The festive season has crept upon us once again. Every year I think I’ve got plenty of time and then all of a sudden it’s three weeks until Christmas and I feel totally unprepared. How does that happen every year?! For me Christmas is all about giving and I love buying gifts for my nearest and dearest. I put a lot of thought into it to get the perfect gift for that someone special. So I thought I would share some of my fav gifts to give you some inspiration. So what are you waiting for? Time to get shopping... all from the confront of your sofa x 

1. The Smoke and Musk candle by Earl of East London is the perfect gift for any homebody. It reminds us of sitting by a log fire getting all snug and cosy. Available in two sizes, along with many other scents at House Curious.

2. Lily and Lionel leopard print pj’s. Calling all animal print lovers! These beautiful lightweight pj's are super stylish and comfy. These would make the perfect Christmas present and earn you some extra brownie points. I'm too impatient so I've already bought myself a pair and I’m totally in love.

3. Morning Noon Night: A Way of Living from Soho House follows their first book, Eat Drink Nap. The 300-page cloth-bound book invites readers behind the scenes at the Houses; following the day the Soho House way from the second you wake up to the moment you go to bed. This is perfect for any interior, food or drink lover.

4. Risotto gourmet gift set from Nicolas Vahé is now available at House Curious. It comes in a lovely gift box and the products look great in any kitchen. This would make the perfect gift for any style conscious, foodie loving family member or friend.

5. Laura Mercier Body Bath Crème Brulee. When you smell this you will literally want to eat it and rub it all over you. Not an exaggeration... it smells delectable!

6. Smoked Glass Brass Lamp from House Curious. For interior lovers, this super glam light would be the most wonderful gift to receive on Christmas day. 

7. Looking for something a bit different and unique? Then why not buy an experience for someone special? We have some great workshops available in February that will sure to brighten anyone's day. Our top pick is the Celebratory Cake and Floral Decoration Workshop. Great for baking enthusiasts and a lovely way to meet new people.

8. New to House Curious Nordic brand Meraki hand soap is a great stocking filler. Available in Bamboo Charcoal and Mangosteen. The perfect balance of beautiful Nordic design and craftsmanship. It also smells amazing!

9. Darley Avenue is a lifestyle and gifting online store and they have some beautifully curated gift boxes. Each product has been carefully selected to bring you the best standards of design, presentation, craftsmanship and quality. My favourite is the The Coco Rose Box, which I would personally love to receive... hint hint, nudge nudge. 

10. The Modern Preserver: Chutneys, pickles, jams and more... This cookery book is beautifully presented and includes both simple and natural homemade recipes.  Kyle Newton (Author) is a passionate self-taught preserver with stalls at London’s Broadway, Maltby Street and Peckham markets under the name Newton & Pott. She also runs some lovely workshops which I'm dying to attend. This is also on my Christmas wish list.

This week's culture fix is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit. We're sharing our top picks on where to feast, drink and shop. London has some great festive offerings, we're really spoilt for choice. The only problem is trying to choose which ones to go to. 

Enjoy,

Sommer x

Christmas feast... with a twist brought to you by Slap Ya Papa. The ultimate House Party is at St. Nick's gaff and is sure to get your Christmas vibe on. We're told he is throwing one hell of a party. There will be singing waitresses, the best of communal dining, foot stompin’ live music and lip smackin’ flavours from the deep south. Served up by the charmingly playful characters that make up Nick’s entourage. A joyful mishmash of the dilapidated bohemia of the deep south meets Vaudeville strip clubs, expect secret twinkling absinthe bars, chimneys like you’ve never seen them before and, of course, Nicky’s little grotto. For more info click here

Pop into.....The night before Christmas afternoon tea-party at Sketch Mayfair. I have always loved Sketch for it's creativity and gorgeous interiors and now they've gone all festive on us in the most magical way. Each room has had a festive makeover by artists, designers and florists; representing a chapter of Sketch’s Christmas tale. Even the iconic pod loos have been transformed with snow covered shrubs. To add to the festive spirit there’ll be live choirs and carollers performing every afternoon. For more information and tickets click here

Shop..... at the The London Illustration Fair. I'm excited about this one and I'm sure you will want to put this in your diary. There will be over 65 of the world’s hottest emerging illustrators, designers, print makers and publishers, so you'll be sure to get some inspiration to fill those Christmas stockings. There's going to be workshops, talks, performances, DJs and a fully stocked winter bar. So not only can you pick up a great gift but you also get to have fun whilst doing it. I would say this is the perfect way to do your Chrissy shopping. For more details click here

If you have any top picks this festive season please add your comment below. x

New to House Curious is our weekly culture fix; the hottest happenings at the weekend. The latest pop ups, gigs, interior crushes, blogs, restaurants and shops, you get the idea. If it's on our radar and we’re obsessing about it you'll hear about it! Here's your first fix.

See

Nocturnal Animals written and produced by Tom Ford. Beautifully shot and styled this harrowing revenge thriller with soul-searching drama is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is our favourite film of the moment! Watch it in style at the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. Plush sofas, cosy blankets, cheese and wine; it's the perfect way to watch this film. 

Read

The latest article from Segment magazine written by my friend Syreeta Challinger. It will move you to tears but also show you that as humans we can find strength and courage in the most brutal circumstances. A story of love and bravery I'm sure this will move and inspire you. You can also follow their story over at their blog, Moss - a moment of sense and style.

Eat

Pergola On The Roof Winer is back and they are set up for all types of British weather. Get cosy as you are transported into a Nordic-mystical forest dining scene, set 100 feet high under a canopy of holly, ivy and winter flowers and filled with some of London’s finest restaurants. They have a strong food lineup but you can't go with out trying Le Bao soft fluffy steamed buns! Try the pork belly and lamb buns - they are to die for. Click here for more info and tickets. See you on the roof.

Enjoy and stay curious,

Sommer x