The Homewares Department

I thought I'd just show you all some images from our homewares department. When we moved from the original tiny shop in Springett's Arcade, to the new and bountiful premises in Bong Bong St, it was decided that this was the opportunity to expand our range of homewares. And expand, we have.



What was originally a small but select range of linen only (all we could fit!) has now been increased to include an astonishingly beautiful selection of glassware, linen, childrens' accessories, fragrances, candles, leatherware, throws, lamps...well, just about anything your stylish heart could desire. We have Royal Doulton, Punch, Christopher Vine, Lintex, Rhubarb, Mosaique, Krosno, Brabantia and United Colors of Benetton, to name but a few of the carefully chosen brands we offer.

We also have an ever-expanding range of cookbooks, by authors such as John Torode and Ainsley Harriott, and Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa, whose pre-mix products we also stock). We have recipe files, and a gorgeous craft book by Cath Kidston (you will find a few of her products around the shop: we are big fans of her delicate, old-fashioned prints!).

While there are many, many items in this part of the shop which I am yet to bring you in detail, I wanted to give you an overview of what has become a very exciting area of expansion for us. You will find the homewares department up the stairs at the far-end of the shop. This area is the "baby" of our most senior member of staff, and her attention to detail, product knowledge, and eye for beauty and presentation are evident as soon as you make your way up the stairs.

And it always smells so divine!

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!