Sweet Ruby Assembly readers, if you know one thing for sure – it’s that we’ve got good taste when it comes to knick-knacks and odd treats to bring a smile to the grumpiest of faces.
With that in mind, here’s 2012’s Ruby Assembly Christmas Wishlist! It’s chock-full of lovely gifts to wrap and place expectantly under your Christmas tree, ready to delight your loved ones and friends. Best thing is that all the ideas featured are none-too expensive (can I hear your collective sigh of relief)? And because we’re good at playing Kris Kringle, you can even WIN one of the adorable Bordfolk characters from Blackbird and Fox, or a lustworthy coral pink Original & Mineral Queenie hairspray from The Laneway salons by subscribing to our blog! Winner drawn on the 20th of December, and announced on our official Ruby Assembly Facebook page. With no further ado, these are the treaties that should make your Christmas Wishlist a little special.
- Blackbird & Fox Bordfolk
Oy vey, I hear you say. She’s cute! Her name may be Inge, or even Anni-Frid. She is Danish (just like Princess Mary, no less) and is a character from the Lucie Kaas ‘Bordfolk’ range – which first appeared throughout Scandinavia in the 60’s and 70’s. Bordfolk (meaning ‘table people’) are handpainted beech-wood egg cups with more than a slight dash of whimsy about them. Plus, they’re vintage AND skandi-style, which puts them into a new stratosphere of hipster chic gifting in our opinion. These little collectable gems are available from giftware specialists Blackbird & Fox online or in their sweet store at Shop 14, Troubadour Arcade 673-681 Glenferrie Road. A wonderful gift to bring out each year and place on the mantle. Or eat your egg from. Blackbird & Fox are good types, and you can discover them on Facebook by clicking here.
- SocieTEA at The Mansion
Remember our adventure to The Mansion Hotel and Spa for an exquisite SocieTEA? Make like the Great Gatsby and purchase a dreamy high tea for yourself and a loved one at stunning Werribee Mansion, set amongst opulent European gardens. It feels like a Victorian Versailles, and is only half an hour from the city. At $90 per head, it’s a special experience to share with someone who also harbours ‘Room with a View’ fantasies of perfect summer days, endless pots of tea and scones. From Friday 7th December you’ll be able to book online to purchase your tickets to SocieTEA at The Mansion by clicking here.
Make like Melbourne’s favorite bloggers including Cecylia (pictured here with cutie-pie Theodore and banging asymmetrical bob haircut), Couturing and Esme and the Laneway and visit The Laneway salon in either Brighton East or Mordialloc to pick up a gift voucher that will suit the fussiest of folks. One of Melbourne’s premiere salons and stockists of GHD stylers, The Laneway use cult beauty brand Original and Mineral and offer a range of beauty services including massage, OPI mani-pedis, facials, waxing and more. With Co-Director Paula Kelso trained at THE Vidal Sassoon salon in America, this is the place to go and get your best haircut ON RECORD. Plus, The Laneway salon is giving away an Original Queenie hairspray to one lucky Ruby Assembly subscriber which has been excellently reviewed and will make your bathroom lovelier than ever. Call 03 9578 3963 to book, or pop in to either salon for your gift vouchers.
- I, Animal at Zoos Victoria
Up for a wild adventure with your loved one (in a non Fifty Shades of Grey way)? Book a couple of tickets to attend Zoo Victoria’s ‘I, Animal’ experience which is described by The Thousands as being ‘Enid Blyton meets Camus meets David Shrigley meets Wilfred’. An audio, multimedia and theatrical experience curated by The Border Project ( you might be familiar with their work from MONA Tasmania), it will have you ruminating on life’s biggies. A little ‘choose your own adventure’, a little philosophical rumination at one of our cultural icons. At only $39.00 a ticket (book here), this is a thoughtful and stylish gift you’ll be able to remember together.
- Candied Bakery Gluttony Session
You’re probably in the throes of organizing catchups with all your mates, fitting in Christmas work functions and family obligations too. Instead of gifts, why not organize a morning at Melbourne’s sexiest new bakery – Candied in Spotswood? It involves the sense of a magical daytrip (or at least, that’s how I feel whenever I go over the Westgate Bridge), and upon arrival at said bakery there are treats available including apple pie shakes, soft serve (it’s Milo flavour this week), organic bread, croissants, focaccia slabs and more. Headed up by Toula Ploumidis and Orlando Artavilla (ex- Sugardough Brunswick East), a Christmas visited to Candied Bakery to try these baker’s wares will have you oversharing on Instagram in a jiff. Described as a classic Aussie Bakery with an American twist, Candied Bakery is located at 81 A Hudsons Road, Spotswood.
Love Ruby Assemblys Wish List, so planning to go to the Zoo Show and Candied Bakery!!