Did you know that 66% of all candle sales happen in the 2nd half of the year?

This is because the autumn is naturally when we want to make our homes cosy and warm after a summer of outdoor activities and entertaining.

This is best achieved by lighting a Yankee Candle®, famous for their long lasting and true to life fragrances.

The NEW autumn fragrance collection contains natural extracts and delivers the sweet richness and spicy warmth of the season and will make any home feel comfortable and inviting:

• Creamy Caramels aroma of melt-in-your-mouth, sugar and gooey lusciousness will instantly appeal to those with penchant for buttery rich vanilla caramel!
• For those looking to escape reality will adore the fantasy fragrance of Mountain Lodge™. A luxurious retreat in front of a cosy hearth, with the warm aroma of cedarwood and sage will instantly lift spirits dampened by dark evenings.
• A classic autumnal treat comes in the form of Apple Cider. The welcoming hot-cider scent spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg is perfect for fragrancing homes this autumn.
• Sandalwood Vanilla offers pure indulgence and will elevate any bad mood bought on by summertime blues. Luxurious warmth of fine aromatic sandalwood and rich comforting vanilla will fill homes with a lasting fragrance that can only come from Yankee Candle®.
• To add a touch of colour to any room this autumn, look no further than Spiced Orange. This bright and cheery blend of sunny citrus and snappy ginger is the perfect winter warmer.

For further information on the Yankee Candle® collections visit their website shop.

The kid’s summer holidays are just about to start, which presents the dilemma to parents up and down the land - how do you keep them occupied for six whole weeks?

Well before you start tearing your hair out, the Dotcomgiftshop can help you.

TheDotcomgiftshop online is choc-full of fun pursuits, to keep them captivated over the holidays - whether it’s playing with their selection of toys and games; getting creative with arts and crafts; or making new discoveries in the garden and kitchen.

So no matter whether you and your family find yourselves on a tropical beach, caravanning in the Dales, or simply in your own back-yard - Dotcomgiftshop can supply all you’ll need to keep them happy, learning and above all - having fun!

Featured here are a few of the childrens cookery games and accessories:

Children’s Minature Tea Set, 11 Pieces; £12.95.

20 Assorted Plastic Cookie Cutters; £4.95.

Children’s Baking Set Spaceboy Design; £12.95.

Skull Design TV Dinner Tray; £12.95.

Large Popcorn Holder; £3.95.

The Dotcomgiftshop online, offers a wide range of gifts, exclusively designed or sourced by their in-house team.

They are a little bit quirky, some are quite kitsch but surprisingly stylish; you’ll find vintage style kitchenware alongside glamorous baroque chandeliers.

This easy to navigate website is divided into sections:

• Interiors - Kitchen, garden, bathroom etc.
  Gifts for Her, Him and the Kids.
  Toys and jewellery, plus seasonal items.

Their appeal lies in the huge range of products on offer, all at remarkably affordable prices, plus their pledge to customer service and speedy delivery.

To view the wide range of gifts on offer visit the The Dotcomgiftshop online.

Fairwind’s brand new range of stainless steel picnicware is ideal for entertaining outdoors.

This hand-painted range of cups, bowls, jugs, trays and tiffins, are ideal for summer picnics or stylish camping and caravanning; the products can also be used indoors and look stunning on display in the kitchen:

• The range has been inspired by the colours of India and is in keeping with an Indian tradition of decorating and adding colour to everyday objects.

• Each piece has been hand-painted with a bird design by artisans in Kashmir. They work in their own homes and these gorgeous home accessories are helping to keep local skills alive, while generating a sustainable income for some of the poorest people in India.
• The collection includes, cups (£6), bowls (£6), trays (£23), jugs (£27) and tiffins (£65).

• The vibrant colour options include, red, navy, green, light blue and cream & black, cream & red, cream & green and cream & blue.

Fairwind
This innovative company is owned and run by Teresa Owen and Martin Abel who are passionate about fair trade and providing affordable, quality fair trade gifts and accessories from around the world.

