Now that Teddington's festive lights have been switched on, I
think that we are all getting more into the idea that Christmas is
just around the corner!
Last Thursday
evening's festivities meant that Teddington was busy until well
into the evening; and it was lovely to see so many people in the
store buying gifts, filling in their Wish Lists and enjoying a
glass of wine with friends in the relaxing space we have created on
our first floor.
We believe that keeping things simple and beautiful is the best
way to get through the festive season. So, sticking to our
principles, you will not see very much in the way of tinsel in the
store! But you will find plenty of gift ideas.
The candle market is certainly a saturated one, but quality
shines through in the glass or ceramic votives by Astier de
Villatte. Inspired by the fragrances you might encounter in
different parts of the world; be transported to Brasil, Delhi,
Naples... Thanks to the woven cotton wick of these vegetable
wax candles, they burn durably and flawlessly for about 45 hours.
The beautifully hand-crafted ceramic lids, which are sold
separately, transform a simple candle into a lovely ornament and
keep the candle dust-free when it is not burning. My personal
favourites are Mantes la Jolie which has fresh citrus mixed with
eucalyptus, and I burn Anchorage which really does take me to that
"snow-covered landscape". Friends tell me that even my home smells
of TCS!
Jewellery is a great gift choice, and at TCS you will discover
something that is at once contemporary and timeless whether it is
our exclusive, limited edition Kirt Holmes for TCS jewellery which
mixes vintage style with modern Swarovski crystals, or Bark's
Herkimer diamond collection really could become heirlooms....
When it comes to beautiful and simple
clothes, I think garments hand crafted from fabrics such as
cashmere and silk are hard to beat. Kristensen du Nord has all but
made it into an art; taking these natural fibres and producing
eminently wearable but soft dresses, cardigans & leggings.
These are not pieces to be saved for special occasions. Although
there is a certain delicacy that has to be respected, these
washable garments are designed not only to look amazing all day,
but the simply beautiful fabric will keep the wearer feeling lovely
all day as well. Now that's a gift I wouldn't mind receiving!
Vote for TCS
Don't forget to vote for us in the Telegraph's Best Small Shops
in Britain Awards 2011 with a closing deadline of midnight on
Monday 5th December 2011 & the link for voting is as
follows: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/shopawards