HOT BRANDSCOOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2011

The Christmas Issue

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EDITOR’S LETTERLooking for Christmas Inspiration? Here in plenty of time for Christmas shopping, is our Christmas Issue. We have selected some fabulous companies from our Directory, to include in this issue to help you with your choices. We have exciting new companies joining us all the time. Everyone who is listed with us is normally featured in our magazines throughout the year, so also take time to browse the Directory if your favourite isn’t in this issue. As well as suggestions for gifts, we also feature some delightful books in this issue, either to read, or to give to others. We also have in our main site a collection of special discount offers for Christmas. If you are looking to do something different in 2012, we have inspiring interviews with people who have changed career, or have taken a new direction.

As this is our last online magazine for 2011 we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to both the magazine and to our newsletters, to our loyal clients for supporting us and to you our readers, who continue to give us such positive feedback. There will be newsletters right up to Christmas, but in advance we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and happy 2012! Kaye, Louise & the whole Hot Brands, Cool Places Team xxx

www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com

Picture Credits:

Front and back cover images courtesy of Gleneagles Hotels Ltd

www.gleneagles.com

Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.Inclusion in this feature does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

THE HANDPICKED COLLECTION

The Handpicked Collection is an award-winning collection of unique gifts and hidden gems, to make present buying a breeze. Every item has been vetted by a panel of experts, including lifestyle journalists and trendsetters, ensuring

every gift is something special.

www.handpickedcollection.com

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INTERVIEW

Hot Brands Cool Places talked to exciting new designer Clementine

James, Founder of Little Glass Clementine.

Glass Creations

What stages do you and your clients go through when you are creating a piece of jewellery for them?

Firstly we meet or if this is not possible we talk on the phone or via email.

What I try to create with Little Glass Clementine pieces are wearable works of art, that when worn spark the imagination and get the wearer to tell the many stories that are woven together.

This is why, even though I have a great selection of jewellery and gems for my clients to choose from - I also encourage them to include some of their own bits and pieces.

Maybe an old ring they don’t wear anymore or an earring they love but have lost the partner, an antique watch that no longer works, their grandmother’s brooch or even a shell they picked up on a beautiful walk along the coast.

These personal additions make their tailored necklace even more special. The process is often quite anthropological and often feels like creating a sculptural archive of history, heirlooms and jewels

If it is not possible to meet then I work with information I am given. Such as the person’s preferred colours, their favourite gemstones, their style and personality. Sometimes we look at necklaces that I have already made on my website that the client likes the style of and take inspiration from them.

After the consultation I make the piece in my studio in London, elegantly package the new creation and send it to the given address for it to live another thousand tales.

You have had an exciting 2011, what have been your highlights?

Exhibiting at London and Milan Fashion week were fantastic. To enter that world and see the incredible amount of creativity of other designers is so inspiring and to be representing British ethical fashion was a great honour. So too was being chosen as one of Selfridges Bright Young Things and being given a window dedicated to the world of Little Glass Clementine. But to be honest, nothing makes me happier than sitting with someone and collaborating a really unique piece of jewellery. It’s like creating a tactile journal of all that they love and all they represent. Like painting a portrait of them.

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What have been some of your favourite creations?

Oh, that is very difficult. One of my favourite pieces was an incredible commission for an American gentleman. It was for his wife’s wedding anniversary and he wanted turn of the century antiques, gold and diamonds. With the budget he gave to the piece it allowed me to frequent some of London’s most renowned jewellery quarters and antique dealers. It was a very elegant and special piece to make.

In contrast I once made a piece for a show that was made of hundreds of tiny twigs and pebbles wrapped in sea pearls– it was totally enchanting. I love juxtaposing precious and non-precious materials along side each other. I really believe that it is the importance we place upon something that makes it priceless, not its value. I love making wedding necklaces too. The necklaces are often filled with the Bride’s family jewellery and scattered with her own little treasures. And the process is such an exciting and important one. They always look breathtaking against a bride’s white dress.

If you were creating a piece of jewellery for yourself what treasures and memories would you include?

