TV presenter, actor, and proud dad, Ben Camille, has been pretty busy hosting Malta’s most-watched tv show, the X Factor, of late. Today, however, he’s taken the time to sit down with us and talk about some of his favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces. And just in time for Christmas! Discover what he selected from our online store below!
Ben, we’re so happy to have you with us. What inspired you to pick the items you selected today?
It’s my pleasure. Well, the truth is, I’ve never really been a big fan of shopping… But, since having children, I’ve enjoyed shopping more than I ever thought possible. Their reactions make it all worth it.
To start things off, I picked this bouncing egg. My kids absolutely love eggs, so having a fake one lying around the house for them to play with (that doesn’t run the risk of breaking and making a mess) was a no brainer.
I also really like this mug – it’s just so aesthetically pleasing.
Then, I went for this bamboo straw. I’m quite the smoothie fan, so, a durable, reusable, and sustainable straw is a must for me. I also feel like paper straws can affect the taste of the smoothie or juice (maybe it’s just me?) so with this bamboo straw I can do my bit for the environment, without having to sacrifice on flavour.
When it came to these rubber ducks, I really had no choice but to get them because currently everything is “quack quack” in my house. It’s constantly “quack quack” this, and “quack quack” that from the kids; they’re obsessed.
Finally, I picked these lunch boxes because my daughter Elle has just started school, so these will come in handy for sure. Sending your kids off to school is such an emotional experience; I don’t think I was prepared. Initially, we were scared that Elle would cry when we dropped her off, but, on the contrary, she walked into the school super confidently and like she owned the place. I think I was more upset…
That’s amazing. Did you pick any items with someone specific in mind?
My children, definitely.
We know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?
I like them all! I can’t choose; they’re all great in their own way.
How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
It’s a place where you can buy unique gifts for friends and family, with the added incentive that every cent of the money you’re spending will go to charity. If you’re going to buy something anyway, you might as well contribute to a good cause while you’re at it, right?
Is there anything you would personally like to receive as a gift for yourself?
Francesca Mifsud is the savvy business brain behind Island Bebe – the online parenting platform offering local information, inspiration, and guidance for local parents and child carers on the island. With Christmas just around the corner, we’re so happy Francesca found time to chat to us about her top We Are Not A Shop picks. Find out what she selected, below.
Francesca, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Since we’re all gearing up for Christmas, could you talk us through some of your favourite festive picks?
I’d love to. The first thing I spotted was this alphabet storybook, which would make the perfect Christmas gift for my son. This is his first proper Christmas (he’s only 15 months old) so he’s experiencing everything for the first time, and we’d like to make it as memorable as possible.
Then, I went for this dog shampoo – which is self-explanatory really. My dog’s a total princess so it felt appropriate. She’s a very chilled, lazy, Labrador and we constantly spoil her with 5-star treatment. She’ll definitely enjoy this.
I also love this Christmas wreath. I’ve been on the lookout for a wreath for a while, and this one instantly caught my eye. It’s a gorgeous colour and will look great hung on my front door.
I wasn’t planning on buying anything for the men in my life, but the man flu recovery kit seemed like an ideal, tongue-in-cheek, stocking filler. I couldn’t not get it.
This set of pearls is beautiful, too. The pieces on We Are Not A Shop are so classic and elegant, you can really wear them with anything.
Then, I’m constantly searching for stocking fillers for the family, so this Christmas mug was right up my street. After all, everyone needs a holiday mug, don’t they?
Finally, I selected this squeaky chicken for my dog (I told you she’s spoilt). My son is always stealing her toys so it’s only fair that I find her replacements. I chose this dog tag for her too. Not that she needs it; she never leaves our side!
Did you pick any items with someone specific in mind?
I did indeed. It’s hard not to when all I’ve been thinking about is Christmas shopping.
So, I picked the book for my son, the dog items for…my dog, the man flu recovery kit for my father, and, finally, the pearls for my mother. I think she’ll adore them.
We know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?
It’s probably a tie between the wreath and the pearls.
We love those, too! And is there anything you would personally like to receive as a Christmas gift?
A day to sleep! Jokes aside, I’d have to say this pair of handcrafted earrings. I rarely treat myself to jewellery, but I wouldn’t say no to receiving them as a gift.
How would you describeWe Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
A unique place to find something different for the special people in your life.
Now, what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?
That the products are so original – you really don’t find pieces like this everywhere. The website is wonderfully curated with a fantastic mix of items for anyone to enjoy. And I love the fact that it’s all for charity, of course.
Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?
