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Elegant Gift Ideas for Partners with Tessuti's Ali McIntosh

Finding gifts for oneself is easy - go to Crane Brothers. But when one's looking for gift ideas for a significant other, things can sometimes become a little more complicated.

Luckily, Ali McIntosh, director of iconic Herne Bay homeware store Tessuti, has lent a helping hand, using her expert curator's eye to put together an edit of elegant gift ideas, perfect for partners.

We cede the floor to her!

Jewellery Box by Astier de Villate

I can't get past the craftsmanship of French ceramic house, Astier de Villatte. Made in collaboration with sculptor Serena Carone, this playful jewellery box is rendered in black terracotta clay and finished with a milky white glaze. It's utterly charming and always makes me smile.


Luisa Calice Glasses by R+D Lab

I love all of R+D Lab's glassware, their colours and detailing is highly considered, and you can feel all of that consideration when you use them. This pair in Cameo Pink is as much of a pleasure to hold and drink from as they are to admire on your table.

'Eau Chic' Eau de Cologne by Astier de Villate

A pure creation by Françoise Caron, this fragrance carries a subtle balance between ylang-ylang, crushed rose and mysterious tuberose. The carefully paired ingredients are wonderfully layered. Eau Chic is fresh and flirty - a perfect scent for summer.

Crésus Vase by Astier de Villate

The Crésus vase is proportionally interesting yet satisfyingly simple. It looks great on it's own as well as stuffed with fresh flowers. I find this vase a great height and diameter to achieve that perfect floral display.

Vase d'Avril by Tsé & Tsé Associées

This is a constant piece on my dining table. I love it's adaptability to display flowers either grouped or in rows. I even display fairy lights in them, too, for Christmas. If I ever need to gift to someone who is hard to buy for, I buy them this!

Margot Throw by Missoni Home

Iconic and timeless, Missoni Home is never a bad idea. Celebrated for their bold use of patterns and colour combinations, each piece is surprisingly easy to pair with. But it is the quality - the soft natural fibres in stunning fabrics and textures, that always wins me over.

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