Well, my Grandmother has just given me a tiny antique glass bottle, with an elegant silver clasp. There is a label and these hand written macabre words are scrawled across it.

“ ‘It is very refreshing’… Papa’s last words as I held this to him”

The lid is screwed tightly shut and it seems that somebody’s last breath has been caught in the bottle! I adore this moment of history and I am eager to weave it into a piece for myself.

Do you make, or buy Christmas presents?

I always try to make presents. Other than making jewellery I love restoring and revamping furniture. I’m often picking up furniture I find on the street or in skips and repainting it or covering it in decoupage and then giving them always as presents. Making cards is one of my favourite things to do. I found an old book about insects and butterflies and all my cards at the moment are collages of these beautiful drawings.

What most excites you most about the future of Little GlassClementine in 2012?

I would love to continue getting recognised for my work and making more pieces and by doing this showing people that we can re-use what we have and still create something unique, new and beautiful.

http://www.littleglassclementine.co.uk/6

DESIGNERS GUILD

Designers Guild Christmas Collection: join us for an evening of Christmas Shopping, or win a Christmas shopping spree. Visit the flagship showrooms on the Kings Road and Marylebone High Street in London, concession in

Selfridges or shop the complete, stylish lifestyle online at

www.designersguild.com/uk-shop-online/shop-home

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MOLLY BROWN

Molly Brown London is the UK’s leading designer girls’ jewellery brand and with such a sterling reputation for class and quality; the jewellery is increasingly becoming a must-have brand for adults. The beauty of Molly Brown jewellery is its personal keepsake and timeless qualities, creating luxurious gifts sure to be treasured for a lifetime. Each gift can be tastefully wrapped with meticulous care in gorgeous Molly Brown packaging, making sumptuous gifts

for all occasions.

www.mollybrownlondon.com

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ELLA JAMES LIVING

Ella James have added an extensive Christmas range to their online offer including embroidered santa sacks , vintage advent calenders , silver pinecone wreaths and lucky barn stars . New for 2011 is the Ribbons and Wrap section which has printed christmas packing tape , personalised tags and unusual woven ribbons

for homespun gifts.

www.ellajamesliving.co.uk

The experience I had in retailing was invaluable. I was a buyer at 24 so costs, margins and negotiating were second nature to me. It taught me that to be successful in business we needed to be focussed on the profit and not be driven by just turnover. Small can be beautiful!

What have been some of your most amazing commissions?One of the most amazing jobs we did was Asprey’s 225 birthday party when we hung 600 deep purple arums from the ceiling with diamantes. The logistics were very challenging as we only had 2 hours to turn it around but the result was well worthwhile.

We were also involved with the launch of Blackberry when it first came out and that too was amazing with the combination of ice, silver wire and orchids.

At Christmas with the long break what are your recommendations for flowers that will retain their beauty? Amaryllis are quite wonderful when they are fully blown , also ilex berries on mass. I tend to go for flowers on mass and not mix them. They can look so much more impressive.

How would you like to see In Water Flowers develop in 2012?To work on some more fabulous events and weddings which we already have planned. We have recently launched the In Water bouquet collection on line which I think is a fabulous selection of designs and gives the customers an alternative to the standard bouquets available on the market.

What makes a perfect Christmas for you?When all our Christmas installations are completed and our customers are thrilled with the result.

http://www.inwaterflowers.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Claire Garabedian, Executive Director of In Water Flowers

INTERVIEWYou have worked with many of the top London department stores, what inspired you to move into floristry? I wanted to start my own business. I needed to find a formula that made good business sense which required taking a low risk. I did not want to stay in retail but wanted to be involved with design using my retail skills and learn about a new industry. Floristry is a fascinating industry and the more I have got involved the more fascinated I am by the way it works.

How does this experience help you in running In Water Flowers?

BELLE AND BOO

Belle and Boo is a wonderful world of childhood innocence full of whimsy and delight. From homewares to stationery this delightful pair, along with a few of their

friends, will transform any nursery or playroom into a childhood wonderland.

www.belleandboo.com

GIFT LIBRARY

For anyone looking for the perfect gift for loved-ones this Christmas, look no further than Gift-Library.com – the bespoke online service providing select luxury gifts for all the family! Find the latest gadgets for dad, fashion accessories for

sister, homeware for mum, toys for nephew.

www.gift-library.com

Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Priscilla Carluccio, Founder of Few and Far for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

Eclectic Shopping

What made you decide to open Few and Far?

