Autumn Show Time

We loved the packaging on these fab, fun foods - we think they'll make great gifts

As the owner of a proudly independent small business, finding great new products for each season is both one of the most fun parts of my job as well as the most important part. Like putting on any event, with Christmas in retail, preparation is key and September can be busier than December for me as I visit trade shows, find new products, begin to promote the things we find to magazines, devise ideas for Christmas and put our busiest season of the year together.

We've just spent a great few days in London and Birmingham at big trade shows, where we go to meet new companies, order from our existing friends and start the ball rolling. And I'm so excited about some of the things we've found that I've put together a quick preview.

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By Mark Fletcher

We always love And Mary's quirky range of ceramic jewellery, but dogs as drawer handles? Well you can't beat it really. What a great way to dress up a dresser.

Our favourite fair trade company Nkuku have their usual classic combination of natural dark woods, simple ceramics and glass: a mix which we love for the autumn. Particularly when dressed up with the occasional fun item to break the serious vibe. Personally I can't wait for one of these Cubebots pictured below to dress up my wooden shelves of cook books at home.

Cubebots, postcards, labels and - of course - animal wrap. We love fun, bold and graphic things!

And there's loads more from Christmas decorations to cards to jewellery coming in so keep an eye on the new stock section of our site to see what's in already.