What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Presents! Decorations! Cosy family time! But let’s not forget the traditional Christmas feast. Regardless of culture, it’s a time everyone enjoys some gluttonous frivolity all around the world. But how did we come to associate certain dishes with these festivities? There’s a story behind each one!
GOOSES! GEESES!
Before turkey became popular, goose was the traditional Christmas meat. Those families who lived off the land had to choose which animals they’d eat on special occasions very carefully. Since hens provided eggs and cows gave milk, geese, which lay eggs only seasonally, were the best option.
TASTY TURKEY
Is there any other form of poultry most associated with Christmas dinner? Even though we usually associate turkey with American Thanksgiving, this bird was actually introduced to England in the 16th century. Despite being poorly adapted to the English climate, as well as typically being a dry, bland meat, turkey quickly became the meat of choice for Christmas. As healthcare improved over the years, large rural families had more mouths to feed, so the traditional goose was no longer enough. Turkeys were relatively cheap to raise and grew to a great size, so it was the perfect choice!
In a way, the turkey tradition began with the working class, as more affluent families opted for game meats to exhibit their status. By the 18th century, and thanks to being immortalised in Charles Dickens’ novella, A Christmas Carol (remember that heartwarming scene with Bob Cratchit?), the turkey became solidified in both British and American cultures.
HAMMING IT UP
Whether it’s glazed, baked, or served as cold cuts in sandwiches the day after, pork has been a staple at Christmas tables for ages. During Scandinavian Yule celebrations, a pig would be sacrificed to the Norse god of the sun, harvests, and fertility, Freyr. So too did the Ancient Romans, feasting on boar during Saturnalia.
Before explorer Sebastian Cabot supposedly introduced turkey to 16th-century England, wealthy families opted for peacock or swan to demonstrate their affluence, while everyone else had boar. However, a boar’s head placed at the centre of the table still remained a tradition, most likely a holdover from pagan rituals.
The earliest instance of a boar’s head appearing in a recipe comes from Sabina Welserin’s 1553 German cookbook, which called for the boar’s head to be boiled, placed on a grate, drenched in wine, roasted, and constantly basted with more wine. It was then served with a black sauce made from wine, cherry syrup, sugar, ginger, pepper, cloves, raisins, almonds, and cinnamon. Yummy!
SUGAR, SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE
Yes, we’re talking about gingerbread! When the Crusaders returned from the Middle East in the 11th century, they brought spices, sugar, almonds, and citrus fruits back with them. At the time, these ingredients were incredibly expensive and only used on special occasions. They were even used as currency at one point!
The concept of gingerbread men most likely originated from Catholic monks moulding the mixture into decorated figures of saints and religious motifs for saints’ days and festivals. As the prices of these ingredients dropped, they became more popular and were sold at county fairs.
It’s said that Queen Elizabeth I liked to have the likenesses of visiting dignitaries shaped into elaborate gingerbread figures, complete with gold leaf to showcase wealth. Ever since the Victorian era, it’s become a beloved tradition to make edible gingerbread ornaments to hang from one’s Christmas tree. And let’s not forget the classic gingerbread house! We feel like re-reading Hansel & Gretel by firelight now.
PUDDING, ANYONE?
The celebrated Christmas pudding originally began in the early 15th century as plum porridge, a rather unappetising savoury gelatinous mixture that consisted of chopped beef or mutton, vegetables, dried fruit, breadcrumbs, wine, herbs, and spices. By the 16th century, the meat and vegetables started to disappear from the recipe, eventually becoming a rich pudding served on feast days. By the 1670s, it became a Christmas staple. In fact, we still use pretty much the same recipe from the 19th century, though some still choose to add suet as a nod to the original meat concoction.
During the Yule festival, this would have been set alight to symbolise the rebirth of the sun, as well as decorated with a sprig of holly to represent everlasting life in winter. We still do this! A silver coin was also placed inside the mixture for abundance. If you want to stay true to this tradition, try finding an old sixpence!
JUST A SMALL SLICE, PLEASE
The rich Christmas fruitcake also started as plum porridge, but by the 16th century, butter was added, the oatmeal was replaced by flour, and finally eggs to hold it all together. In the Middle Ages, the original plum cake was made to celebrate Twelfth Night (5th January), when the three wise men set out to see the baby Jesus. In fact, the spices are meant to symbolise their gifts to the infant, and a sweet treat with rare almonds and dried fruit was always welcome during the colder months. It was made in advance by those knowledgeable enough not to burn the expensive ingredients in primitive, temperamental ovens, then wrapped up and preserved in alcohol for a year.