A challenge of opening a personal shop after working on multiples.

What freedom does Few and Far give you?

I wanted to create a shop that was different, not aimed at any socio-economic group, but based on an eclectic point of view, ‘more like the way people live in their own homes’

Few and Far gives me the opportunity to showcase a collection of personal items for sale found from the huge bank of artisanal makers and new found skills that I have amassed over a life time of being in the retail business.

The shop was created to inspire and stimulate customers - prices are very wide; one pound for a ring to £10,000 for a storage piece. Our shop is on the Brompton Road in London and it is intended to be somewhere that is very comfortable to be - staff welcome you, offer tea or coffee, talk to you knowledgeably about the products and wrap everything carefully in handmade paper. This is not a conventional shop - it’s somewhere to enjoy and to find something that hopefully you will treasure for a very long time.

What have been some of your favourite finds?

Many - New and Old from India, Morocco and South of France.

A surprising mix of carefully made clothing collections from India - France - Morocco - Italy - the Faroe Islands - Mongolia and the UK, Artisans that are known to us worldwide also make jewellery, table top and toys with play value.

What recommendations do you have from your collection for unique Christmas presents?

That’s really difficult - because it is aimed at many people - with different price ranges and vintage and new products. Lots of glass for a glittering table- some wonderful huge mirrored glass vases from India, old pieces such as plates-from France- linen from Romania and wooden milk ‘jugs’ from the Ukraine.

Our new website has more than 100 products. You can now pay online and delivery is within 3-4 working days. All parcels are carefully gift wrapped. We make it easy and inspiring to shop for Christmas by visiting our shop, by telephone or online at www.fewandfar.net

How would you like Few and Far to develop in 2012? Do you have any exhibitions, or other happenings planned during 2012?

More customers! Also in 2012 we have a great ‘give and take’ sale for January with a percentage going to St. Mungo’s Charity.

How will Few and Far be celebrating in the run-up to Christmas? Are you having any special events?

By being helpful and kind to all our customers.

We have held an opera evening in association with the ENO - a talk with the curator of the V&A’s ‘The Power of Making’ exhibition and a customer day with card making, fun music and good food and drink.

We also wrap all parcels so that means the customer takes away the gift-wrapped present!

http://www.fewandfar.net/

CURIOUS COCO

Here at Curious Coco we’re passionate about offering children’s gifts that are truly special. Our goal is to provide high quality gifts that will be treasured for

years to come. More than anything, we want you to feel inspired!

www.curiouscoco.com

LITTLE BEVAN

Little Bevan’s enchanting boutique offers a wonderful choice of their own occasion wear, and an enticing selection of seasonal ready-to-wear for babies, boys and girls. Visit our Pimlico shop and get your Christmas shopping off to a merry start!

10% discount in-store off all winter children’s ready-to-wear 1st - 8th Dec.

www.littlebevan.co.uk

SMALLABLE

Dedicated to kids between the ages of 1 month and 12 years old, SMALLable is the fashion and design concept store bringing together over 200 brands and 5000 products hand-picked from across the globe. Not only you will find an assortment of clothes, shoes and accessories, but also furniture and decoration

for your children’s room.

www.smallable.com

SCARLET & ARGENT

Scarlet & Argent is a timeless collection of lifestyle accessories created for the home. Taking inspiration from our rich British heritage, we weave together our love of luxury, passion for design and fresh, modern thinking to create what we

like to call, contemporary classics.

www.scarletandargent.co.uk

LUIGI’S

Chelsea’s favourite deli will soon be dispatching its irresistible Italian goodies all over the country – including a huge array of special Christmas gift boxes and hampers. There are spicy hampers, chocolate hampers and hampers for parties as well as gifts for foodies in search of the ultimate gastronomic experience. You

can even create your own bespoke box of treats – filling it with whatever you want!

www.luigismailorder.com

INTERVIEW

We were delighted to talk to Rachel Rowlands, Co-Founder of Rachels, and Lucy Hyder, Head Chef at the

Buxted Park Hotel

Rachel Rowlands

Why did you develop the Rachel’s brand?

