15% off at cath kidston - today !

fans and christmas shoppers can get 15% off at cath kidston by using the code XMAS. the 1 day only offer will run all day on 30th november and expire at midnight.

NEW DESIGNS - orla kiely

there are several new orla kiely mugs out just in time for christmas. the new designs have been added to the already extensive range which you can view on orla's website or see them in more detail as i did at illustrated living.

STORESNAPS - waitrose/john lewis

this time of year is great for spotting gift ranges and beautiful packaging design in the shops. i really loved this exclusive range from waitrose called 'the raspberry thief'. the collection includes pencils, recipe journal, note cards, flask, wallet, and gardening gloves.also spotted some of john lewis' lovely christmas packaging designs featuring fun and colourful graphics.

DESIGNER - brooke luder

brooke luder currently runs her own freelance business creating licensed art, surface art and graphic design for a range of clients. based in brisbane, australia brooke has put together lots of patterns for potential license and shown how they might look on a range of products, and she has a society 6 shop online here.

XMAS - ian dutton for next

designer ian dutton has created a christmas range this year for next. the festive character range has been used for cards, gift wrap and crackers,mugs, tumblers, tree decorations, bedsets and biscuits. if you like ian's style check out his portfolio here.

XMAS - caroline gardner

december is nearly upon us and that means we really need to get organised with christmas cards, and i'll be posting just some of the great designs available on the UK high street. a company that always features under my own christmas tree is caroline gardner, who do the most beautiful wrapping papers. here are a selection of their 2011 range which you can find in stockists worldwide or online here.caroline gardner ran a competition to design a christmas card for the meningitus trust and below is the winning design. it was created by designer pauline grayson from utah, USA.

TEA TOWELS - new pat albeck

a recent exhibition at norwich cathederal celebrated six decades of designer pat albeck's involvement in tea towel design, and at the age of 81 she is still going strong with two new designs having just been released by emma bridgewater. also available are two co-ordinating mugs, all spotted online here. (dont forget p+p readers get 10% off.)

LAURA ASHLEY - S/S 2012

workload problems on friday meant i didnt get to finish my week of reporting from the laura ashley spring summer 2012 press show. so i'll now make up for it and post them today. the first collection featured is called 'glasshouse' which centres around a bold floral print called 'martha' on fabric and wallpaper. for a range of gift and stationery it is also teamed with an elegant stripe. all the designs shown today and last week will be in laura ashley stores next year.