Originally, this was a time of feasting, drunkenness, and debauchery. However, in 1870, Queen Victoria banned these festivities, deeming them inappropriate. Eventually, the almonds were replaced with marzipan, and it became fashionable to decorate the cake with a snow-covered landscape. A tradition states that all the family must take turns stirring the mixture in a clockwise motion with their eyes shut while making a wish!
BÛCHE DE NOËL
Oh, you mean the Yule Christmas log? In ancient European homes, a large tree trunk was burned on the hearth for twelve days to symbolise the rebirth of the sun. Now, they’re rich chocolate sponge rolls layered with mousse or buttercream, covered in marzipan, dark brown frosting, holly leaves, red berries, and powdered sugar. The result is a delicious dessert that mimics a tree log!
WE MIGHT HAVE A SWEET TOOTH
There’s an amusing legend to how candy canes were invented. Originally white and straight, it’s said that in 1670, a choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany bent them to represent a shepherd’s staff and gave them to his charges to keep them quiet. The classic red-and-white stripes and peppermint flavouring were all added later in the 19th century.
Do people still send Christmas cards? Surely the digital age has rendered at least their physical versions obsolete with the advent of the internet, e-mail, and e-cards?
The funny thing is that Christmas cards were originally invented for precisely the same reasons: comfort and ease.
Take a trip through history as we learn about the evolution (or perhaps we should say revolution) behind a seemingly ordinary form of correspondence.
RENAISSANCE ORIGINS
Interestingly, the very first recorded use of the term “Merry Christmas” can be traced back to a letter from 1534, while what could be thought of as an early precursor to the modern Christmas card was sent to King James I of England in 1611.
This was actually a sort of large ornamental manuscript folded into panels and decorated with a rose at its centre. A message wishing the monarch Christmas and New Year greetings was written into and around the rose, and was also accompanied with four poems and a song. Quite grand by today’s standards!
A VICTORIAN IDEA
Apparently, Queen Victoria sent the first official Christmas card. However, it was Sir Henry Cole who came up with the innovative method of time-saving correspondence.
Cole was a British civil servant, credited with commissioning the first commercial, mass-produced Christmas card back in 1843. At the time, he was an assistant to Sir Rowland Hill, both of whom helped to introduce the “Penny Post”, which ensured that ordinary citizens could afford postage.
Previously, only the rich could afford to send things by post, but the penny stamp, together with industrialisation (new railways and faster trains could carry greater quantities of post for cheaper rates), meant that there was now a fair public postal system for everyone. This was an opportune development, as urbanisation meant that families started moving away from the countryside to cities, and maintaining contact with family members became even more essential.
Together with artist John Horsley, Cole came up with the idea of responding to holiday correspondence en masse (Victorian rules of etiquette stipulated that it was impolite not to reply to a letter) by designing and producing a triptych. This consisted of three panels, with the outer ones displaying acts of charity, while the centre image showed a festive gathering at a holiday dinner. The card also included a generic greeting and spaces where the sender could write their name and that of the recipient.
Cole and Horsley printed and sold 1000 of these lithographic cards for one shilling, which was quite a lot of money at the time!
A WORLDWIDE CRAZE
By 1900, the custom of sending Christmas cards had spread from England to other parts of Europe, especially Germany. English Christmas cards displayed typically English scenes, such as renditions of the nativity, robins, and snow-covered landscapes.
However, even in the late 1880s, America was already starting to get involved. Louis Prang, a Prussian printer in Boston, Massachusetts, began mass-producing cards at more affordable prices. He moved away from English scenes, instead showing things like flowers and plants.
In 1915, the Hall brothers started from humble beginnings, bought an engraving business, and created what would eventually become the famous Hallmark Cards brand! They noticed that customers wanted more space to write on in their cards than a postcard would allow, so they enlarged the format and folded it in half, creating the cards we all know today.
At the same time, in the 1910s and 20s, the fad of homemade cards started to make its way onto the scene. Prang’s cards were still expensive for some as their production consisted of lots of colours and other embellishments. As a result, and to also make an avant-garde statement against commercialism, 20th-century amateur artists chose to make their own.
These had original shapes and designs, often containing foil and ribbon. Due to their delicate nature, these cards were too fragile to be sent by post, so hand-delivering them made it an even more personal gesture.
21ST-CENTURY REVIVAL
The early 2000s saw a rise in memory-keeping, such as through scrapbooking and other such crafts. It seems that we’re resorting to older methods to help us slow down and appreciate ordinary things in such a fast-paced world.
