I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I love Christmas.

December is my favourite month of the year and the air of excitement, often because of too much sugar from several mince pies or one too many glasses of something fizzy, is infectious and it can’t help but put you in a good mood. I have a few traditions that I like to make time for each December and that includes a wreath making class, creating my pom pom staircase (you can read how to create that here) and of course, going to buy a real tree. An evening decorating the tree is one of the best December evenings for me and I love getting the kitsch-tastic decorations, which I’ve collected happily over the years, down from the loft and adding them to the tree whilst drinking mulled wine and listening to Phil Spector’s Christmas album (the best Christmas album ever).

When it comes to presents, I am one of those annoying people who like to start their Christmas shopping early and I buy things as I see them throughout the year. I like to be organised, what can I say? However, I’m not that efficient that I’ve done all of my Christmas shopping in advance, and even I need to buy a few last minute gifts. That’s where online shopping comes in! Don’t get me wrong, I love a spot of actual Christmas shopping early in December, when the shops aren’t too busy, but all of the decorations and lights are up everywhere, so it really gets you feeling Christmassy. But, online is the way to go for me if I’m still needing any gifts once it gets to mid-December onwards. That way I can avoid crowds, wet weather (I do live in Manchester) and shop from the comfort of my own home with a glass of fizz and a mince pie for company.

So, if you like this blog (and I should hope you do if you’re reading this) then I would hope you’ll like this little Christmas gift guide I’ve put together. Dotty Dishes is all about Dining, Destinations and Decor, so I’ve chosen 30 items across interiors, food and travel that I’d be very happy to receive in my own Christmas stocking. You know I love a bit of pattern and colour, so of course there are some bright and eclectic items in the gift guide!

Get yourself a glass of fizz (I won’t ask you to get a mince pie, as it’s too early for those) and put your feet up, settle down and have your bank card at the ready. ENJOY!

FOR THE FOODIES

From L-R…

Net shopper bag, Oliver Bonas, £7.50
Ottolenghi Simple cookbook, Amazon, £15.01 (I have used this book SO much, it’s great)
Dishoom cookbook, Wordery, £15.94 (If you’ve never been to Dishoom, you need to go)
Alphabet mug, Debenhams, £5 each
Yvonne Ellen tonic jug, Trouva, £11.99 (how cute is this jug?!)
Design Letters drinks carafe, Trouva, £35,
Firebox Flamingo Tears pink grapefruit gin, John Lewis, £40
Billionaire’s Truffles, Charbonnel et Walker, £15 (my favourite chocolates ever. Just saying…)
Luxardo cherries, Lakeland, £6.99 (the best cocktail cherries you will ever taste)
BarCraft pineapple cocktail shaker, Amazon, £12.99

FOR THE TRAVELLERS

From L-R…

Wouf wild cactus laptop case, Amara, £40
ban.do big plans diary 2020, John Lewis, £30 (I use ban.do planners & they’re very cool)
Deluxe scratch map, Oliver Bonas, £19.95
Leopard print collared pyjamas, George, £15 (everyone loves new pj’s & these are fab)
Made x Rains weekend bag, Made, £59
Palmier travel pouch, Elizabeth Scarlett, £25 (we have the cushion in this print & love it!)
Where Bartenders drink book, Amazon, £11.86
Power bank, Clas Ohlson, £7.99
Hip water bottle, Oliver Bonas, £15 (I have this & people always ask me where it’s from!)
Spacemasks box, Spacemasks, £15

FOR THE INTERIOR LOVERS

From L-R…

Summery tufted cushion cover, La Redoute, £15.40
Quail Ceramics tiger wall vase, Hurn & Hurn, £35 (I have two of these cool animal vases)
Bridie Hall brush pot, Liberty London, £40 (I’d like to self-gift myself the ‘B’ one!)
Ceramic candle, Habitat, £12
Rainbow Smile print, North 6 Graphic Design at Etsy, from £12 (this is my husband’s work!)
British Colour Standard striped dinner candles, Liberty London, £14
More Amour screenprint, Telegramme, £45
Leopard print throw, TK Maxx, £16.99 (I’ve seen this in store and it’s lovely and soft)
Orko tufted cushion, Made, £29
Badden marble bookends, Made, £29 (these look much more expensive too - result!)