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Believe it or not, I’m by no means immune to the dodgy holiday buy.
Only a few weeks ago I found myself contemplating the purchase of a feather dreamcatcher on a family holiday to Crete. Thankfully I came to my senses, and ended up stuffing a couple of pink ceramics and some beautiful hand-made lace placemats into my suitcase instead.
On your next trip, try to steer yourself away from the mass crap and look for something with a bit of soul and history. If an appealing knick knack is being sold in four different shops in the same cute town, it’s generally not worth the suitcase space.
Leave the awkward logistics for the real gems. I once found a beautiful wire bin in New York, but the airline wouldn’t let me carry it on, so I wore it on my head and told them it was a hat.
If you’ve picked up some lovely coloured glassware — home or away — Rachel Vosper has a fill-your-own candle service that starts at £24. You hand over your chosen receptacle and she’ll sort the scent.
It’s a brilliant way to justify buying something pretty but not particularly practical. Her number seven scent is a summery blend of garden mint, citrus, geranium, cyclamen and rose.
Changing the sofa slipcovers is a classic season switch-up, but it feels like a faff, and if you’ve got a sexy vintage number you probably can’t remove the covers anyway.
I’m a big fan of swapping out the living room rug instead — especially as you can just roll it up and shove it in a cupboard. A big jute rug is the classic option for the warmer months, or try Sinclair Till for really lovely, flat-weave rugs in considered colourways.
Floral prints are a shortcut to summer vibes, but they can feel fussy or jarring against your scheme. Instead, go for closer, more abstract patterns in muted tones, or foliage prints.
For a seasonal update try something more transient, like bed linen — I love the new Tekla x Artek collab, which utilises Aino Aalto’s 1930s Kirsikankukka pattern inspired by cherry blossoms.
When in doubt, throw plants at the situation. This time of year you’re going for a sense of abundance, so think about options that will spill out of window boxes or climb quickly up the side of the house. Clifton Nurseries in Little Venice is my plant mecca.
Five of the best shops for summer buys
Matilda Goad
There’s something very sensible about Matilda Goad’s approach to colour, which draws on a really considered edit of 10 or so shades. This enamel serving dish (£26) is designed to match with her plates (£16), but if you buy one thing, make it the scallop linen napkins (£70 for four).
Alex Eagle Studio
Alex Eagle is a bit of an institution these days, and her shop is still as thoughtfully curated as it ever was. The range of Venetian Murano glassware, made with the murrina millefiori technique (from £65) feels special. They’ll make sure you get a good mix of colours if you go for a set.
Lorfords
This antiques haven in Tetbury always has great garden accessories, from sculptures and old urns to benches. Big antique terracotta pots start around £400 or, if you’re so inclined, I’ve spotted a striking Regency bench with a looped back (£4,250).
Wondering People
This online store is good for cute tableware. I’ve got my eye on the pair of porcelain shell candleholders by Peter Mears (£145), a mossy incense holder by Jessica Tremaine (£55) and a medieval style stoneware jug from Ola Lewczyk (£99).
Twentytwentyone
This design shop is my go-to for contemporary outdoor furniture. A favourite is HAY’s Crate range, which is gloriously chunky and far less ubiquitous than its hit Palissade design. The lounge chair (£242) comes in five colourways, including iron red.
