If you're currently in panic mode trying to find those last-minute Christmas gifts, help is at hand. Throughout December in our Daily Luxury Digest newsletter (FYI if you're not already subscribed, you can sign up here), we've been asking Walpole members, friends and staff to share the presents they would love to unwrap on Christmas Day – and now we've collated them all into one handy list.
From legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik to Trunk's uber-stylish founder Mats Klingberg, see all the picks from our Walpole family below...
Manolo Blahnik
Founder, Manolo Blahnik
"I can’t stop thinking about my Mayfair slippers! The soft leather and comfort is truly divine, perfect for Christmas day and beyond. I don’t mind which colour but I am really hoping to have some soon. Everybody must have a pair."
£525, at manoloblahnik.com
Helen Brocklebank
Chief Executive, Walpole
"A Noble Isle Pine Wood Candle makes everything smell not only perfectly Christmassy, but also reminds me of Scotland. A perfect present to take to a dinner party instead of flowers."
£42 at nobleisle.com
Nick Carvell
Head of Content, Walpole
"Going away somewhere rugged in Britain around Christmastime has become a bit of an annual tradition for my husband and me, but, sadly, this year it's not going to be possible. However, this beautiful new scent from Sunspel, Sea Moss, is the perfect alternative to the coast when you can't be there in real life. Created by legendary perfumer Lyn Harris, this comforting juice is infused with woody cedar, rosemary, lavender and moody moss. It's as crisp and refreshing as a walk in the salty sea air after Christmas lunch."
£115, at sunspel.com
Olivia Sim
Corporate Affairs Assistant, Walpole
“This Christmas, I would love a pair of Manolo Blahnik Maysale Mules in charcoal. They are so timeless and would be a staple part of my wardrobe for many years to come. More realistically, Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes would be a perfect addition to my coffee table book collection.”
£35 at manoloblahnik.com
Iain Watson
Co-founder, David Collins Studio
"As I'm in London over the holiday season, I will be enjoying time with friends in our latest bar project, Velvet at Corinthia, London. On Christmas Day itself, I would love to unwrap a gift from Harris Tweed Hebrides, whose hand-woven tweeds are always an inspiration in terms of technique, colour and texture! My family were part of the weaving community in the Isle of Lewis where I was lucky enough to have spent some of my childhood. As you can imagine, Harris Tweed has always held a special connection for me since then. Whilst very much a fashion favourite, their tweeds are also incredible for use in interiors and of course so perfect for the winter season.”
See the full range of Harris Tweed Hebrides fabrics here
Anna Maude
Executive Assistant, Walpole
"I'd love tickets to see The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House – nothing says Christmas magic more than a night at the ballet. The evening must begin with a glass of Veuve Clicquot in the beautiful Paul Hamlyn Hall and a nightcap at the Piazza terrace with views over Covent Garden."
Uwern Jong
Editor-in-Chief, OutThere
"Of course, nothing beats a subscription to OutThere magazine. However, as someone who lives and breathes luxury travel, it’ll have to be the collaborative luxury wilderness experience from two Walpole members: Gleneagles' incredible "By the Lochan" package, created with The Macallan. It takes in two of my great loves: travel and whiskey. And, while it was first launched as a summer experience, being able to get cosy in the glass domes up in the Scottish countryside, would make all my snow globe dreams come true."
Helen Brocklebank
Chief Executive, Walpole
"Not so much a Christmas gift, but more a clever table idea. Instead of spending loads on fancy Christmas crackers full of things people never use, put these Charbonnel et Walker crackers on place settings. That way, guests can eat one (or three) delicious Marc de Champagne truffles with their coffee."
£7.50 at charbonnel.co.uk
Sharon Lillywhite
Founding Partner, Oliver Burns
"I would love to receive a pair of black Caoutchouc boots. I adore Chanel and I love winter walks. Why not do it in style?!"
£960 at chanel.com
Rebecca Mars
Membership Manager, Walpole
"I would love a Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Hot Water Bottle Cover and Unisex Bed Socks Gift Set to keep me cosy in the winter months ahead. It would definitely be the most luxe hot water bottle experience – the cashmere is so soft!"
£199 at johnstonsofelgin.com
Mark Harvey
Walpole Board Member
"I'm a big fan of Richard Brendon's wine glasses created in collaboration with Jancis Robinson. Receiving the Young Wine Decanter from the same collection on Christmas morning would be amazing – and then making good use of it at Christmas lunch even better!"
£130 at richardbrendon.com
Bethanie Summerfield
Marketing and Events Manager, Walpole
"I think there is something really lovely about giving fragrances as gifts as they tend to be linked to memories. I have a few favourite Jo Malone London scents, but Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense really takes me back to my honeymoon in Tulum in January. I recently wore it to the Walpole British Luxury Awards and quite a few people stopped me to tell me they loved my fragrance. I love that it's both sweet and dark at the same time."
£145 at jomalone.co.uk
Torquil McIntosh
Founder, Sybarite
"Church’s is my clear winner. I'm a long-time fan of their shoes for their comfort and craftsmanship, and the fact that they are not over-branded in their style. I'm fortunate to own several pairs, but I'm always looking to build my collection. On my Christmas 'wish list’ are the Amberley r173, the Cornwood 3, and the Boland 2 [above]."
£830 at church-footwear.com
Amy Wakeham
Managing Editor, Country & Town House
"Obviously, the ultimate Christmas gift would be a Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Electric Edition (in a custom light blue colourway, of course). However, slightly more fit for a stocking would be one of Sabina Savage's silk scarves, featuring her incredible hand-drawn illustrations. It would be a waste to roll up and wear such artwork, so – rather than wear it – I'd stretch it in a frame and hang it on the wall to enjoy all year long."
£265 at sabinasavage.com
Will Woodhams
Chief Executive Officer, Fitzdares
"This Christmas I’m keen to receive some Fitzdares loo roll – it’s the same print design as in our clubs. Firstly, because loo roll has become a luxury item since the recession with the price doubling. Secondly, because it will remind me every time I’m in the loo that brands, especially luxury ones, need a personality and British brands (especially) need a good sense of humour. No one needs luxury loo roll, but, damn it, don’t we all deserve it?"
£20 at the-fitzdares-club.myshopify.com
Charlotte Keesing
Director – Corporate Affairs & International, Walpole
"I would love a pair of Claridge’s women’s pyjamas and the matching eye mask in jade. The design and colour is gorgeous, and they are perfect for the many winter nights ahead of us."
£250 at claridges.co.uk
Helen Brocklebank
Chief Executive, Walpole
"Designed in the Thirties, but still looking contemporary and ruggedly sexy today, the Edward Green Galway boot would be robust and dashing for a Boxing Day walk in the country – or equally chic when worn about town."
£1,300 at edwardgreen.com
Mats Klingberg
Founder, Trunk
"I'd love to receive the Trunk Booth cashmere rollneck sweater in light beige. It's made in Hawick, Scotland from super-soft 4-ply cashmere and works equally well with a suit or jacket in the city, with your skiing outfit up in the mountains or all cosied-up in front of the fireplace."
£495 at trunkclothiers.com
