A few of my favourite things for or inspired by my travels…

Fashionable jewellery by Angela Caputi: Fun and fresh, Florence’s Angela Caputi offers colourful designs and modern unique pieces. This Christmas she has launched a special Natale edition. www.angelacaputi.com

Cookbooks: This year there were quiet a few exciting cookbooks that not only showcased taste temptations, but were also virtual travel books onto themselves. Here are the ones that transported me.  Amazon.com

Florentine: Food and Stories from the Renaissance City by Emiko Davies

Tasting Rome by Katie Parla and Kristina Gill

Rome by Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi

Home Scents of Italy at Aqua Flor, Firenze: Anything in this Florentine shop is lush and feels very special. Their home scents with diffuser bottles and sticks offer sophisticated luxurious fragrances. www.florenceparfum.com

Pocket travel camera the Leica C: Compact camera with a lot of punch, the Leica C camera is easy to carry, has a quality lens, and even a wi-fi option allowing for wireless transfer between camera and iPhone for those sharp photos on Instagram and social media. Leica-Camera.com

Classic Panettone: Excellent for giving to a family, as a hostess gift, or just to your mamma, you can’t go wrong with this traditional Italian bread. Many can be found in supermarkets, or Italian deli food shops. But if you are lucky enough to get to Italy, there is Cova in Milan, and Gilli or Rivoire in Florence just to name a couple. All wrapped and presented like jewel boxes which proves just how desirable a gift they are. www.covamilano.com and www.rivoire.it

Nars makeup pallets: Small makeup colour kits are great for travel and easy to pack. This year Nars has worked with photographer Sarah Moon for their holiday collection of pallets that combine easy makeup solutions for on the road glam. An always chic red lip, pale cheeks, and brown eye shadows can go day to night. www.narscosmetics.com

Old Master cushions at the National Gallery: Living with art couldn’t be easier or more stylish than with these cushions of a selection of paintings at London’s National Gallery. They add a bit of sophistication to any chair or sofa and make a posh gift. www.nationalgallery.co.uk

Wishing you all joy and festivity during the Christmas season… Buon Natale! Happy Christmas!