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We popped to Marylebone High Street yesterday to check out The Conran Shop's vibrant new display of Compagnie de Provence goodies.

We admit we might be biased but we think the chunky glass bottles, zingy colours and delicious natural fragrances make Compagnie de Provence a real winner this Christmas...as do the girls at Vogue, who recommended orange blossom and verbena liquid soap as the perfect pressie for 'pop princesses' in their 2009 Christmas gift guide.

Don't forget, glass pump action bottles of Compagnie de Provence's traditionally manufactured Marseille liquid soap can be topped up with eco-friendly refill bottles - the perfect combo of cheap and chic.

We were over the moon with Hannah Bett's single girl's guide to Christmas toy shopping in this weekend's Times Magazine. Didn't get a chance to read it? Hannah's number one tip: the John Lewis toy department.

Here's a snap we took of the shoot on a chilly November day outside Peter Jones in Sloane Square. And the result: Hannah looking festive and fabulous, laden down with Alice-in-Wonderland-style goodies (all from John Lewis of course).

Merry Christmas one and all!

Roll on January when Original BTC will be opening a new showroom at Chelsea Harbour - the first opportunity to see the British-manufactured collection of wall, floor, ceiling and table lights in its entirety.

Here's a snap of Original BTC's latest bone china table and pendant lights showcased at Chelsea Harbour's press day, alongside fabulous graphic textiles from Tissus d'Helene...

We know Where the Wild Things Are - having a wild rumpus outside the Portrait Communications office in Ladbroke Grove. From 11th December, Max, Moishe and Bernard will be available exclusively from John Lewis, roaring their terrible roars, gnashing their terrible teeth, rolling their terrible eyes and showing their terrible claws.

Much fun was had at John Lewis Oxford Street as the top ten toy predictions for Christmas 2009 were revealed. Young testers in lab coats trialled the predicted best-sellers, with top marks going to the new Maxi scooters, older sibling to the hugely popular Mini Micro scooters.

The kiddies couldn't believe their eyes as the toy department's finest was laid out on the floor and tables for their enjoyment....it was particularly sweet seeing little boys carefully arranging Sylvanian Families and the rapturous applause awarded to a Very Hungry Caterpillar plush (that's a non-teddy shaped teddy to you and me).

As for the two little girls whispering whistfully into the beautiful Rivelin rocking horse's ear (see below).....we know exactly how you feel. 

Oh we wish it could be Christmas every day.....

Christmas has truly arrived at Portrait Communications - we're thrilled to have been appointed to raise awareness of John Lewis' toy offering in the run-up to the department's busiest time of the year.

For 2009, lucky kids will be unwrapping a whole host of gifts from John Lewis' unique mix of own-brand and branded toys, from boutique-style nostalgic wooden games to the most popular commercial toys of the year.

This British-manufactured rocking horse has made us sigh with delight and is certainly top of our wishlist. Beautifully hand-crafted using real horse hair with a personalised bronze plaque, the Rivelin horse is surely this year's most covetable heirloom gift and guaranteed to thrill generations to come. While she's only suitable for ages 4-7, she does carry up to 14 stone in weight so there's hope for us yet.

Dear Santa, we've been very good and we promise to share...

We're waving goodbye to a successful Design Week, with Original BTC making an appearance at the David Nicholls-curated 'Britain can (still) make it' exhibition at Liberty, a hugely popular stand at 100% Design and finally a spot on House & Garden's stand at Decorex, which featured a very chic row of Original BTC's bone china 'Hector' pendant lights.

We kicked off Design Week with a visit to Portobello Dock, an easy 5 minute walk from the Portrait Communications office in Ladbroke Grove. A really fun collection of installations by independent designers and retailers, including this lovely display by Absolute Flowers - very much in keeping with the gorgeous Indian summer we're enjoying (hope I haven't spoken too soon!) Tom Dixon's new showroom is a real must-see - and don't forget to visit us if you're in the area!

Talking Tables' stand at Top Drawer almost made us wish Christmas was closer...we're debating what to choose for our Christmas table - will it be a sparkling silver spread, a punky, tartan Vivienne Westwood-inspired extravaganza or a nostalgic Victorian look? We'll wait and see, but one thing's for sure - we'll be decking the halls with far more than boughs of holly!

A stunning display of fair-trade jewellery by Mirabelle greeted visitors at Top Drawer this week, including beautiful starburst shell pendants, a collection of Grecian-inspired cuffs and a whole host of charming charm pendants and bracelets featuring seated Buddhas, Fatima hands and other global talismans available for loans from October onwards....