Web Watch

1 Handpicked Collection

Want to buy a gift, or a treat for yourself, but just don’t know where to start? This site tackles the challenge of finding unusual gift ideas by using an expert panel, with people like Gaia Geddes from Harpers Bazaar. It’s an award-winning gift shop, with some nice time-saving extras like a gift ideas finder service. They do ‘Top Ten’ lists which do make it easy. I liked the kids section — they divide it up by ages so it’s really easy to find something suitable.

* handpickedcollection.com

2 Ivory Pearl Interiors

If shabby chic is your thing, this online French furniture and reproduction furniture shop is worth a click. There’s a good range of glamorous roccoco furniture, Chateau-style furniture and accessories, including some interesting American 1920 vintage pieces. Accessories aren’t forgotten, with mirrors, lighting, French armoires and mirrored furniture. The silver furniture collection is my favourite, you’ll be coming over all Marie. Tres bien.

* www.ivorypearlinteriors.com

3 Today’s Creative Blog

Kim, from the Pacific Northwest, is the author of Today’s Creative Blog where she picks out her favourite creative blogs. Being ranked #5 for overall best Craft Blog, she’s featured over 500 blogs. Some are perhaps a bit too cutesy for our Irish taste but there are very creative and interesting sites on there too. The Before and After posts under the decorating tab are fab, they make it look so easy, you’d almost be tempted to try some of it yourself.

* www.todayscreativeblog.net