I was brought up on a farm near Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales, and helped out there from a very young age, and absolutely loved everything about farming. Myself and my husband Gareth founded Rachel’s Organic in the early 80s because we believed passionately in the benefits of organic food. At the time there was nothing like the market for organic food that exists at the moment, but we thought that if people understood more about food production and organic farming, they would want to buy our dairy products. Our ideas were basically simple, we wanted to produce and distribute fresh wholesome, healthy organic food in harmony with nature - without using unnatural pesticides. I think we all appreciate quality, especially in what we eat, and we’re really proud that Rachel’s products have become so popular.

Can you tell us more about the ‘Moments’ concept?

Rachel’s ‘Moments’ campaign encourages people to take time out to reconnect with themselves. I believe it is very important to take a break during the day and have some ‘me’ time, especially since we all lead such hectic lives today. My special ‘moment’ is when I have been busy, stressed or unwell, I go for a walk over the farm to enjoy the magnificent views and connect with the animals in our care, and then return to our kitchen and enjoy Rachel’s natural yogurt on my homemade muesli, which I know contributes to my vitality and inner sense of wellbeing.

What have been your highlight moments in the last twelve months?

One of my highlights was definitely meeting Prince Charles at Highgrove earlier this year. He visited the dairy originally in 1998 so it was great to see him again and discuss how far we’ve come since his last visit – he also asked about the family and we discussed our shared love of organic produce! Being the ambassador for the True Taste awards this year was also fantastic fun, I really enjoyed the ceremony itself and all the activites that went with being the ambassador for such great awards.

What are your ambitions for 2012?

To be healthy and happy, spend time with my family and watch the Rachel’s brand continue to grow.

Lucy Hyder

What inspired you to become a chef?

I used to love cooking as a kid, I would cook with friends when I was ten –nothing adventurous, just biscuits and cakes mainly. We would pretend to be on telly and we were chefs talking people through recipes.

Then I would cook a lot with my father. He is a very good cook. He can make anything from scratch and it’s never too much trouble. On a weekend I would decide what country we would visit and cook about four or five different dishes from that country. I would spend days in the kitchen.

I never thought about becoming a chef. I wanted to go into hotel management and was advised to do a stint in the kitchen – you’ll need to know how the kitchen functions to be able to manage every department of a hotel. I got the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne in their fine dining restaurant, The Mirabelle. I have never left the Kitchen since.

What are some of the challenges of being a Head Chef, and what do you enjoy most?

There are many challenges you face as a Head Chef. Firstly finding good reliable staff – the catering industry moves so quickly so people are always coming and going. Paperwork I always find a challenge. There are never enough hours in the day to complete what is required of you and also operate a kitchen that never sleeps really.

The rise in food prices while trying to achieve budgets is what I find difficult at the moment. As prices rise across the board it’s difficult to meet these margins while still maintaining high standards and value for money. It keeps us and suppliers on their toes always sourcing the best ingredients for the cheapest price. I love my job though because of so many things. Cooking to me doesn’t feel like a job. Don’t get me wrong, some nights when I finish I know it’s been a hard day but cooking is an art and every day I get to be creative.

You meet so many different people in this industry and to be honest you have to be slightly special to work when everyone else is enjoying themselves. It means that you meet some wonderful characters from people all over the world. Finally every day is different, not one day is ever the same. It keeps things interesting, fresh and exciting. Being a Chef is a challenge but I love it.

Chefs often have a notoriously intensive working day, what do you look forward to on your days out of the kitchen?

