It’s inadequate to call Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation: A Century of Goldsmith’s Art – a book.

It is a work of art in its own right. What a gift to present to someone for Christmas, or any time of year. In fact, keep it for yourself.

In the throwaway world of today, where bling is bought and carelessly discarded, the treasures within this beautifully created book defy any thoughts of ‘throwaway’ anything. This is art that someone has been privileged to wear. Art designed by a craftsman.

Rosa Maria Bresciani Buccellati, the wife of the complicated and gifted Gianmaria, tells us that Gianmaria often said, ‘a jewel is a way of keeping memory alive’ and for her, this book evokes many such memories.

Gianmaria Bucceliati Foundation: A Century of Goldsmith’s Art is an exquisitely illustrated story of the famous international fashion house. It traces the history of goldsmith and jewelry art, in the treasures of the Buccellati Foundation designed by Mario and Gianmaria Buccellati, heirs to the illustrious Italian tradition which flourished during the Renaissance.

Called the ‘prince of goldsmiths’ by Gabriele d’Annunzio, Mario Buccellati created new unique and personal works inspired by Renaissance traditions. He is credited with making the ‘Buccellati style’ famous around the world.

This book reveals the story of a fashion dynasty appreciated by members of ruling houses, popes and intellectuals alike.

Gianmaria had a deep respect for his artisans and for the art of the goldsmith. He believed that beauty is a resource that can never be quickly discarded, and that true beauty is something that not only endures, but remains, forever, timeless.

This book proves the theory.

Length 320 pages. Binding fabric hardcover. Price £70.00

The aim of this remarkable charity to is to provide palliative and end of life care based around the patients and their families – at home – day and night.

I know several who have had their relatives cared for in this way and the Rennie Grove palliative care team has made an unbearable situation, bearable.

Here in Downley, we have one of their charity shops. Under the auspices of manager, Jo, ably assisted by Lucy and a team of volunteers, it is a sight for sore eyes. The window displays are always spot on, and the donated goods are of the highest quality. And the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I am frequently to be found there, taking a break from writing my latest novel, and poking about, finding gems.

Do not forget to use charity shops this year. People say they can’t afford Christmas, but perhaps they can if they stick their heads into their local charity shops. They are so often Aladdin’s Caves, and while you’re choosing, don’t forget that you are helping those in need.

To donate, or learn more about the charity

http://www.renniegrove.org

As the festive season gets under way this year and more Christmas cards will be sent via email than ever before, many of us are left craving the personal touch. A notification has ‘pinged’ as I type this. letting me know who I am buying for in our family secret Santa, not the traditional start to the festivities.

The old adage ‘It’s the thought that counts’ feels more relevant than ever, so let’s focus less on the mass produced and more on the personal. But how do you find a gift that stands in its own right as well as allowing you to personalise for that special person in your life.

Button & Wilde have the answer, they are offering a new, unique, luxury bath and body range where you can customise, personalise and design your own gift.

Choose from the decadent range of bath and body products; from Hand Butter at £8.99 to the Body Crème £14.99, these are great value for money and are brilliant for that stocking filler or Secret Santa for the office.

The range is Available in six signature fragrances; Wild Citrus Rose, Tarocco Orange & Nutmeg, Wild Fig & Grape, Lavender, Geranium & Chamomile, Sweet Beet Lime & Cedarwood, Infused Citrus Spice.

Once you’ve selected your product, you then design the front label, the options are endless; upload a photo, a pattern, or use one of our templates – then add a personal message. I will be uploading a picture of our cheeky 4 month old daughter Delilah to send to the grandparents.

My favourite bit is that each individual order is beautifully gift wrapped in tissue and comes in a cotton gift bag so looks positively designer. With delivery as quick as the next day you can’t go wrong.

www.buttonandwilde.com

Really truly, wine does enhance a meal. Frost has tried these recently, and they slid down beautifully. In fact, we’ve started another bottle of the Max Reserva for ‘Him Indoor’s’ birthday.

Cune Reserva 2013 (Rioja)

RRP: £15.55

Stockists: Whole Foods, Luvians Bottleshop, Hailsham Cellars, Waitrose Ltd, Majestic Wine Warehouse Ltd

We thought this wine had a rich, deep hint of sweet spice and red autumn fruit accompanied by a fine and complex palate, making a great winter warmer.  It worked well with Camembert and crackers, but would work equally well with roast beef. 

Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

RRP: £14.90

Stockists: Hailsham Cellars, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose

We haven’t tried many Chilean wines but this was smooth and highly acceptable, with a heavy hint of blackcurrant, and reminded us of some of the best West Australian Margaret River wines, (which seldom leave the country because they are drunk pretty quickly) because it was aged in oak. Sensible souls, the Australians. Very nice with our  mature, strong cheese tray – the wine, not the Australians.

Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin à Vent 2013

RRP: £18.00

Stockists: Fenwick, Haslemere Wine Merchants, Fresh and Wild TA Whole Foods Mkt Camden, Campbell Moore Ltd, Hailsham Cellars, Fountainhall Wines, Taurus Wines Ltd, Hedonism Drinks Ltd, Sainsburys

A succulent, rich and concentrated Gamay with the structure to develop in bottle, save it for a night by the fire. This is one for the wine rack, to be left for a while – if you can resist the temptation. 

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2016

RRP: £16.20

Stockists: Sainsburys, Majestic, Wine Rack, Booths Supermarkets, Waitrose (online)

With silky complexity and concentrated juicy red berry flavours on the palate, this New Zealand Pinot Noir paired with roasted red meats is a winning combination for a winter’s evening. I usually like New Zealand white, but this is exemplary. We’re in for a crisp winter so we hear, but we’ll be OK with this to wrap ourselves around in the evening. 

Try these too. I can’t vouch for them, but I bet they’re pretty good if the others are anything to go by:

Esk Valley Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2015

RRP: £17.30

Stockists: Bon Coeur Fine Wines, D. Byrne & Co., Ellies Cellar, Luvians, Hailsham Cellars, Leamington Wine Co., Peake Wines, Woodwinters, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk

This full bodied and rich Hawkes Bay blend is the perfect wine for a Sunday roast leg of lamb.

Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Les Forots 2015

RRP: £16.45

Stockists: Beers Wines & Spirits Ltd, Flagship Wines Ltd, Bacchus Wine, B J R Hanby, The Jolly Vintner Too, The Halifax Wine Company, Constantine Stores Ltd

An original Syrah and Grenache blend with fine structure and small ripe fruit flavours on the palate, finishing with notes of violets and spices, bringing warmth to the cold weather.

 Robert Oatley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

RRP: £13.75

Stockists: The Co-operative Group Limited, Sissinghurst Wines Ltd, The Halifax Wine Company, Cambridge Wine Merchants Ltd, Ann et Vin Ltd, Taurus Wines Ltd, Hailsham Cellars, New Forest Wines, Penistone Court Wine Cellars

This Cabernet Sauvignon is full-flavoured with hints of blackberries and dried leaves. Pairing it with pizza or pasta makes for an ideal evening-in.

Zalze Shiraz Mourvedre Viognier 2016

RRP: £9.65

Stockists: Waitrose, WM Morrison Supermarkets, Asda Stores Ltd, Booths

This exciting Rhône-inspired blend is richly fruity, spicy with soft texture and matches beautifully with spicy foods.