Shop for a prettier Christmas for your homes

SINGAPORE — In need of something to perk up the holiday spirit in your home? Crate&Barrel’s second outlet may just be the place to shop for it.

Located at the new Orchard Gateway building, the five-storey outlet, which opened last Saturday, is 40 per cent larger than the brand’s first store at ION Orchard. That means more furniture and homeware options, including some outlet exclusives such as a curtain collection. With the festive season just around the corner, shoppers can also get seasonal furnishings such as scented acorns and Christmas wreaths at a dedicated section.

Executive director Yung Ong of Proof Living Group, which brought the American brand to Singapore in January, said the new outlet would enhance the furniture-shopping experience along Orchard Road. Crate&Barrel’s younger line, CB2, is also next door at Peranakan Place.

“Furniture hunters can go from one store to the next easily. While Crate&Barrel’s ranges have a warm, comforting homely feel to them, CB2 is funkier and more colourful. Different items from each store can complement one another,” he said.

For other Christmas shopping options, the ever-reliable Ikea has launched its Winter Holiday collection. Our picks are the unusual LED Christmas Tree Mat with lighting, the star-shaped pendant lamp and the battery-operated snowflake lanterns for an instant injection of the festive feel.

For added cheer, Ikea is organising a story-telling session on Dec 13 and 14, led by Mediacorp Radio DJs as well as local authors. A Christmas Eve buffet will also take place on Dec 24, with tickets at S$30 per person.

And speaking of parties, anyone who is organising one at home may want to check out tableware by homegrown brand Luzerne, which has just opened its first store at the new Metro at Centrepoint to showcase its range of eye-catching products such as show plates that should look right at home with your fabulous turkey dinner.