In 2007, Fairwind was shortlisted for an Observer Ethical Award and is a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS).

Fairwind sells gifts, home products, jewellery, children’s toys & clothing, bags, cushions, candles and garden accessories.

To see their full range, or for further information, visit the Fairwind website.

Tel:   (020) 8374 6254

As UK homeowners get a taste of the summer sunshine, their thoughts turn to shade!

There’s never been a better time to invest in a stylish Apollo awning, to provide shade to outdoor living spaces and keep adjacent rooms cool.

And one fabric is tipped to be a major seller in homes across the UK this year – Apollo’s green multi-stripe fabric. As pictured here.

Made-to-measure awnings are one of the most effective ways to provide flexible shade and shelter.

A range of optional extras such as integral heaters and lights can extend the use of an awning, allowing you to sit outside longer into the night and in colder months.

And, for those who like gadgets, the awnings are available with sun sensors, which extend the canopy automatically depending on the strength of the daylight.

For a limited period, Apollo’s 4 x 3 metre motorised Tortola awning in green multi-stripe fabric, is available at £1,999; it includes a remote control handset and vibration sensor (which automatically retracts the awning in windy conditions).

Apollo awnings are available in a range of 240 fabrics, adding style and comfort to the outside of any home.
There are also four types of frames, which can be motorised or manually operated, and a range of optional extras.

Key benefits:

• Fabric is UV rated 801, and colour, light and weather fast – so won’t fade.

• Suit all house types, from traditional and period to modern and minimalist.

• Awnings fold neatly away when not in use.

• Choice of options & year round comfort pack available including, remote controlled Somfy motor option; Lights; Sun sensor; Wind setting.

All Apollo awnings and canopies are professionally surveyed and installed by their team to guarantee they fit beautifully.

For more information and stockist details visit the Apollo Blinds website.

Tel: (01924) 413048.

Zebrano’s daybeds provide regal style and stately comfort for your back garden.

Think of the daybed as the Queen of outdoor lounging, and now everyone can touch luxury, with a rattan daybed from Zebrano now available with 50% off their original list price!

Zebrano’s daybeds are a true statement piece for any garden:

• The Toledo offers sumptuous cushioning, luxurious curves and convenient side rest for drinks and al-fresco nibbles, while the hooded Venice offers a sanctuary, somewhere to bliss out and hide away from the world without leaving your garden.

• Why settle for a standard garden bench when a majestic Zebrano daybed is within your reach?

• Toledo outdoor round rattan day bed. £499.

• Depth 140cm; Width 180cm; Back Height 64cm.

• Featured here is the Venice outdoor rattan round day bed. £499. Footstool not included.

• Set comprises of: 1 x outdoor rattan daybed; 6 x scatter cushions.

• Depth 158 cm; Width 158 cm; Height with cushion 44cm; Height of back of bed 75 cm; Height with canopy 122 cm.

To view the ranges visit the Zebrano Furniture website.

Tel: (01296) 334450

With summer nearly upon us, it’s time to embrace the great outdoors in style, with the new Jme collection of outdoor accessories available through Jamie at Home.

From garden parties to informal gatherings and BBQs, make sure you have the best equipment this season to make alfresco dining a fun and stress-free occasion.

The Jme Summer 10 collection has all bases covered when it comes to outdoor entertaining:

• The Big Chill Cooler Bucket (£25, far left) complete with bottle opener will ensure your guests always have a cool, refreshing drink to hand.

• While the coordinating Ice Bucket and Scoop (£20, right) is a must have for topping up glasses.

• Serve drinks from the Fancy A Top Up Carafe (£10, right) – a fun and decorative way of presenting wine, water or other soft drinks, and use the Round Tray (£12.50) to carry everything out from the kitchen.

• The brilliant Buzz Bamboo Food Covers (£22 for set of three) are also perfect for outdoor dining, as they’ll keep food protected from sunlight and bugs, whilst letting it breathe at the same time. They’re also easy to wipe clean.