On my days out of the kitchen I enjoy a simple life. I love gardening and grow my own vegetables. My Mum and step father have been doing it for years and I think it’s now in my blood. So you’ll quite often find me pottering around the garden. There is nothing more satisfying than eating something you’ve grown yourself. I also love cooking. It’s completely different cooking at home, a glass of wine in hand and no time pressure. Quite often you’ll find I’ll serve dinner about an hour behind schedule but on a day off, what’s the rush? I love to go out for dinner though. I’m sure this is more preferable than cooking. About once every six months me and my partner will go somewhere good. I’m like a child at Christmas – I get excited by being in a restaurant. Good wine, good food, good service. I don’t mind spending money on good food because I know what goes into it. My partner and I also love long walks. I live in the middle of the countryside and love the great outdoors. We go for long strolls and stop to forage. He knows a lot more about it than I do so he is teaching me. It’s great though to stumble across wild garlic or mushrooms. Food for free, tastes fabulous. What would you recommend for a nourishing and warming November Meal?

For me it has be Navarin of Lamb. The braised Lamb is so tender. The carrots, turnips and potatoes all cook in the pot adding to and absorbing the flavours. The onions, garlic and tomato all marriage so well with the hint of paprika and marjoram. I don’t think you can beat it. However I did make a beef stew the other day with smoked bacon and thyme dumplings. It was good, very good. Lucy Hyder, head chef at the Buxted Park hotel from the Hand-Picked Hotels group, has teamed up with Rachel’s on its new ‘Moments’ campaign, which encourages people to take time out to reconnect with themselves and ‘find their Rachel’s moment’. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/rachelsorganic.

FOUND HOME STORE

Found’s 2012 Xmas collection is an eclectic mix which we believe reinforces our aim to bring design-led items with character & soul but without the designer price

tag available to all. Enjoy!

www.foundhomestore.co.uk/collections/Xmas

IDYLL HOME

At Idyll Home we have always been excited about finding beautiful and interesting furnishings for our home, but rarely find the shops that sell those things! Whether it be beautiful hand block printed cushions from India, recycled furniture or

Hamman soaps, it is always a thrill to find a new and unique product.

www.idyllhome.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HOT READS

CHRISTMAS HOT READSA Front Row Seat - Kirstin SinclairForeword by Erin O’Connor

Synopsis: A rare glimpse into the life of the people setting the trends and making the fashions. Features a foreword by British supermodel Erin O’Connor. It presents seven years of documentary catwalk shots from New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Key icons from the fashion industry: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and also newcomers such as Agyness Deyn, Lily Cole, Gareth Pugh, Scarlett Johanssen.

Launched in November 2011 at the Catwalk to Cover exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum. Kirstin’s work will be showcased at the exhibition alongside that of three other photographers.

“I am rarely front of house, I am always backstage. The adrenaline is amazing; placing the hats just-so, tweaking a veil, shoving in another flower, crossing my fingers and praying that my confections don’t fall off! Those last moments as the girls line up backstage is the most exciting time of the entire creative process; six months condensed into a few seconds; like bolts of lightning speeding onto the runway. This book captures that moment.” Stephen Jones OBEThrough a series of candid photographs taken over the last seven years A Front Row Seat offers an insight into the chaos that makes up the extraordinary world of fashion shows. Covering all the elements that make up the catwalk shows - Backstage, Front Row, Catwalk and Street Style - the book allows the reader to be a ‘fly on the wall’ and see the reality of the fashion world.

With quotations from industry professionals - make up artists, hair stylists, models, editors, designers and bloggers - this title examines how fashion is expressed and recorded in today’s world of social networking and blogging, the popularity of which has facilitated the layperson’s ability to break into the fashion world.

Firmly in tune with the current vibe and with a definite London edginess, A Front Row Seat is a sensational design statement in itself. Kirstin Sinclair is a well-known photographer on the catwalk circuit and street style scene and between fashion seasons shoots fashion in the Studio and on location. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Elle, Elle Collections and Grazia Magazines, as well as on www.elleuk.com www.vogue.co.uk www.graziadaily.co.uk www.netaporter.com and www.asos.com

Meylan also uncovered almost 200 order books and 150 letters. It is these ‘Secret Archives’ that have enabled him to reveal the fascinating history of Boucheron and his extraordinary, colourful clientele.