Since digitisation has made everything so affordable, families can now print out their own photoshoots and experiment with making personalised cards using relatively cheap online services. It’s fun for the whole family!
SEND A PHYSICAL CHRISTMAS CARD THIS YEAR!
The fact remains that, even with all the gadgets and gizmos at our disposal making our lives so much simpler and more efficient, there’s a tactile nature to Christmas cards that we still cling to. For the same reasons that digital books are nowhere close to outselling their physical counterparts, we love paper! It’s personal and real, especially with the addition of handwriting. If nothing else, it shows that a person’s gone through the effort of thinking, writing, stamping, and popping it into the mailbox.
At the same time, you’ll be supporting your local postal system, which often participates in charities through the stamps and stickers they sell. And speaking of charities, We Are Not A Shop’s endeavours are altruistic in and of themselves!
As colder weather settles in, is anyone else starting to feel a little bit festive?
We know it’s early, but if you, like us, want to get organised for Christmas this year, why not start planning now and have some fun with it?
Make yourself a hot chocolate, put on some cosy socks, and embrace that holiday spirit with our Christmas countdown checklist!
BUDGET
This is a highly personal topic, so tackle it first. Focusing on quantity can be great if you’ve got kids – the stars in their eyes after they see all those presents under the Christmas tree is priceless! However, Christmas can quickly get excessive, so setting a budget can help you feel in better control.
Whatever your preference, as the actor Jim Carrey rightly said: “No holiday should manipulate you to the point where you’re going into debt just to show someone you love them.” Small, thoughtful, tasteful gifts can really make someone’s Christmas, and at least you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Do your research! Some DIY homemade gifts add that extra special personal touch. If the item is store-bought, provide a gift receipt with your present in case they’ll want to change it. If you’re really not certain what someone might appreciate, a gift voucher can go a long way.
PRESENTS
Ordering Christmas gifts online has become a great way to find all sorts of holiday bargains, including Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday sales. These are great ways of stocking up on stocking fillers, too.
When you’d normally have to think ahead about international delivery times, ordering from We Are Not A Shop’s eclectic mix of items makes things so much easier. Not only would you be supporting a small local business, but you’d also get your gifts delivered in no time!
WRAPPING
You’ve bought all your presents, so now it’s time to wrap them to protect the surprise! Practice a bit of frugality by going through all the leftover wrapping supplies from last Christmas, and then stock up on whatever you need, including wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, sticky tape, and those little name cards to attach to the presents.
If a lot of your gifts consist of toys for the kids, it’s also a good idea to stock up on batteries. Nothing kills a child’s innocent wonder like realising they’ll have to wait till Boxing Day to get their new toy working.
DECORATIONS
Of course, what home would be complete without a time-honoured Christmas tree? There are so many shapes, sizes, and colours to choose from nowadays that it can get pretty overwhelming. At the end of the day, choose a tree that really speaks to your soul and that can be incorporated well into your home.
Collecting all of the charming ornaments to adorn the tree with is also part of the fun. Some fairy lights are obviously a must-have. There are some lovely baubles made from all sorts of materials, too.
Decorations don’t have to stop with the tree! Rummage around in the garage, attic, or basement for that welcoming wreath to place on your front door or mantle.
FOOD
It’s time to start thinking about the traditional Christmas feast! This part can be especially daunting to plan. Whether you’re catering or making everything from scratch yourself, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you sit down right now and think up a menu. Following a theme can simplify things a lot.
There are loads of delicious recipes available online that can be prepared months in advance, frozen, and taken out the night before. Perhaps you’re the kind of family where everyone will pitch in their own dishes, which would certainly amp up the community spirit of the holidays.
A successful display of scrumptious goodies will solidify your status as the foremost Christmas day host!
GUESTS
If you’re getting expecting a swarm of family members, carve out some time to give the house a decent clean-up from top to bottom. Air out the guest bedrooms and double-check any travel arrangements. Remember that this is a crazy time and people will be rushing at the very last minute, so if you suffer from anxiety, you’re going to want to be prepared.
Finally, put on some Christmas-themed music to fill the house with some lovely winter jollity, and your ambience is all set!
TRADITIONS
Having your own unique Christmas traditions provides you with something to look forward to for the holiday season. If you have a fireplace, light it up and huddle in front of it with some blankets and hot chocolate. Or else you might want to include a Christmas movie marathon of all your personal favourites.
Family photoshoots are also quite popular, as is sending out Christmas cards, whether physical or digital, to share some love with loved ones you won’t be able to spend the day with.
If there are kids in the house, you’ve got to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa Clause. He needs to be rewarded for all his hard work throughout the night, after all!
