| for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, christenings | | | | If the recipient is somewhat artistic, quirky or |
| and graduations; glassware is always a safe, | | | | simply a lover of all things vintage, look into |
| classic and desirable gift. How about glassware | | | | antique fairs for antique or carnival glassware. |
| which has been engraved? This will make the gift | | | | Antique glassware can be stunning and yet unique. |
| unique to the recipient and shows that you have | | | | It also has a history about it which to the |
| gone to that extra effort. It also means that | | | | romantics among us is a wonderful thought. Have |
| whether it is a candle stick, rose-bud bowl or glass | | | | a think about your recipient’s home and |
| it will belong to a particular memory. | | | | how they like to spend their time. It might be that |
| Alternatively you can look towards mouth-blown | | | | they will get more use from a candle holder than |
| glass. Each item tends to be slightly unique and | | | | a pot pourri bowl. |
| the hand-made element of the manufacturing | | | | Candle accessories remain a safe bet. Even if you |
| process makes it extra special. Some workshops | | | | are unsure whether your recipient likes lighting the |
| will let you have an input into the design of the | | | | little wax lights, you can be sure that they will find |
| item or have one made especially. It might be | | | | a window sill to wear it. Even then, it is hard to |
| possible to combine this with engraving for that | | | | believe that it will not be utilised at Christmas. The |
| extra special occasion. This would mean that you | | | | great thing about this glassware is that you can |
| not only have a unique item but one which is | | | | pair it up with a beautifully scented candle. Think |
| personal. | | | | about bringing old glassware back to life with a |
| Receiving glassware as a gift is by no means a | | | | fabulously coloured candle which is obviously |
| new idea; in fact it goes back centuries. The | | | | modern. Again, the history in such items is one |
| higher end of the market; the mouth-blown and | | | | thing, but giving it its proper use is another. |
| lead crystal glassware, keep their ties with | | | | The great thing about glass is that it never dates. |
| prestige and class firmly knotted. We still tend to | | | | Look after it and it will only ever become more |
| keep our best glasses for Christmases and | | | | valuable if you purchase the right make and |
| birthday celebrations. If you choose to give | | | | design. Research your purchase before you |
| someone a set of glasses ensure you have the | | | | commit to it and remember to bear in mind the |
| decor of their dining area in mind. Also, think about | | | | occasion as well as the decor of your |
| what they drink and their overall personality. With | | | | recipient’s home. Their personality will also |
| so much choice available you should put the effort | | | | be important when choosing between a candle |
| into researching the perfect design for your friend | | | | stick or whisky tumblers! |
| or family member. | | | | |