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A tennis table par excellence at 100% Design. If only we had enough space in the office - ping pong for four looks like a lot of fun! This show stopper featured twenty-something turned legs in a glossy pink lacquer and had visitors playing around all day.

Absolute favourite of the new designers - the bakelite handset speakers, removed from old telephones and reworked for the ipod generation by young design duo Uncle Oswald is my Hero.

One of Roald Dahl's greatest characters, Uncle Oswald is smooth, charming and debonair, much like the designs bearing his name.

Compagnie de Provence's fresh new stand at Maison et Objet was one of the brightest and busiest of the fair, with buyers stocking up on the brand's much-loved glass bottled liquid soap. New launches included a salty 'Mediteranee' fragrance in the Extra Pur range, plus a new home care line. Most exciting was news of an annual Limited Edition glass bottle to be designed by Marseille-based poster artist Stephan Muntaner, following on from the company's hugely successful tattooed 20th anniverary bottles.  

Maison et Objet marks the beginning of a busy month in the world of design. Original BTC's stand in the newly inaugurated Hall 7 was tres populaire, with French buyers particularly loving the 'Tea' collection of bone china pendants as well as the bespoke Pembridge chandelier.

Next stop, 100% Design...

As Living etc 's Acting Editor, Carmel Allen, explains on her Editor's Letter page: 'Provenance is the buzzword in interiors right now but so often it's mentioned in relation to exotic pieces from far-flung places. But what about here in the UK? In this month's Shop and Style we champion home-grown products, those that are well and truly made, and not just designed, in Britain. It wasn't easy...but we found some wonderful stories that make every piece extra special. I love my Original BTC bedside lights even more now I know they helped keep a pottery in Staffordshire open, and what's not to like about it's new copper Stanley shades which are hand-spun in Birmingham?'

Original BTC's London desk lamp also appeared in the 'Shop For...desk lamps' feature, as well as a Task Solo table light and a quote from Original BTC founder Peter Bowles in the main 'Made in Britain' decorating feature.

What's not to like, indeed? A big thank you to the Living etc team for their support. When it comes to manufacturing, Britain can most definitely make it!

We were ever so pleased to see our clients Bombay Duck and Compagnie de Provence featuring in last month's Editor's Letter page in Elle Deco. Michelle Ogundehin's newly designed page showing a few of her favourite things featured a bar of Compagnie de Provence's Extra Pur soap as well as an aluminium letter key ring by Bombay Duck.

There is no bigger name in British design and interiors than Terence Conran, so it's exciting times at Portrait with the arrival of Content by Conran. A relaxed, informal furniture collection designed by the great man himself, Content by Conran fuses accessible pricing with the Conran philosophy - that thoughtful design improves the quality of your life. We couldn't agree more. 

The recently extended collection is bursting with covetable pieces from the of-the-moment 'Piping Hot' contrast upholstery range to a new sideboard, tallboy and armoire in the 'Wave' cabinet series by guest designer Russell Pinch. Perhaps best of all is the bespoke upholstery service - now that all Content by Conran furniture is upholstered in the UK, you can transform your sofas, armchairs and footstools into one-off statement pieces in any fabric of your choice. Go on, be bold!

Welcome to new client, florist Jamie Aston. At the tender age of 28, Jamie Aston has wowed the worlds of fashion and beauty with his stunning floral creations. His dramatic fireplace garland, elegant wreaths and hydrangea and rose-laden candelabra certainly upped the glamour stakes at our Christmas press show.

If you fancy arranging your blooms a little more professionally this Christmas, Jamie can teach you the tricks of the trade at his Great Portland Street flower school.

We're also over the moon to welcome new Associate Director Liz Owen, who's joined us from Laura Ashley and is doing her bit for the glamour stakes too. Liz will be available for desk side appointments and general chit chat - if you want a catch up and a gossip, Liz is your girl!

Christmas has well and truly arrived at Portrait with our inaugural Christmas in July press show. The Old Dairy was bursting with seasonal delights from Bombay Duck, Compagnie de Provence, Harris & Jones, John Lewis toy department, Mirabelle Jewellery, Original BTC and Talking Tables.

Samples are available for loans, while the image library is loaded with cut out and lifestyle photography ready for Christmas pages. We've got gift and decorating guides galore, so drop us an email if you're looking for inspiration. 

More Christmas delights to come at the John Lewis press show this Wednesday - hope to see you there!

With the World Cup nearly upon us, we've come over all patriotic. But we won't be showing our allegiance with the usual football regalia - we shall simply flick the switch on this beautiful, limited edition hand-painted Original BTC light, sit back and cross our fingers for England.

The Portrait world has just got a little pinker with the arrival of new client Bombay Duck. We're over the moon to be working with the lovely team, whose ethos of 'fun, quirky style and attention to detail' is very close to our hearts! Founded by two stylish sisters, Bombay Duck is a true shopper's paradise, with an irresistible array of own-design gifts, fashion and home accessories, from flirty eye masks and lingerie bags to quirky charm bracelets as well as a whole host of homewares for grown-ups and kids.

Take a look at www.bombayduck.co.uk - a veritable gallery of gorgeousness! Birthdays, weddings, christenings, at home or abroad - whatever the occassion, you're sure to find something suitably fabulous.