Despite our best efforts to prove otherwise each and every Christmas, glad tidings and good taste rarely go hand-in-hand. That is, unless your name is Alex Eagle, for whom the annual festive shebang is merry and meticulous in equal measure.

As Creative Director of both Alex Eagle Studio and The Stores – each a pinnacle of curation and interior elegance – Alex's eye for aesthetics is second to none. And her annual Christmas fair is no exception...


Image of Alex Eagle, courtesy of Olivier Yoan.

Less of a bazaar for bedraggled bric-a-brac, and more of a sophisticated smörgåsbord of covet-worthy curios, the yearly event attracts design lovers like bees to a honey pot of homeware and gifts aplenty.

So, as Alex gears up for her own Christmas hurrah ("My husband and I host a big lunch for 20-30 people at our loft, which usually lasts long into the evening with games and endless eating."), we quizzed the doyenne of décor herself for advice on satisfying those final tricky-to-buy-for culprits...

What to buy for... your Mother-in-Law.
"Christmas is the perfect excuse to spoil her! I would choose the Austin Austin Palmarosa & Vetiver hand cream and soap. They’re the most heavenly duo, and all are made with organic and vegan products."



What to buy for... your Grumpy Uncle who hates Christmas.
"Genevieve Sweeney is known for her beautiful handcrafted knitwear; we'll have a fun and colourful selection of her socks on offer at the market, which are the ideal choice for that Grumpy Uncle! There's nothing like a fresh pair to shuffle around the house in on Christmas day after a big roast turkey and mince pies."

What to buy for... your Best Friend who’s just had a baby.
"We’ve partnered with the genius Cats Brothers this year, who have a range of handmade felt Surrealist Christmas decorations. You are never too young to start building your own special collection, which you can then dig out excitedly each year! These are fun for kids and adults alike, and something to enjoy together for the baby's first Christmas."



What to buy for... your Child’s Teacher.
"You can't go wrong with chocolates for your kid's teacher – but you can do one better! Kuf Studio's fabulously inventive terrazzo tiles are slabs of delicious chocolate that mimic Italian palazzo floors, while still being entirely edible."

What to buy for... Ourselves! (We deserve it, right?)
"A new purse or wallet is always something you’ll feel too indulgent about splashing out on – aside from at Christmas! Treat yourself to a Tinct leather wallet or pouch in vividly piquant shades, which can be personalised with embossed initials and symbols. My personal favourite is the 'Aragosta', meaning lobster in Italian."


The Alex Eagle Christmas Fair runs between 11am-7pm, from Wednesday 28 November, 2018 until Wednesday 5 December, 2018 at Lower Ground Floor, Alex Eagle Studio, 6-10 Lexington Street, W1F 0LB.


Also on Because Magazine:

+ Abigail Gurney-Read makes a case for why the trench is one of those key pieces in a wardrobe that everybody should own.

+ Sophie Hulme celebrates her brand's 10th birthday in style...

+ Knitwear season is upon us! Here's how to care for your woollens.