Issued : November 2019

… Christmas is just weeks away and planning everything can be a daunting task. Take some of the stress out of the Christmas countdown with Almost Essential. This clever online website resource will help you navigate planning and preparing for the festive season from finding special and unusual gifts to helping with all those clever touches that make entertaining a pleasure not a chore.

Almost Essential Founder, Michelle de Biolley has gathered together an exciting and eclectic selection of gifts for the home, family and friends. She has curated a collection that is sure to please the most discerning customers who are seeking truly different and exceptional gifts and experiences. The gifts and services are just a flavour of the Almost Essential collection, explore Michelle’s website for inspiration and more …

For all services and gifts please visit: www.almostessential.com

Bring a magical mood to your festive table …

Hand blown Venetian glassware sets the gold standard for your Christmas day table. Extraordinary Italian craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind designs will give a pop of ‘La Dolce Vita’ verve to your festive entertaining and wow your guests too. The collection, which is exclusive to AE in London, comes in myriad jewelled and bewitching colours from the centre of Venetian glass making, Murano.

Water Glass, £70 each, Pitcher, £185 and Vase, £190.

Fabulous festive flowers delivered straight to your door …

Michelle prides herself on her connections with the best-in-class gifts and services, and floristry is no exception. The Almost Essential website features four superb florists and floral designers each offering something a little different. ‘Jackie, Samantha, Send Flowers and Chris’ create extraordinary floral designs for all occasions and budgets. From festive wreaths, table decorations to hostess bouquets and flowers for that special occasion and party. Beautifully fresh blooms are sure to set the Christmas scene and mood and give that celebration the finishing touch.

It’s got your name on it!

There can be nothing more indulgent and special to receive than a gift that is personally inscribed. Michelle honed in on a great London based monogramming and personalisation service, which has brought the culture of personally inscribed gifting to London from across the pond. You can add your flourish to an extensive range, which includes must-have tote bags, clutches, cosmetic purses and toiletry bags, duffle bags and holdalls to luxurious kitchen, bed and bath linens and home accessories to his-and-her gifts.

There are more than fifty monogram font styles and richly hued silken thread colours to choose from, and using the ingenious design tool on the website couldn’t be easier to help you create something truly bespoke.

The jewel in the crown

Almost Essential’s group of chosen artisan jewellers embraces talented gem stone specialists, designers and taste-makers.

Michelle says
“Each jeweller that I recommend on my website possesses a unique skill and craftsmanship combined with great imagination and a lightness of touch. They manage to transcend passing fashions and trends; instead creating a classic enduring aesthetic that has generational appeal.”

“ Some pieces will become the heirlooms of tomorrow whilst other designs are whimsical and huge fun.”

Sensational slippers

Michelle discovery of Laco’s slipper shoe collection for men and women are sure to make the perfect present, but you will need 4 week’s notice for your order, so it’s time to get your slippers on! Italian handcrafted from the finest leather, calf hair, velvet and fine-gauge wool, and with smooth leather soles, they can be worn both inside and outside the home and a great addition to a sassy outfit for those Christmas Cocktails At Home. Almost Essential clients will receive a 15% discount off their first order, so please remember to register or log-in before accessing Laco’s website to receive the discount. Slippers can be monogrammed too for an extra flourish.