Vincent Meylan is responsible for the ‘history and royalty’ pages in the French women’s weekly Point de Vue. He is also a specialist in precious stones and in ‘haute joaillerie’. He is the author of several biographies and of Queens’ Jewels (Assouline, 2005).

http://www.antiquecollectorsclub.com

Boucheron - The Secret Archives - Vincent MeylanSynopsis: The House of Boucheron represents one of the great Parisian jewellers of the last 150 years. Founder, Frédéric Boucheron opened his first shop in 1858. Many of his clients were not women of society, but femmes fatales of the demi-monde. Nonetheless, his skill with precious stones and his absolute discretion made him a favourite of both courtesans and princes. In turn his business flourished allowing him to move to the famous Place Vendôme in 1892.

Having been given unprecedented access to the Boucheron vaults, the book’s author, Vincent Meylan, made some remarkable discoveries. Perhaps the most significant was a register labelled ‘Book of Stones’. It is a record of all the precious stones that have entered Boucheron’s stock; diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and pearls are all indexed according to weight, price and, most importantly, who bought and sold them.

She has also worked with clients such as Louis Vuitton, Topshop, Miss Selfridge and The Fashion and Textile Museum.

http://www.antiquecollectorsclub.com

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictThis is a fabulous book, Kirstin Sinclair has captured the whole essence of the major fashion weeks. ‘Although many of my photographs feature very recognizable faces, they are a much freer style of image compared to the highly polished shots that we are used to seeing on magazine covers and in editorials. They are instinctive reactions to my surroundings at the time and so, to moments in fashion history’ Kirstin Sinclair

The contents include: Foreword; The Front Row; The Fashion Editors; The Catwalk; The Designers; The Fashion Buyers; Backstage; Street Style; Model Style; Bibliography. ‘Catwalk shows represent a direct dialogue with designers with their purest vision for the clothing they’ve designed for each season’ Kate Lanphear Senior Style Director Elle USA. The images are stunning, and the content is absolutely fascinating, a wonderful behind the scenes opportunity to fully appreciate all the elements that make up a catwalk show. Highly Recommended! A perfect gift for any fashion lover!

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictThis fabulous book includes original design sketches, black and white archive images and sumptuous colour photographs of the exquisite Boucheron creations, including a beautiful collection of tiaras. The chapter describing the ‘Book of Stones’ is absolutely fascinating, and the whole book is rich in detail. It is an amazing collection of the most beautiful jewellery. Highly recommended! A perfect gift of any lover of jewellery.

Cooking with Chocolate-Edited by Frédéric Bau with foreword by Pierre Hermé and contributions from L’École du Grand Chocolat Valrhona

Synopsis: This is an essential book for the home cook.Cooking with Chocolate opens with a ‘how to use this book’ instructional chart and follows with 100 fundamental step-by-step techniques, starting with chocolate basics and on to bonbon fillings, decorations, pastry doughs and sponges, creamy textures, mousses, ice creams, sorbets and sauces, and mastering further techniques.

Methods are explained with text and photographs. There is an educational section which discusses ‘the secrets of good chocolate’, ‘storing chocolate’ ‘chocolate myths’ and so forth. The Recipes have eight glorious sections and over 100 recipes, including the great classics, tarts and tartlets, individual indulgences, teatime treats, iced desserts, special occasions, candies and confections and new trends.

The book is completed with practical resources, visual dictionaries of basic kitchen equipment and commonly used ingredients, tips for conserving chocolate and much more. There is also an instructional 90-minute DVD containing fourteen techniques and how-to visuals.

About the AuthorFrédéric Bau, respected chocolatier is the creative director and executive chef of L’École du Grand Chocolat Valrhona. Pierre Hermé internationally renowned French patissier contributed to Paris Patisseries (Flammarion, 2010)and is author of several cookbooks. Clay McLachlan’s photographs were featured in French Cooking (Flammarion, 2010). L’École du Grand Chocolat Valrhona is a world-renowned pastry and chocolate cooking school.Published by Flammarion www.amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictThis is an amazing book, absolutely packed with practical advice,it is like a series of master-classes showing you how to create the most mouth-wateringly delicious chocolate creations. Every aspect of chocolate is covered, the photography is beautiful, and you can almost taste the chocolate creations. In addition there is a really helpful DVD explaining in more detail some of the techniques. This book is an absolute tour de force, if you love chocolate you will adore this book. Highly Recommended! A wonderful Christmas gift!