• Ensure your garden is decorated in style with the new Scents of Summer Outdoor Candles from the Scent & Savour collection. Offering an alternative to citronella, these outdoor candles contain a natural insect repellent to keep bugs at bay, and are made from a 100% natural blend of soy and botanical waxes making them completely toxin free. (from £28)

• Additional outdoor lighting ideas include the new Mini Pail Lights (£22). Available as a set of 5, these cute, mini wax filled buckets are ideal for scattering around your outdoor dining table.

For more information on Jamie at Home, or Jme products, please call:

Tel:  (0844) 871 2010.

All Jme homeware products are available through Jamie at Home parties.

Jamie Oliver’s new direct-sales format, builds on Jamie’s passion for getting people together in the home, to share in his enthusiasm for cooking and entertaining and most of all to have fun.

In today’s chaotic world a sense of peace and harmony is more important than ever. Our environment has a considerable impact on how we think and feel and the right surroundings have the ability to help us relax, rest and refocus.

All these things enable us to be more productive, creative and improve our problem solving capabilities. So what better time than spring to freshen up a home or work environment.

A great way to create a naturally comfortable and serene environment is to get more in touch with nature.

With this in mind, here are a few tips on how to introduce a little of the outside, inside:

Plants
Not only do plants energise a bland room, they’re proven to help reduce stress and absorb toxins.
So why not harness the mood-boosting power of gardening and make the most of your indoor space with an indoor window herb garden.

Water
You may wonder how you can bring running water indoors, but there are some amazing minimalist indoor water fountains, which can be the perfect answer.

Not only will an indoor water feature be visually stunning, but also it is believed that water has natural healing properties.

Scents
With the ability to transform our emotions and heal our bodies, smell is one of the most powerful senses. So with this in mind you could introduce a little aromatherapy at work or home to soothe, uplift, energise, relax or even stimulate the body.

Real Wood
A real wood floor is one of the biggest natural statements you can make in a room and the warm, natural tones and texture of wood emulate the outdoors.

The variation in styles and colours of wood flooring is now greater than ever. Take a look at wood flooring from1926 Trading Co for some great examples at prices that won’t break the bank.

Featured here is their Karhs Wood Flooring (Kahrs Walnut Atlanta, City - American Naturals Collection).

Light
One of the great things about the outside is natural light and in the darker months of the year, you may find the lack of light is affecting your mood.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights are two great ways to encourage every beam of natural of light into a room. If you look out to a green space or garden, large windows will create the illusion that the outside is part of the inside.

So there you have it, five simple ways to bring a little more of the outside in and make indoors a more inspiring and positive environment.

Web: http://www.1926woodflooring.co.uk/

Create a garden hideaway for summer with Forest’s latest collection of decorative timber arches and arbours – and watch the sun set whilst sipping champagne with your loved one.

Forest, the leading UK garden timber manufacturer – based in the leafy county of Worcestershire, has created a distinctive range of arches and arbours that will help turn any garden into a romantic retreat; and with a few simple touches you’ll feel like a world away from everyday life – well we can all dream can’t we!

It’s all about the Arch.

• With a traditional pergola, classic curved and rustic timber arches available in a variety of sizes, Forest offers an arch for every taste and garden.

• Simply plant your favourite flowers at the base of the structure, to grow up and over the arch (clematis, honeysuckle or climbing or rambling roses work well) and watch your ‘garden of love’ bloom into life.

• For an immediate effect, why not intertwine a string of outdoor garden lights to create an inviting atmosphere.

Cosy up in your Arbour Haven.

• With a variety of design styles, shapes and sizes, Forest’s collection of timber arbours are another perfect addition to your garden retreat.

• With just a few simple touches, like scatter cushions, candle lanterns and a cosy throw, you can finish off your romantic hideaway – perfect for reading a book, or enjoying that all-important glass of wine.