We recently learned of an Icelandic tradition known as jolabokaflod (“Christmas book flood”), where members of the household gift each other books on Christmas Eve and read together throughout the night. How lovely is that?
So, charge up the video camera and you’re ready to enjoy yet another memorable Christmas day!
What are some Christmas traditions you maintain with your loved ones? Do you have any tips and tricks to making the period leading up to the festivities easier? Let us know in the comments section below!
Literally translating to “wind water”, feng shui is an ancient Chinese method of organising one’s external surroundings to achieve inner balance. According to this concept, even inanimate objects contain energy, or “chi”, which can be harnessed to our benefit if properly positioned. Think of organisation gurus like Marie Kondo, whose popular books and Netflix series have reminded people that individuals and their homes are connected. A messy person would probably result in a messy home, and vice versa.
If you want to harmonise yourself and your surroundings, try these feng shui instructions on achieving the maximum amount of positive energy in your home. You might see a real change!
GET RID OF CLUTTER
It’s often said that a cluttered house results in or is indicative of a cluttered mind. While we’re not advocating for a form of radical minimalism, humans undeniably display a tendency towards hoarding, especially out of sentiment.
If you’re holding onto a bunch of items you don’t even like (think of all those unwanted gifts you’ve stashed away that never see the light of day), they’re not only taking up useful space, but are also a constant source of negative energy. Replace them with items that bring you joy and see how your days immediately brighten up! After all, William Morris once said: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
BEDROOMS SHOULD BE SANCTUARIES
Being the place where you rest and recharge for a new day, the bedroom is perhaps the most important area in your home. Because of this, you should make an extra effort to turn it into a veritable sanctuary. This means keeping all forms of technology and reminders of work out of it (these will only serve as reminders of your obligations), along with warm lighting (bright lighting has a higher resonance, which will prevent you from shutting down and relaxing), soft fabrics, and neutral colour tones.
If you have a storage bed, it’s not recommended to place items like books or shoes underneath it, as these are considered to have “active” energy, and will therefore prevent restful slumber. To promote air flow, make sure that you have equal space on either side of the bed, and that the mattress isn’t directly touching the floor.
It’s also beneficial to get into the habit of making your bed every morning and thanking it for supporting you all night (something Marie Kondo is famous for incorporating in her organisation style), as this will create an atmosphere of gratefulness.
INCORPORATE NATURE’S ELEMENTS & COLOURS
The elements of wind and water that literally make up the term feng shui are the same ones that make up the air we breathe and the water our bodies are composed of. We are meant to understand that we are a part of nature, and should strive to be in harmony with it. By bringing the outdoor indoors, you’ll be creating a calming sense of peace, serenity, and a reminder to remain grounded, all while reducing anger and anxiety.
Incorporate all five elements (wood, water, earth, fire, and metal) into your décor with wooden furniture, candles, and living plants (which have their own chi), though if you’re not great with the latter, opt for higher quality artificial ones. Keep your windows clean to let as much natural light into your home as possible, make sure surfaces are regularly dusted to prevent an atmosphere of stagnation, and create a vertical aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and tall plants to help give a sense of growth and expansion.
MIRRORS REFLECT ENERGY
In feng shui, there’s something known as “command positions”. Essentially, certain pieces of furniture should be placed in a dominant area of the room, such as beds in bedrooms and desks in home offices. With regards to the former, a bed should be placed in such a position that will have a view of the entrance, called the “mouth of chi”, but without being directly in line with it.
Preferably, the bed should be diagonal to the door, or, if not feasible, a mirror can be hung in such a way as to provide a reflection of it. Mirrors are great reflectors of energy, so place them in areas where you want to increase energy flow.
OPEN YOUR DOORS
How else is energy going to get in? Leaving your doors and windows open will help new, positive energy to flow in and clear all the old, negative energy out, not to mention provide cleaner air. Want to attract more prosperity? Place a red flowering plant (or red colours in general) near the front door to invite good fortune and luck!
While soft lighting is good for a room you rest in, use brighter lights in hallways. Corridors create an interconnecting route throughout the entire house, so the higher energy resonance from bright lights will ensure a stronger connection. The higher wattage is said to be good for keeping veins and arteries clean and unblocked, too.
While it’s important to keep doorways free of obstacles, especially the front door, be careful with runaway chi. Getting rid of clutter doesn’t mean having an entirely empty house. Pieces of furniture and decorative objects placed in a meandering pattern is a good way of impeding energy entering the house and preventing it from simply escaping.