OSKIA SKINCARE

This Christmas, British luxury skincare brand OSKIA launches its series of stunning white embossed Gift Boxes. Showcasing a variety of their award-winning products, these make perfect pampering presents for loved ones and range

from from £60 to £125.

www.oskiaskincare.com/products

COGNOSCENTI

Cognoscenti living’s online boutique is full of unique, individual, artisan products to fill your life with beauty, style and great taste. That’s why we hand select

products to sell from local and international artisans.

www.cognoscentiliving.com

ANCIENNE AMBIANCE

Specialising in luxury goods that make perfect holiday gifts - Ancienne Ambiance produces the finest hand-poured scented candles, made from the most precious ingredients in the world. You’ll also find delicious Christmas candles with traditional

fragrances, fabulous gift sets & jewellery collections.

www.AncienneAmbiance.com

BY ELISE

At By Elise texture and shape is paramount to each design and at times she creates pieces that have a sense of drama making them truly eye catching. The

media have described it as “Classic with a Twist”.

www.byelise.com

REVIEWSFrom Season to Season Sophie Dahl

Synopsis: Continuing where her hugely successful Voluptuous Delights left off, best selling author Sophie Dahl offers up a seasonal almanac of bountiful dishes alongside warm food-filled memories and musings.

Taking a gastronomic journey through the seasons, from the Victorian Beeton era to a recent sodden Parisian evening, Dahl captures the smoke filled days of Autumn with a nostalgic Squash and Parmesan soup, the blooming warmth of an English garden in high summer with Grilled Peaches with Pistachios and Ricotta; and the burgeoning beginnings of Spring with a Butter Lettuce, Lobster and Crayfish Salad. Bursting with moreish yet nutritious recipes for budding foodies and seasoned gourmets alike, stunning photography and Sophie’s delightfully quirky illustrations, this latest offering promises pleasure, indulgence and of course, simple, good food.

www.amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictBeautifully produced, this book by Sophie Dahl, is full of delicious recipes for all seasons, starting with Autumn, followed by Winter, Spring and Summer. Each season has recipes for breakfast, lunches and dinner as well as a special section devoted to puddings. Christmas Sugar Plum Syllabubby Mess is delightful for this time of year, as is the Armagnac Apricot Pannacotta. Other delicious recipes include The Sheriff’s Marinated Lamb, Stuffed Blini and Scrambled Eggs, or the indulgent, Fish Fingers with Tartare Sauce and Mushy Peas. A perfect Christmas gift.

Winter on the Farm - Matthew Evans

Synopsis: Join chef, food critic and author of the hugely successful food bible, The Real Food Companion, Matthew Evans, as he embraces winter with more than 85 warming recipes - from Winter Potato and Bacon Soup, and Stout, Beef Shin and Mushroom Pie to an exceptionally delicious Kentish Cherry and Elderflower Fruit Pudding.

Matthew grows much of his own produce on his farm in Tasmania, also the setting for his popular TV series ‘The Gourmet Farmer’, where he cooks these cosy feasts on his wood fired stove as the temperature drops outside. Winter on the Farm is the ultimate guide to cooking nourishing and hearty food, and will inspire you to create these rich, wonderful flavours as soon as you feel a winter chill in the air.

www.amazon.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places VerdictThis book is full of heartwarming foods for the winter, the photography is absolutely stunning, divided into Sleep-in food, Substantial soups, Sturdy dishes, Rib-sticking meals, Winter vegetables, Pudding and things to eat while drinking tea, Hot Drinks and a nibble.

Some of the mouth-watering recipes include, Ross’s twice-cooked pork shoulder, White Wine roasted chicken, Macadamia and golden syrup butternut biscuits, Caramel Pear Upside-Down Cake. Delicious, comforting foods to keep you warm and toasty during the winter.

