Have a house-proud friend who is forever throwing dinner parties and cocktail gatherings? They’ll love nothing more than a stylish gift for the home this Christmas. But, of course, interior design is a very personal choice and, if they’re going to be expected to display it in their home, only the best quality will do. From fine seasonal tableware to sophisticated scents and fabulous furniture, these are the best home and interior design gifts for Christmas 2023.
Richard Brendon Prism barware
Planning a drinks party this Christmas? The third cut crystal collection from British designer Richard Brendon, Prism, follows previous collections in taking inspiration from traditional Georgian cuts but with a contemporary finish. This collection consists of four pieces, including Brendon’s first goblet; one of the most versatile pieces being adaptable for all manner of drinks, from water to wine. The Prism cut is particularly intricate and catches the light beautifully, providing the perfect backdrop for any festive gathering, and sure to be a lovely surprise to find under the tree.
Prism cut crystal collection, from £98, richardbrendon.com
Emilia Wickstead blanket
An increasing number of fashion designers are turning their attention towards our homes and, among the most chic, is Emilia Wickstead. The British designer’s collection of elegant tableware, soft furnishings and linens promise seriously stylish tablescapes year-round but when it comes to winter, we’re looking to snuggle up under one of her cosy blankets. Created in luxurious Italian wool with a reversible design, it just got that much harder to leave the sofa.
Roma wool blanket, £780, emiliawickstead.com
Ralph Lauren domino set
No Christmas is complete without some classic board games but isn’t it time you upgraded the beaten-up boxes lurking in your attic? Presented in an elegant wooden box covered in Ralph Lauren’s signature tartan, and complete with wooden holders and resin pieces, this domino set is one they’ll be proud to keep on permanent display.
Ralph Lauren Ferren domino set, £769, farfetch.com
Smeg espresso machine
Smeg needs no introduction – its range of covetable toasters, kettles and kitchen appliances are on practically every aspiring chef’s wishlist. This year, you can also add fashionistas to that roster, as the brand has teamed up with Dolce & Gabbana to create gorgeous versions of its gadgets inspired by the fashion house’s Blu Mediterraneo fragrance. We’ve got our eye on this intricately decorated espresso machine.
Smeg x Dolce & Gabban Blu Mediterraneo espresso machine, £1,249, harrods.com
Brunello Cucinelli desk globe
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones they absolutely don’t need but will definitely treasure – and Brunello Cucinelli’s minimalist desk globe falls squarely into this category. Handmade in sandstone by the brand’s artisans at its base in Solomeo, Italy and set on a Ktion wooden base, we can’t think of a chicer addition to their home office.
Brunello Cucinelli desk globe, £5,890, mrporter.com
Pullman Editions prints
Hankering after a little sunshine? The capital may not be able to deliver but Pullman Editions’ vintage travel posters promise to bring a hit of Vitamin D to any living space. Designed by illustrator and artist Charles Avalon, each poster is created as a limited edition of 280 and printed on 100 per cent cotton fine art paper for ultimate vibrancy. As well as the Maldives and the Taj Mahal, destinations cover the South of France, the Alps, Italy, Australia, Africa and London, among others, making for the perfect gift for those with more than a little wanderlust. Prints can be delivered to your home or, better yet, have Pullman’s experts frame it for you so it’s ready to hang straight away.
Taj Mahal poster, £420, pullmaneditions.com; Maldives poster, £420, pullmaneditions.com
Ercol chairs
The mid-century modern interior design trend shows no signs of abating and, when it comes to furniture, few brands offer pieces more authentic or covetable than Ercol. Founded in 1920 by Italian designer Lucian Ercolani, many of its designs, such as this Evergreen easy chair, hail from the 1950s while house signatures, including the curved legs and spindle back on the Aldbury occasional chair, are exemplary of the style. The ultimate in big-budget gifts.
Evergreen easy chair, from £1,980, ercol.com; Aldbury chair, from £1,340, ercol.com
1stDibs fruit bowl
The best home gifts combine luxury with practicality and few do this better than Matteo Cibic’s statement fruit bowl. Handmade in India, where Cibic works with local artisans to protect traditional craftsmanship techniques, its vibrant design blends Western artistic influences with classic Indian styles in a contemporary piece that’s a surefire icebreaker.
Matteo Cibic fruit bowl, £674, 1stdibs.com
Summerill & Bishop table linen
‘Tis the season for throwing spectacular seasonal soirees and, when it comes to show-stopping tablescapes, Summerill & Bishop’s stellar linens are always a good place to start. Spangled with shimmering gold stars, this 100 per cent Italian linen tablecloth and matching napkins offer a whimsical take on the traditional Christmas table.
Falling Stars linen napkin, £30, sumerillandbishop.com; Falling Stars linen tablecloth, from £625, summerillandbishop.com
Oka cocktail set
It is a sad truth that even the grandest London apartment rarely has space for a dedicated bar. If you’re buying for an aspiring mixologist, solve this issue with help of Oka’s beautiful tortoiseshell cocktail set. Rendering the essentials in boldly printed glass, four elegant martini glasses are accompanied by a chic cocktail shaker that just begs to be brought out for martini hour.
Tortoiseshell cocktail set, £105, oka.com
Our Place Perfect Pot
Founded in 2018 to offer high-quality cookware with an aesthetic edge, Our Place is giving Le Creuset a run for its money as the most coveted item in your kitchen. Launched earlier this year, the Perfect Pot combines a stockpot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, strainer, braiser, and spoon rest in one neat design that comes in a range of Instagram-friendly hues.
Our Place Perfect Pot, £140, selfridges.com
Jonathan Adler Venom rug
For stylish home accessories that still make a statement, Jonathan Adler’s range of eclectic throws, rugs and cushions can’t be beaten. We’re big fans of the Venom rug, which features an eye-catching dual snake motif against a seasonal emerald green backdrop. Even better, it’s fully machine-washable and stain-resistant so you needn’t worry about showing it off at your Christmas party.
Jonathan Adler Venom rug, from £119, ruggable.co.uk
Wedgwood
There’s nothing quite so decadent as a festive afternoon tea – especially when served on Wedgwood’s new Waterlily china collection. Part of the Wonderlust range, the design is inspired by the flora and fauna of countries across the globe, as well as classic waterlily designs found in the brand’s archive. The line is expansive but we think the teapot and cake stand make for the perfect set.
Waterlily teapot, £145, wedgwood.com; Wedgwood Waterlily cake stand, £128, selfridges.com
Read more: The best beauty and grooming Christmas gifts
