The real gift of giving is to have a big slab of fun finding the thing, and for me, that means something vintage or an affordable antique, but only if my pal has been very, very good.

This is an exciting area for refreshing your home spaces for half nothing, but, where up-cycling collides with antique and worthy vintage, proceed with caution.

BOOKS make fantastic Christmas gifts, as once you have a fair idea of your recipient’s area of interest, it really shows that you’ve paid attention, that you genuinely care.

1. Half way between mod and antique French styles, this stripy console table will both brighten your room, and add elegance with its shapely legs.