Food essayist Hirano Sakiko visited Margaret Howell Cafe in Jinnan, Shibuya Ward to enjoy an early taste of the Christmas-only menu. After spending a cheerful time at the cafe, she went to the adjacent shop to look for a Christmas gift. Hirano says she "loves Christmas!" so what gift would she like to give to a loved one this winter? Her choice is typical of a food essayist, so keep an eye out.



■Robert Welsh Toast Rack for Breakfast Bread-Loving Grandparents




--How was your experience choosing a gift at Margaret Howell?

Hirano: To me, Margaret Howell is a brand with a discerning eye for things and a high aesthetic sense. The keyword "good living" immediately comes to mind. When I come to the store, I feel like I'm standing tall. I feel like I'll find something that both the recipient and I will cherish forever.

--First of all, you immediately purchased the "Toast Rack." Who is this gift for?

Hirano: My grandparents, who recently moved to Tokyo. For breakfast, they always have toast and a cabbage and tomato salad with sauce. They usually use tableware that they received at the Spring Bread Festival, which is cute in its own way, but I wanted to suggest something stylish for their new life together, where they can put their toast on a stand (laughs). Grandma often gives them gifts when we meet, so I chose this as a way to give back to her.

■ A "Random Dot Pattern Tie" for my brother who recently got a job




--You chose a tie for your brother.

Hirano: I've been studying abroad for a while, but I finally got a job recently! I chose a tie to celebrate the occasion. I thought that my brother wouldn't choose a polka dot pattern. He probably buys things he wants for himself, so when I'm looking for a gift, I choose something that he wouldn't go out of his way to pick up, or something that I like.

■Brown Betty Teapot: For a friend you'd love to spend tea time with




--Why choose a teapot as a gift for a friend?

Hirano-san: I recently went to the UK for a food interview, and since it's the country of tea, everyone there enjoys a leisurely afternoon tea. There was even an elderly man who said, "I don't drink coffee because it's bad for my health!" (laughs). Experiencing that British atmosphere made me realize once again that even though the world is in the midst of a coffee boom, I still love tea. I thought I'd give this teapot as a gift to a friend I'd like to enjoy tea with.

■ A "Wool Cashmere Knit" as a reward for working hard this year




--Finally, here's the knit I chose as a reward for myself. It has buttons, giving it a feminine feel.

Hirano: I'd been looking for a knitwear with buttons on the shoulders for a long time, and when I saw this, I thought, "This is it!" I loved it. It's a classic design, but it's surprisingly hard to find. I also really like the cafe latte color of the buttons, and it looks comfortable. I was hoping for a knitwear made from natural materials this year.

--Do you have any particular preferences when selecting good knitwear and other items?

Clothes and everyday items may look the same and simple, but good quality is completely different when you actually use it. We can't help but buy things that look cute at first glance, but "cuteness" deteriorates over time. New, cute things come out one after another, and generations take over. But with things that we "love," the more time passes, the more we love them. In other words, time is on our side. In that sense, I think Margaret Howell is full of high-quality, beloved items that you'll want to spend time with.

Gifts Selected by Hirano





>>Christmas at Margaret Howell Jinnan store with Hirano Sakiko. Special December menu too



Margaret Howell has a full line of Christmas events!
■Women's
From December 7th to 20th, knitwear exclusive to the Shinjuku Isetan store will be on sale at West Park on the 4th floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku, as well as a selection of items perfect for gifts, introducing Margaret Howell's Christmas spirit.

■Men's
From December 7th to 25th, a pop-up shop will be open in the promotion space on the 2nd floor of Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi. During the period, we will be offering free gifts with purchases of 32,400 yen or more (tax included). *Gifts are limited in quantity and will be available while supplies last.



【Announcement from Margaret Howell】
■Christmas Gift Campaign
From November 16th to December 25th, Margaret Howell stores nationwide are running a campaign in which 120 people who enter while shopping will be entered into a lottery to win a wonderful gift.
For more information, click here → Visit the official Margaret Howell campaign site

■View the Christmas catalogue

【Inquiries】
Margareth Howell
TEL: 03-5467-7864
www.margarethowell.jp