Is the Dribble Apparent?

Quite likely, as I find it impossible to pass by the Stonewall Kitchen section in the shop without getting very hungry. My mother told me she used to suck lemons in front of the Salvation Army Christmas Band to make the mouths of the horn players water (wasn't she a good girl?). No need to suck lemons here: these gorgeous comestibles will do the job, even just perched on the shelf.

All the products in our Stonewall range are mighty fine, but we have some special items aimed at Christmas entertaining. Between Christmas and New Year celebrations, one would expect cocktails to abound. In order to assist you with making the most spanking, easily-prepared cocktails, we have some gorgeous mixers: the Bellini Mixer, and and Kir Royale Mixer. The Kir Royale Mixer features the sweet liqueur flavours of French blackcurrants, replicating the Creme de Cassis which is essential in a Kir Royale. Simply combine this mixer with Champagne or dry white wine, and you have a superbly sippable beverage. The Bellini Mixer contains (among other ingredients) peach puree: add some Prosecco (or a similar sweet sparkling) for a delectable summer tipple. Could it be easier?

How about some Holiday Syrup? The name says it all, really. Combining cranberries, pears and raspberries, this festively coloured (and flavoured) syrup is perfect for slurping all over pancakes and waffles, or anything on the Christmas brunch table which would appreciate some seriously intense sweetening. And don't forget the sauces: Spiced Rum Butterscotch (warmed over puddings or icecream) and Chocolate Peppermint (perfect errr...straight from the jar!).

For a lovely gift, we have boxes of Blueberry Breakfast: a Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup, a Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, a Farmhouse Pancake and Waffle Mix, and a beautiful 100% cotton tea towel (printed with blueberries, of course), all presented in a festive box.

Of course, the packaging of the Stonewall Kitchen products really speaks volumes of this quality product. Every jar, every bottle, every box is just perfectly conceived to represent the homestyle kitchen inspirations of this marvellous food. This attention to detail means that, whatever you choose to purchase, you cannot go wrong with the presentation of the gift: even the simplest cellophane wrapping will make these products shine.

This Christmas, don't hit a brunch bump: talk a stroll through the Stonewall Kitchen, and thrill your tastebuds, and guests, alike.

A Delicate(ly scented) Situation

Soap. One wonders when giving such a lovely gift became such a minefield of potential offence. Personally, I don't purchase many exquisite soaps for my house: I have two small people and a mechanic living there, so such a frivolity is bound to go overused and underappreciated. However, I do occasionally love to have a special soap, and I think they make a gorgeous gift. The only problem is that soap tends to toe the line between "Oh, how thoughtful of you" and "Do you think I smell?". The gift of perfume seems to have emerged from this odious stigma, but soap can still be a tricky one. I care not; and neither will you when you see what arrived in store last week...



These are absolutely divine soaps by The Morris Design Group. Founded by a husband and wife team, this company make all sorts of superb home and personal products (many of which, we stock), including these perfect little fragranced soaps. The fragrances available in-store now are Calendula Flower, Gingerlily and Nutmeg, Basil and Grapefruit (my fave), and Lemongrass and Ginseng. The soaps are 150g size, and all Morris Design Group products are proudly made in Australia.

We don't have these soaps in our online shop as yet, but I can assure you that they are very reasonably priced: ideal for a little self-indulgence, or as a beautiful gift. As I always have the festive season in mind, I would highly recommend these to parents who are looking for that end-of-year thank you present for their child's teacher. I did a gorgeous soap wrapped in a linen teatowel (in the style of a bonbon) last year. Beats yet another coffee mug, that's for sure!