This Victorian mahogany wine cooler attributed to Gillows would be ideal for chilling the champagne.

But then again for a very large gathering requiring litres of the best claret only this pair of George III mahogany wine cisterns would suffice.  They have the added benefits of a warming cupboard in one pedestal and slop drawer in the other. Perfect!

To go with the wine, you could set out this George III mahogany cheese coaster which holds two full wheels of cheese – wealthy Georgians of course had huge households to feed. 

Suitably supplied with the glass of wine and plate of cheese from above, you could relax by the fire in a pair library chairs (below) with these unusual tables at your elbow.  Giulio Pillinini, and his brother Valentino, were the 20^th century masters of the technique made fashionable in 18^th century France by André-Charles Boulle.  This involves inlaying thin veneers of pewter and brass into tortoiseshell – don’t worry they are already fitted with protective glass tops.  Good to go!

A pair of William IV adjustable mahogany library armchairs by George Minter, one dated 1832.  Both of these chairs have footrests and one has a reading arm on a swivel with an adjustable slope.

For alcohol-free and warming drinks what better than a cuppa alongside the Christmas cake? You may wonder what a pedestal sideboard has to do with tea, but all will be clear when I tell you that this piece is only 7 inches high and opens to reveal its true purpose as a tea caddy. 

And the gifts? A late Victorian silver double-ended scent bottle.

A scale model of An Edwardian pine five-oar rowing skiff

A charming Regency greyhound paperweight

Enjoy Christmas!

With best wishes from all of us at Wick Antiques.