[unpaid/affiliate] One of my favourite Christmas presents this year was this beautiful Ichendorf Milano glass jug from Lucy. It’s a very ‘me’ kind of thing – a utilitarian piece with something quirky about it. I use currently for long stem flowers because the fish shows through and it looks like it’s swimming in reeds.

The history of Ichendorf Milano is a bit tricky to decipher because I think it’s done on Google translate but I can tell you that its origins began at the beginning of the 20th century in a small town near Cologne called Quadrath-Ichendorf. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Ichendorf opened a studio in Milan to attract artists and creative ideas. The Animal Farm collection which the jug is from was developed in 2018 and I’m guessing (hoping) it’s been an absolute cash cow for them because quality plain glass, no matter how nice the shape, is a niche area when you can get glasses just about anywhere and for any variety of prices. The fish pitcher is £62 HERE.

What I love about Animal Farm is the whimsy of it and despite the fact you wouldn’t expect to find a fish, duck, turtle, rabbit or cactus at the bottom of your jug or glass, they look like they’re meant to be there. The rabbit pitcher is £56 HERE.

The round version of fish is £56 HERE.

The turtle jug is giving me summer vibes for elderflower coolers or Pimms… yes please! It’s also £56 HERE. I remember my grandparents had some flowery glasses that – wait for it – they got with petrol coupons. When you bought petrol you got a voucher and when you had enough vouchers you could get a ‘gift’ and they chose glasses – but I never forgot them and actually, this is a very ‘them’ thing – if these had been around when they were, they’d have jumped at them. Was it Esso? I know someone will know :-).

I’ve got a couple of examples of the glasses – so tempting – which start at £18. I will take a gin and tonic out of this any day of the week! It’s HERE.

Or Coral? Take your pick! These are in four different colours HERE. So, something a bit different for this Friday – but too lovely not to mention.