Writer and mum-of-two Becky Gera has a great sense of humour and an appreciation for the smaller, more sentimental things in life. Today, she’s chatting to us about her favourite We Are Not a Shop picks!
Becky, we’re so happy to have you with us! Could you tell us about some of your favourite We Are Not a Shop items?
For starters, I absolutely love all the greeting cards at We Are Not a Shop. I’m really into snail mail and have recently been sending cards to a friend of mine who lives in Ireland. We don’t know when we’ll get to see each other again so it’s a nice way to connect and cheer each other up on a rainy day. I always crack a smile when one of her funny cards pops through their letter box, so I make it my mission to return the good feelings.
As for my choices on the site, this one is particularly hilarious – the humour is right up my street.
“I do often mistake CrossFit for croissants…oops.”
I also love this Table-Talk game because I’m a sucker for a good conversation starter. Some of the questions are quite deep so it would make for some very entertaining dinner party chat!
A dinner party must-have!
Oh, and this tea towel is great fun too. It’s the small details that can really make or break a space, so having a fun tea towel to dress up your kitchen can really transform it (and add a touch of personality, too).
A bit of wit for your kitchen top…
Great choices, Becky! Can you tell us what you like most about the We Are Not a Shop concept?
I love that there is such an eclectic mix of items on the website. It feels a bit like the ‘cave of wonders’ in Aladdin – you never know what you’re going to find. Plus the fact you’re buying things for a good cause makes it even better.
I’ve already started recommending We Are Not a Shop to my friends and will definitely keep it in mind when I’m looking to do a spot of shopping myself.
A pretty pen and pouch set for your writer friends!
Did you pick any of your items for anyone in particular?
I had a few people in mind, yes. I’d probably buy this shopping bag for my mum – you can never have too many shopping bags, eh? I also think my girls would really enjoy these straws, colouring pencils, and this adorable birthday book. And I’d have to gift the Table-Talk cards to a friend of mine who always asks the most thought-provoking questions – only fitting.
Perfect to keep your kids entertained!Got to keep track of those dates!
Finally, is there anything you would most like to receive as a gift yourself?
This card. As I mentioned, snail mail is kind of my thing and I’d be super thrilled to receive it – it would totally make my day! People don’t send cards much anymore, which is such a pity because I think it’s such a great way to show somebody you’re thinking of them.
Some of the items selected by Becky, including a natural Hessian bag with navy binding. Cool, classic, and convenient.
We couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for joining us today Becky, and we hope your friend enjoys her next card!
“It’s a great place to discover gifts for loved ones (and yourself, of course!). Plus, all the proceeds go to charity, so you’re always shopping safe in the knowledge that your money is going to a good cause.”
Carla Grima is the designer behind local fashion studio, Carla Grima Atelier. Her gorgeous collections are heavily inspired by nature, organic silhouettes, and the colours of the Mediterranean – check them out right here! Today, however, she’s taking a break from her design duties to sit down with us and talk all things We Are Not A Shop and why it is the perfect place to buy unusual gifts online. Find out what she selected from our online store, below.
Carla, we’re so glad you could join us today. Can you tell us what inspired your We Are Not A Shop selections?
Certainly! To kick things off, I selected this book because it reminded me of some research I had done on stained glass and its many forms. It’s an ideal coffee table piece, too.
Then, I just love looking at vintage interior design and/or fashion magazines, so I was excited to see that you had this magazine on your website! These kinds of publications are pretty hard to come by in Malta, so I was pleasantly surprised to find one.
What was your most surprising selection?
That would have to be the oyster shell salt cellar. It’s a very simple piece, but I just love the statement it would make at a dinner table. I’ve never seen anything quite like it in person.
How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
As an online platform that lists a wide range of rare vintage pieces and is also very user friendly.
Did you have a favourite section of the website?
The book section was probably my favourite because you can really find anything on there! From magazines to illustrated books, coffee table publications, and more. I also thought that section on the website was especially easy to navigate.
What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?
I love how unique all the items are – nothing is mass-produced. It’s a great place to discover gifts for loved ones (and yourself, of course). Plus, all the proceeds go to charity, so you’re always shopping safe in the knowledge that your money is going towards a good cause.
Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?
Oh, I’ll definitely be recommending it to my friends and family!
The next book I selected was ‘British Designers at Home’. I think British home décor is really exciting and eclectic – it definitely enjoys a bold pattern and colour combination. I’ll probably flick through its pages and add some of the images to one of my many mood boards; that’s one of my favourite ways to source inspiration for my work.
