A Designer's Christmas Gift Guide: Curated by ASJ Design

Christmas has a way of drawing our attention to the little things, beautifully made pieces, meaningful details, and gifts that feel considered rather than rushed. Each year, we often get asked by our clients where to find pieces that are a little different… thoughtfully designed, well crafted, and not already everywhere.

So this festive season, we’ve curated a festive edit of brands we genuinely love whose passion for craft, materials and storytelling mirrors our own. From tableware to textiles and home fragrance, each brings something special to the everyday moments of Christmas at home.

All our team members have contributed to this curated set of goodies from these fantastic companies. Take a look at their favourite treasures from each, maybe some will inspire you too!

Image Credit: coco.and.jack

Marla Primrose

Marla Primrose is an exciting new homeware company, known to Annie personally. Best known for colourful glassware, curated small-batch ceramics and table linen. Their offerings are so stylish and authentic, we would all love to refresh our own homes with lots of their goodies.

Image Credits: Marla Primrose

Marla Primrose has a truly unique collection of handcrafted crockery, and a few standout favourites quickly emerged from the team. Annie couldn’t resist the handmade ripple-edged serving dish with its deep chocolate-brown glaze and organic shape, it’s gone straight onto her Christmas list. Sylvia was drawn to the handmade candle holder, the perfect piece to dress a festive table and add that soft, seasonal glow. Monica chose the dinner plate with its gentle blend of blues and greens, admiring the beautifully hand-painted charm it brings to any setting. For Amanda, the chocolate-brown serving platter sparked instant memories of a sun-soaked holiday in Provence, both the colour and the styling felt wonderfully nostalgic. Damon picked the blue Murano Glass Tumbler, a timeless treasure that reminds him of his own trip there last year, available in a rainbow of beautiful colours.

True Grace

True Grace has scents and candles absolutely cracked. From their humble beginnings with a stall on the Portobello Road, Philippa and Roger have had a passion for scent. Now based near our country base in Wiltshire, inspired by nature they still handcraft their full range and only use natural derivatives for the candles and diffusers - and the scents just last and last!

Image Credits: True Grace

When it comes to Christmas scents, True Grace always brings a little magic into the season and the team certainly had their favourites. Annie can’t resist the woody, spicy notes of the Portobello Oud Classic Candle at this time of year; it’s her go-to fragrance for creating that cosy, wintery atmosphere. Sylvia chose the Orangery Gift Set, fresh, uplifting and such a thoughtful Christmas present. She loves anything citrusy and finds it perfect for a calm, relaxing evening in. Monica’s pick is the Cedar & Rose Hand Wash, a beautiful blend that turns something as simple as washing your hands into a tiny moment of luxury. For both Damon and Amanda, nothing beats the Manor Christmas Reed Diffuser - warm, spicy and utterly joyful. It’s Christmas in a bottle, filling the room with that unmistakable festive feeling and making the countdown to the season even more exciting

Twizzell

Twizzell is another mother and daughter team, Imogen and Sarah, who started off at the kitchen table but now ethically source from all around the world. They bring such fun and joy to the art of table setting. Putting the fun back into life is something that gets our vote!

Image Credits: Twizzell

Choosing favourites from Twizzle is no easy task, their collection is full of gorgeous, joy-filled pieces but a few stood out for the team. Annie is head-over-heels for anything burgundy this year, and as a lifelong stripe lover, she couldn’t resist the block-print tablecloth that would instantly elevate any festive meal. Sylvia went straight for the classic table napkins, beautifully simple and guaranteed to lift the entire tablescape. Monica fell in love with the pea-pod keyring, sweet, a little quirky, and the kind of tiny everyday delight that makes you smile without trying. Amanda, forever spoiling her daughters with lovely bits, chose the quilted wash bag as a thoughtful way to wrap up their favourite toiletries. Whilst Damon picked the Pink and Red Helter Skelter Candle bold, playful, and perfect for bringing a non-traditional splash of colour (and candlelight!) to the Christmas table.

Tawul

The founder of Tawul, Freya Hollingbery, has been a friend of ours for years. Whilst their towels, like all properly made products, last a lifetime! Each towel design is hand drawn by an artist and inspired by an endangered species in the UK. Freya has recently added some one-off vintage treasures to the shop, a great place to find a really unique gift.

Image Credits: Tawul

Annie, already a devoted Tawul owner, always champions the Classic Ecru & Green Towel, she insists it’s the softest towel she’s ever owned. Sylvia was instantly drawn to the Ikenbana-style White Ceramic Vase, admiring its delicate hand-painted detailing and vintage-inspired charm. Monica chose the Tortoiseshell Brown Teapot for its rich, glossy glaze and warm nostalgia, the perfect companion for slow winter evenings and a steaming cup of tea. Amanda fell in love with the Moth Towel, a beautifully designed piece that gives a gentle nod to the endangered Garden Tiger Moth, while Damon selected the Vintage Vietnamese Goldfish Espresso Cups, which are full of craftsmanship, character and that unmistakable one-of-a-kind appeal.

As we wrap up our festive edit, we hope this collection has sparked ideas for gifting that feels personal, considered and made to last. Wishing you a wonderful festive season from all of us at ASJ Design!