First impressions mean everything and a textured rug can instantly add colour and interest transforming a room into a welcoming area.

In our new Lifestyle Collection we have a range of attractive, textured upcycled rugs in 100% wool (they are made from wool that would otherwise have been discarded by the mill). Not only are these eco-friendly but they are also available online.

With extra friends and family visiting over the festive period having enough seating for everyone can be a problem. Teenagers and children love lounging on the floor but aren’t so keen on chic wooden floors that can be hard and often draughty.   Venetian flatweave floor cushions are both stylish and comfortable – by the way ‘Venetian’ has nothing to do with Italy but refers to our traditional woven floor-covering.

We upholster stairs with our flatweaves and we have used the same wool textile to upholster a range of stools and benches. Versatility is important at Christmas and one multi-functional piece of furniture that can work in different rooms is invaluable.  Roger Oates’ upholstered benches can be impromptu low tables in the sitting room, a stylish place for luggage in guest bedrooms and they are the perfect seating in the hall for all that changing of shoes and wellies.

Spending extended periods cossetted with friends and family can be lovely but there will almost certainly be times when everyone needs to get out for a healthy dose of fresh air.   To keep your rugs and runners looking good a doormat or boot scraper will solve your problems.  Of course the best way to protect your floor coverings is to ask your guests to remove their shoes at the door as they do in Scandinavia and Japan.

If your idea of the perfect Christmas is to get away from home and family then our travel bag in traditional wool flatweave is perfectly sized for one or two nights away…. and it’s sure to get you noticed on the plane.

And because Roger Oates is a ‘Secret Santa’ there is free delivery on everything in the Lifestyle Store from now until Christmas!