Curious Christmas greetings

Forget the Adoration of the Magi, Christmas has become a time for all things kitsch and over the top. Last year we sent you Christmas greetings from Chelsea.

This year ShopCurious brings tidings of glad joy from wonderfully olde worlde Fulham. Yes, there was snow in London very recently, but as far as I’m aware, it’s never looked quite like this…

Other curiously quirky Christmas touches I’ve spotted recently include:









Crazy Christmas lights in the backstreets of Battersea.










A knitted nativity scene.








Timelessly thought provoking children’s art.











A stuffed stag's head decoration (from my guest loo).









A curious Christmas icon from Mexico (looks Christmassy whether it is or not).






My mother’s Christmas cake – purely ornamental and totally excessive as no one ever eats it, but she insists on baking one every year - and probably has several from Christmases past rotting in tins at home. And not forgetting all the peculiarly coloured festive drinks (read more about my experience of these over at The Dabbler).









Anyway, for those who are curious, I can confirm that Father Christmas didn't quite make it back to the North Pole - due to the snow he got stuck in Fulham.

Wishing you a fabulously curious Christmas Day wherever you are.

Are you?

Affordable little luxuries

I’ve already mentioned the ‘lipstick factor’ – the theory that when times get tough, many seek comfort in small purchases. Now here’s my list of affordable little luxuries from ShopCurious ... At £15.00 or less, these are perfect Christmas gift ideas, but also great to simply brighten up the gloomy winter days:


This mini coffret with cushion and room spray (right) by Catherine Masson contains a scented parcel for your wardrobe, together with a leafy green fragranced refreshing room spray.

Ideal as an unusual gift to take along to your neighbours’ Christmas drinks party.





Give this lipstick pouch with pen as a quirky stocking filler that’s useful too, or cash in on the ‘lipstick factor’ by buying three individual colour Colorsport lipstains for the special Christmas offer price of only £13.50 – (a veritable bargain as the rrp of each lipstick is currently £5.25).






These scented wardrobe sachets with a cute white flower smell divine. They’re already packed in a stylish black and gold gift box that arrives ready to pop under the tree. Alternatively, spice up your home with these sachets topped with a seasonal Christmas red rose.








If there’s someone special in your life, why not treat them to a luxurious First Kiss lined notebook, or if they’re ‘just a good friend’ how about a Green Bridge journal?







Your best friend might like some jewellery. How about an Aventure retro bangle (left) – available in a variety of unique designs. Or for a fashion conscious male friend, what about a leather and shell men’s bracelet? Then you can borrow it to wear around your ankle - perfect for beach holidays!







Finally, why not dress up your festive table with a pair of luxury rose bud napkin rings, adorned with ripe blue berries and pretty foliage. They’d also make a unique token of appreciation for your host if you’re not dining at home this Christmas.





I have a curious feeling that you’re itching to treat yourself to a little something right now…

Are you?