As for this book, I gravitated towards it because I am a big fan of botanical illustrations. I love copying to study them, recreating them, and, ultimately, painting them. This book also does a great job of explaining the illustrations to younger children. I thought it would be a good idea to go through it with my daughter, Olivia, and teach her about different flowers and foliage.
Then, I selected this belt buckle because of its lovely art nouveau design. I can already picture it on a bold velvet ribbon, styled on silk caftan. It’s just the perfect statement piece to transform any basic silhouette.
I also picked this anklet because, frankly, you will always find me wearing one in the summer months. For me, they’re reminiscent of lazy, sunny days. This one feels particularly elegant, though, which is why I selected it. It’ll nicely transition from day to night.
This evening purse is a total find, too. There are plenty of similar pieces on the website, but this one has so much detail, even on the inside, that I just had to have it. It would be perfect for a wedding or other formal occasion.
The last piece I selected might actually be my favourite. I went for this oyster shell salt cellar for two reasons; firstly, because I’m always drawn to items made from natural materials, and, secondly, because I love entertaining, and I can imagine using this to decorate my table at my next dinner party.
What was your most surprising selection?
That would have to be the oyster shell salt cellar. It’s a very simple piece, but I just love the statement it would make at a dinner table. I’ve never seen anything quite like it in person.
How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
As an online platform that lists a wide range of rare vintage pieces and is also very user friendly.
Did you have a favourite section of the website?
The book section was probably my favourite because you can really find anything on there! From magazines to illustrated books, coffee table publications, and more. I also thought that section on the website was especially easy to navigate.
What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?
I love how unique all the items are – nothing is mass-produced. It’s a great place to discover gifts for loved ones (and yourself, of course). Plus, all the proceeds go to charity, so you’re always shopping safe in the knowledge that your money is going towards a good cause.
Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?
Oh, I’ll definitely be recommending it to my friends and family!
Hosting summer events can be a daunting prospect for anyone. There’s the organising of whom to invite and what food to prepare, and making sure that everyone has a good time and doesn’t walk away feeling like they’ve just wasted a perfectly good summer’s day.
We Are Not a Shop’s affordable practical items can transform you from looking like a rookie party planner to a seasoned soiree bon vivant. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider when planning summer entertainment for any time of the day, and how We Are Not a Shop’s stock can make the whole process less tortuous.
PICK A THEME
You’ll automatically make things easier for yourself if know what kind of party you’re throwing and focus on maintaining that particular theme. Certain items will add to the overall aesthetic you’re trying to execute. For example, couple these coconut bowls with this collectors’ Thai bamboo cutlery set, a pair of glass bamboo hurricane lamps in light and dark green (just pop a candle in them!), and a wicker holder with a candle to achieve an overall exotic look.
For something a little more on the elegant side, you can write out place names on cards. These place cards covered in either deep pink and blush wild roses or pink rambling roses and berries would look great among a flower-strewn scenario. You can also turn place cards into a fun game by using these Table Talk Place Cards, containing meaningful questions to get the conversation going.
It goes without saying that you should follow the weather forecast obsessively if you’re planning on having an outdoor garden party and don’t have appropriate shelter!
SEND OUT INVITES
How else are your family and friends going to find out about it?! Nowadays, environmental concerns have prompted people to opt for paperless invites, which have recently become all the rage. You’re sure to find a number of sites out there that offer charming templates for sending out your invite emails!
PLAN YOUR MENU & TABLEWARE
Support your local community by ordering supplies from small, family-run businesses. Above all, make sure you stock up on whatever you’re serving, as you don’t want to be caught in the embarrassing situation of not having anything else to serve your guests! It’s always best to keep the menu simple and wide-ranging, obviously taking any preferences and allergies into consideration.
Depending on the kind of eating style you’ve opted for, buffet or otherwise, the way you present your table spread is of the essence. This could consist of both food and floral décor, along with your chosen tableware.
Start off by offering appetisers and refreshing cocktails. Better yet, if it’ll help your theme, use these retro mason drinking jars for an eclectic effect. We absolutely adore these Moroccan tea glasses, all of which come with a recipe for fresh mint tea! Couple them with these vintage art deco tea glass holders for a particularly striking look.
Keep things looking light with these country house-style jugs, which you can use for your fresh beverages, and some quirky napkin rings. You can also support a local artist – Joanne Pace – who donated some of her beautiful pottery dishes!
For a truly sophisticated look, continue adding to your tableware collection with We Are Not a Shop‘s stunning silverware, including silver (or silver-plated) wine coasters, vegetable dishes, and even a dish in the shape of a shell!
