You Are What You Give with... Lonika Chande

A warm welcome to the fourth guest in this series, highly acclaimed and award-winning interior designer, Lonika Chande. Her work is a signature collage of unexpected colours, patterns and textiles, art and antiques, and her A-list clients are a closely-guarded secret. I treasure all my customers, but there are some names that pop up in our orders which make my heart beat a little faster, and Loni was one. It's an honour to have her as a client, and now a friend. In fact, we have just made a date to visit the Dennis Severs' house by candlelight, inspired by last week's list from Amy Merrick - I practice what I preach! Enjoy her bright and beautiful Christmas list, but first...

Please tell us one of the best Christmas presents you’ve ever received?

"We got married just before Christmas, and some wedding guests bought us Christmas decorations to hang on our tree. Not strictly a Christmas present, more of a wedding present, but it’s so special getting these out each year."

And one you have given?

"Homemade presents are the best kind to give and receive, although I admit, I’ve not been so good at these in recent years. I once made my mum a cross-stitched bookmark, which she still uses today."

"I went to Stockholm last December and made a pilgrimage to the one and only Svenskt Tenn, where I fell in love with these Josef Frank placemats, which are sold as a set of six. I think they’re pretty fab." Josef Frank Place Mats, 120 Euros

"Now this is pretty niche, but ever so useful. It’s a tube squeezer, to get every last drop out of your favourite face cream, toothpaste, or even a tomato puree." Tube Squeezer, £49

"Tekla make the best towels. I love this hand towel, to jazz up a little loo!" Striped Hand Towel, £31

"Beautifully made, and functional. This fabulous coat hook also adds a little humour to this everyday object." Elephant Hook, £30

"This is the present for those that rely on their morning caffeine fix. I particularly love the yellow.. a dose of extra cheeriness with which to start the day!" Espresso Pot, £35

"This candle has a beautifully natural, woody scent. I love everything Verden do, but this fragrance is my favourite." Verden Arborealist Candle, £41 (currently 25% off)

"I love paperwhites, and for me, these symbolise Christmas. A big basket of these planted up would make a wonderful present. Hyacinth bulbs potted in vintage terracotta pots, also make a sweet little gift." Paperwhites in willow basket, from £22.77 (currently on sale)

"As a self-professed bag lady, I find this pretty handy. I have it in red but, have had my eye on the green, since my last trip to Paris." Merci Tote Bag, 130 Euros (free shipping until Monday)

"Personalised stockings, handmade in South Africa by Julie Baby Punch Club for Big Little Store, are one of a kind, and truly a present that will keep on giving year on year." Editor's note - stockings are no longer available, but this personalised cushion is in the same style, Big Little Store, £120

"I was given these by a friend in a hamper once, after having one of my children, and they have since become a firm gifting favourite of mine. They are incredibly moreish and come in this pretty tin that you get to keep after." Florentines from Melrose & Morgan, £15.95

"A beautiful candelabra, fit for any occasion. It’s handmade in Devon as part of a brilliant collaboration between Feldspar and Lucy Williams Home." Candelabra, £240

And finally, if you could choose just one thing from Scribble & Daub this Christmas, what would it be?

"Ahh such a tough one! It would have to be the box of Scribble & Daub Christmas decorations. Utter heaven.. Everything about them is perfect, right down to the ribbon and tissue paper packing. I am so looking forward to the ceremony of getting ours out again this year."

Thank you so much Lonika!

www.lonikachande,com