cushioned Shearling Slippers

For the cosiest Christmas, you have to treat your feet to these luxurious, cloud-like, 100% shearling slippers from Tekla. Your toes will thank you!

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Maison de Vacances Palazzo Velvet Cushion 40cm x 60cm

These sumptuous velvet cushions from Maison De Vacances exude luxury and make me want to curl up on the sofa in front of a fire with a decadent hot chocolate. What a lovely way to dress up your sofa for Christmas Day.

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Boyhood x Disney Mickey Mouse Large Oak-Wood Figurine 24.5cm

I had to include a nod to all things Disney, for ‘A Most Magical Christmas’. This iconic Mickey Mouse figurine from Boyhood crafted from real oak will add a touch of playfulness and sentimentality to any home.

Karen Thomas, Head of Homeware Design at M&S

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Set of 2 Hammered Lustre Wine Glasses

Add a sophisticated touch to any celebration with these textured wine glasses, finished with a gold-tone rim for effortless elegance – perfect for Christmas and beyond.

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M&S X Kelly Hoppen No. 1 Fragrance Lidded Ceramic Candle 400g

A candle is always a timeless Christmas gift, and this elegant, lidded ceramic design from M&S x Kelly Hoppen – with its earthy, woody scent – brings warmth and sophistication to any room.

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M&S X Tom Kerridge 3 Piece Stainless Steel Saucepan Set

Gift the joy of cooking with this premium stainless steel pan set from M&S x Tom Kerridge – the same Tom uses in his professional kitchens.

Supersoft Faux Fur Electric Throw

This generously sized, supersoft faux fur electric throw is a customer favourite. It delivers instant warmth at the touch of a button.