CULTIVATE AMBIENCE
Atmosphere is everything, so think in terms of sight, sound, and smell. Compile a music playlist for some subtle or fun background music to fill in those awkward silences. Luckily, We Are Not a Shop have plenty of CDs to choose from!
Make sure that everyone feels right at home by rearranging furniture and creating a comfortable lounge area, which you can decorate with lots of different summer cushions, including these nautical-themed ones.
Remember that uncluttered surroundings will make the environment a more pleasant one, as there would be less stuff for the eye to focus on, thus giving the brain a chance to wind down and rest. Opt for soft, warm lighting by choosing from our range of candles (including ones that come in cute little transparent jars, and even battery-operated one!) and other forms of lighting.
One interesting tip we learned of recently was throwing aromatic herbs on your charcoal barbecue, which will help disseminate the scent around the vicinity. And, of course, who can do without a Genevieve Lethu hammock if you’ve got the space for it?
ORGANISE FUN ACTIVITIES
Designate an entertainment area in case children will be at the party – we can’t pretend that they’re going to be interested in what the older generations have to talk about! Incorporate fun conversational activities for the adults, too. We’re all young at heart, after all…or at least need to be reminded of that. Create a backyard dance floor, and then round off the evening by watching a film together.
KEEP INSECTS AT BAY
Nothing ruins a summer party like flies and mosquitoes. We recommend this citronella candle cradled delicately in a terracotta pot, so it looks great while getting the job done. If you’ve only got a few friends over, you could even make things more intriguing by investing in a good mosquito net, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. Decorate it with some fairy lights and cushions, and you’ve got a veritable children’s fort or ‘60s-style conversation pit. How nostalgic!
GIFT PARTY FAVOURS
Make sure everyone has a safe way of getting home; if the evening turned particularly boozy, it would be very considerate to have taxis ordered for those who need them. To send your guests home graciously, a small gift basket for them to take home goes a long way in showing that you’re an amazing host and that their company was truly appreciated.
Figure out what little snacks and trinkets you want to gift (you can never go wrong with a nice candle, diffuser, or handmadesoap, all of which can be found in our Soaps & Fragrances section), anything from our Temptations section, and perhaps leave a small heartfelt message on these seed paper notes (seeds are literally embedded in the paper!). You could also check out Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell’s and Gloria Nicol’s Country Crafts Through the Seasons for some DIY ideas.
Want to find out more about being the perfect host and throwing the summer party to beat all summer parties? We Are Not a Shop has an excellent range of lifestyle books that can help you with that. Browse through our favourites below!
French expat and interior design lover Catherine Wicker has a keen eye for detail and the finer things in life. Today, we’re chatting to her about her top We Are Not a Shop pick!
Hey Catherine! We’re so glad you decided to sit down with us for a chat. Could you tell us about some of your favourite items from We Are Not a Shop?
For starters, these earrings are absolutely delightful. Elegant and unique – you don’t find earrings like these everywhere.
Bumblebee brilliance.
We Are Not a Shop is also my go-to spot when I am hunting for greeting cards in Malta. They have a wonderful variety of original ones, perfect for any occasion.
I truly love the whole buying experience at We Are Not a Shop. There’s such a fantastic mixture of chic, vintage items and more contemporary pieces (like this stunning necklace, for instance). You can’t go wrong.
I like my eggs hanging from my neck and covered in precious gems. How about you?
Great choices! You mentioned you’ve purchased items from We Are Not a Shop before, so what do you like about shopping here?
Well, why wouldn’t you want to shop here?! All the proceeds go to charity, and their pieces are carefully selected and provide great value for your money. It’s an all-round satisfying experience for everyone.
Have you selected any of your items with someone specific in mind?
A few, definitely. I can completely imagine myself reading the ‘Gathering of the Little Rabbit’ to my grandchildren, or gifting any one of these lovely cards to a friend or loved one.
And I would probably pick this fan for myself. Summer in Malta is definitely on the warmer side (to say the least!), so you can never have enough fans. And this one is simply gorgeous!
Fan your worries away, in style.
Finally, which item would you most like to receive as a gift?
Ah, I couldn’t possibly choose! Can I have all of them? I’ve actually already bought this tea towel – I couldn’t resist it. And I may have also purchased this greeting card and given it to a friend of mine… what can I say? I did pick them after all!
Showing a charcoal sketch by Jean Bartholomew, this is an original greeting card for any occasion.Your everyday kitchen essential, but cuter.
Thanks for chatting to us, Catherine!
Fancy a browse? Check out the We Are Not a Shop website here.