A perfect gift for Christmas!

CONDE NAST JOHANSENS

From castles in Scotland to exotic spas in the Indian Ocean, Condé Nast Johansens recommends an unequalled collection of the very best luxury hotels, luxury spas and luxury villas throughout the world. Our gift vouchers make the perfect present and can be used at any of the recommended properties in our guides on everything from accommodation, to fine dining and relaxing spa treatments. Plus to help the lucky owner decide where to spend them, for every £100 worth of vouchers you purchase, we’ll send you a guide book of your choice

absolutely free!

Order your Condé Nast Johansens Gift Vouchers https://www.alliance-media.org.uk/JohansensVouchers/ by 22nd December

to ensure delivery in time for Christmas.

Luxury Hotels: http://www.johansens.com/hotels?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP Luxury Spas: http:/www.johansens.com/hotels?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP

Luxury Villas: http://www.johansens.com/luxury-spas?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP

Condé Nast Johansens - from the publisher of Condé Nast Traveller, Vogue,

GQ, House & Garden

GLENEAGLES

Christmas at Gleneagles Hotel is a truly unique experience – an all inclusive luxury break at a time of year when the historic 5 star hotel comes alive with a magical air... crackling fires, twinkling lights, and the finest Scottish hospitality. In a beautiful setting in the highlands of Scotland, Gleneagles is the ultimate Christmas retreat

for four days of festive luxury.

www.gleneagles.com

Luxury Hotels: http://www.johansens.com/hotels?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP Luxury Spas: http:/www.johansens.com/hotels?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP

Luxury Villas: http://www.johansens.com/luxury-spas?utm_source=HBCP&utm_medium=xmas&utm_campaign=HBCP

INTERVIEW

Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Angela Dodd, Assistant Buyer - Home & Christmas Decorations for Paperchase.

Paperchase has been in existence for over 40 years, how has the brand evolved over that period?

Paperchase is now firmly established as the top destination for customers looking for new and different gifts, cards and stationery. Products are well priced offering customers good value for money across ranges of exciting and innovative designer stationery and accessories. The collections are constantly changing so there is always something new to browse and buy, keeping customers keen to find out what’s coming next. Paperchase is a reliable brand with a loyal following.

Much of our merchandise is exclusive and new products arrive in-store every month making Paperchase the perfect destination for birthdays, weddings and special occasions from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and everything in between. The company has more than 120 outlets in the UK as well as stores in Ireland, Denmark, Holland and the Middle East. There are Paperchase concessions in selected House of Fraser and Waterstones stores as well as Selfridges and Harrods.

What have been the highlights for the brand in the last 12 months? Our new online store launched in September 2010 offering a large selection of our products across all our categories from new collections to firm favourites. During 2011 this has grown and developed and now is an integral part of the Paperchase offer.

We have also opened 13 new stores this year making Paperchase more accessible to shoppers and Paperchase followers nationwide. A lot of time is spent searching for the right location in the heart of the city centre, busy areas with a lifestyle feel and shopping centres.

When do you normally buy for Christmas and how do you predict a trend?

The buying cycle for Xmas begins with the Far East trip in October a year in advance. I decide on the themes we’ll have in-store, source the designers and manufacturers and manage the production process.

Fashion plays a part too, for 2011 pewter shades are in plus red, blue and silver for the forthcoming Olympics.

What are some of your favourites in this season’s collection?

Our glass character hanging decorations, which are exclusive to Paperchase, will be on my tree. The zebra in a tutu and monkey are some of my favourites as are the multi coloured sequin baubles as they sparkle. The glitter slogan glass baubles are also fun.

What is your style when you are decorating your own home for Christmas? I usually pick my favourite bauble and then work a theme around it, so it will be very multi coloured this year. The main thing is to have fun and don’t worry about it all matching.

What makes a perfect Christmas for you?

A beautifully decorated house and enjoying get togethers with friends and family. As I work on Christmas for most of the year I have 2 Christmas’, my work Christmas and the official Christmas, it never ends for me which is perfect!

www.paperchase.co.uk

HOT BRANDSCOOL PLACES

www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year