Father's Day - Sunday 15th June

According to American history, with the first official Father’s Day celebrated in 1910.  Father’s Day as we know it is not even 100 years old.  That said, some historians think that this special occasion is over 4,000 years old.  It is recorded in the ruins of Babylon that a young boy called Elmesu wrote a Father’s Day message on a clay tablet wishing his father good health and a long life.

  

Whether it’s helping out with the DIY, being a personal taxi service or providing a comforting hug on those tougher than average days, Father's Day is a day to champion Dads everywhere.  And if you're looking for a great British made gift for your Dad or even Grandpa - here are our top picks.

  

Crafted from the finest quality solid English Oak and hand engraved, this Oak Cufflinks Tray (£49.00) is a superb design that’s perfect for storing his cufflinks in pairs.  No more hunting for a matching pair in the mornings!  Or if he’s more of a gadget man, there’s the Phone and Tablet Tray (£75.00) engraved with ‘Dad’s Stuff'.

Winding down at the end of the day is made all the more pleasurable with a 'wee dram' served in this Whiskey Glass Set (£50.00).  These weighty glasses are made from the finest lead crystal and come with a stylish accompanying water jug.

For a Dad that travels for work or pleasure, here’s a wash bag that's manly in size and design.  It's a roomy 33cm x 33cm, so large enough to hold everything he needs.  Made from a coated cotton outer and containing a waterproof inner liner, the Stag Print Wash Bag (£18.00) has two compartments inside.

Finally, something special to hold his collection of fine wines.  There’s no better looking storage solution than the Oak Wine Rack (£75.00).  Handmade in solid Oak from sustainable sources, this rack is ergonomically designed to hold a single bottle at one end and remain perfectly balanced, or it can hold up to 12 bottles. 

Picnic Perfection

Originally a fashionable social event, picnics date back to the 14^th Century when they were often connected with the outdoor meals that were held before a hunt.  The French started the modern fashion for picnics in 1789 by opening their royal parks to the public after the revolution.  In the year 2000 a 600 mile-long picnic took place in France in order to celebrate the first Bastille Day of the new millennium, let’s hope they weren’t a few sandwiches short!

So with the warmer weather here, why not head for the beach where the Seagull Picnic Blanket (£36.00) will fit right in.  Good looking and practical too, with its stylish printed cotton top and water resistant nylon backing.  This blanket also rolls up and secures with webbed nylon straps and a carry handle.  Or why not head for the hills with the Rolling Hills Picnic Blanket (£36.00)?

If you’re going to go and fly a kite, why not take the Single Line Pilot Kite (£17.50) up to its highest height?  This kite has sails made from tough spinnaker nylon with its larger size allows the sail to catch more of the breeze, making it fun for older children and for those who are still kids at heart.  There’s also the Single Line Box Kite (£17.50) which has traditional charm.  Its stable box shape makes it suitable for smaller children. 

Pack the Small Oak Serving Platter (£30.00) and use it to lay out cheeses, sandwiches or even cupcakes.  No more worries about getting any unwanted grass flavouring!

And when the day starts to cool there’s no reason to retreat indoors.  Snuggle up under this Lambswool Throw in Moss (£95.00), watch the sun set and finish off the last of those picnic pickings.