Coffee has been one of my mainstays during lockdown – although obviously cafes haven’t been able to accept reusable cups. For when that’s no longer the case, and when we can actually sit inside cafes again, there’s the almost architecturally designed Huskee reusable coffee cup (from £13), appropriately made from coffee husk. It’s my favourite because they even repurpose old cups, so none end up in landfill.
But what about the coffee grounds from all those flat whites? Well, Upcircle gives them a new lease of life by turning them into natural beauty products. I’m a convert to their body scrub (£14.99), which smells delicious, doesn’t block the drain (it’s worth checking this last point when considering competitor brands) and comes in completely plastic-free packaging. They also happen to be based locally to me, in SE London – always a nice touch.
Don’t forget baby’s drink while you’re out and about. I love Jem & Bea’s Eco Stroller Organiser (£49), perfectly sized for keeping the essentials to hand when you no longer need a full-scale changing bag (although if you do, that can always be stowed in the basket anyway). Designed in sleek black recycled nylon with four outer pockets, two drink-holders and a spacious interior with thermo-insulated bottle-holder.
Danish design brand Menu consistently comes up with the goods – literally. Their Cyclades vase (£140) is available in ivory, soothing sand or simple black, and calls to mind ancient Greek amphorae and classical sculpture, in keeping with the current trend for fine art-infused decor.
Speaking of sculpturally interesting objects, this single-knot ivory candle (£39) performs the neat dual task of looking great and fulfilling a practical purpose. A talking point, and pleasingly neutral – so it’ll work with many interiors schemes.