• A corner structure is the ultimate in cosiness. And the ‘Monaco Arbour Seat’ pictured here, is no exception –comfortably seating up to 4 people for a sociable afternoon. (RRP £499.99, 202 x 199 x 199cm)

Where to buy.
Forest’s products can be purchased in more than 1,000 garden centres and builder’s merchants up and down the country. Home delivery is also available on a wide range of products.

To view the ranges, plus details of stockist locations, visit the Forest Garden website. 

Tel: (0844) 248 9801

Garden Gift Shop’s Outdoor Wood Burning Oven Selections are the perfect Outdoor Cooking must haves for Summer 2010.

For some True Authentic Italian Culture in your garden, the stylish TOSCANA Wood Burning Oven is Perfect.
Just add homemade Pizza, Italian wine and people for the perfect summer party!

Not Just for pizza though, as many celebrity chefs suggest, a wood burning oven can be used to great effect for Roast Meats, Bread, Tandoori and even one pot dishes.

This small oven is fantastic for any one who loves the idea of cooking on a wood burning oven without the need for a huge amount of space:

• Unlike a BBQ or kitchen oven, which has a maximum temperature of around 240 degrees, this oven will reach over 500 degrees.

• This oven is 3ft long and 2ft wide it comes in two halves dome and floor; it has 4 x1inch thick terracotta tiles to cook on.

• The internal cooking space is a circle 23.5″ or 60cm with 4 by 1″ or 25 mm thick terocotta tiles set in giving a hot floor space of 16″ or 40cm square.

Cooking with wood-fired ovens creates irresistible tastes and aromas, but Scott of Garden Gift Shop thinks there is far more to it:

“Wood-fired ovens are helping today’s busy families to reclaim the ability to relax around the table and enjoy each other’s company. Not only do they add features to the garden, they can cook any type of food and provide a focal point”

Hand made in England from industrial refractory clay, The Toscana Wood Oven is sure to satisfy the most committed outdoor chef! Priced at £625.00 -  including VAT.

Visit the Garden Giftshop’s website for more information.

Tel: (01522) 770081

Will they like it? Is it the right age group? Will my gift ever be used?

John Lewis has resolved to help:

From 1st November to 1st December, teenagers can set up their own Christmas Teen list from 350,000 lines, using either high tech scanners in store, or online from their own computer at home.

So how do you set up it up?

• 1. Set up your Teen list online by logging on to the John Lewis website - Christmas List form. (Link below)

• 2. Alternatively you can call 08456 049 049, or visit your local branch.

• 3. Now comes the fun part - choosing the presents!

• 4. Presents must be purchased before 16th December, to ensure delivery before Christmas. The presents will be collated and delivered together.

Here are just some of the John Lewis Buyers predictions, for the Top Ten gifts for teenagers:

Girls

• Benefit - Crescent Row £34.50 - A beautifully boxed gift set from Benefit, containing either, Leelee. Sofia or Gina fragrance, with a complimentary silky scented body lotion.

• Ugg Classic Tall Boots £180 - Available in three colours, black, chocolate or chestnut in sizes 3 -8. Other styles are available.

• Mini Pastel Sewing Machine Pistachio £49 - Get crafty with this dinky sewing machine. Features 2 needle positions, drop-in bobbin, and free arm for adjusting cuffs and trousers. For light and medium fabrics only.

Boys

• Nabaztag, Media Streaming Rabbit - £99.95 - This cute Wi-Fi enabled desktop rabbit can connect to the Internet to bring you all sorts of information. He moves his ears, he speaks, reads text, plays music and he even lights up with every colour imaginable.

• John Lewis Digital Picture key ring £25 - Take up to 47 of your favourite photos along wherever you go. Super compact with 1.5 inch 65k colour display, clock and calendar.

• Flip Mino 4GB Camcorder £169 - Captures one hour of video and plays back; with two hours battery time it recharges when plugged in to a computer.

For more inspiration visit the John Lewis Gift List online.

Tel: (08456) 049 049