There's nothing like a sudden cold snap to sharpen the mind at this time of the year – yes, after a balmy October and blink-and-you'll-miss it November, we're a full week into December.
Some of us might be planning to pick up a tree this weekend, but there's also a flurry of makers markets, pop-ups and fairs that make for a suitably festive activity with fewer pine needles.
Such sales are an opportunity to pick up, size up and discuss products with their makers and designers, who for most of the year likely sell online (or not at all).
We've chosen eight of the best to catch in the rest of December, from an exclusive collaboration with artist John Booth to the ultimate ceramics market.
Folie Chambre
Yorkshire-based designer Natalie Tillson is a trained historian, so it’s little wonder that her home accessories feel like modern heirlooms – think British-made bobbin lamps and glossy lacquer candleholders.
She’s gearing up to bring a selection of pieces down south, alongside a hand-picked edit of vintage furniture and gifts.
December 13 – 17 (£2 tickets online for 13 and 14 lates); 198 Hackney Road, London E2 7QL
Royal College of Art Christmas Fête
Meet tomorrow’s talent at this festive indoor market run by the Students’ Union, which was set up to showcase diverse output from RCA students and alumni.
Pick up one-of-a-kind ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints, safe in the knowledge that the stallholders will keep 100 per cent of their sales.
December 7 – 9; Courtyard Gallery, RCA Kensington Campus, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU
London Centre for Book Arts x John Booth Winter Market
The London Centre for Book Arts has quietly supplied the capital’s book-binders, box-makers and letter-press printers with all manner of facilities at its Fish Island base for more than a decade.
Expect limited-edition books and gifts, plus typically vibrant prints and ceramics from collaborator John Booth and his Super Group project with designer Ian McInyre.
December 9; Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, London E3 2NQ
DIY Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
The DIY team has assembled a dizzying line-up of 150 ceramic artists for the festive edition of its travelling market. Here’s your chance to swerve the ubiquitous Instagram names – you’ll find plenty of potters selling seriously offbeat pieces for those has-it-all giftees.
If you’re after prints, posters and illustrations, there’s an art market the day before.
£2 entry
December 10; Unit 8, 133 Copeland Road, London SE15 3SN
Tavola by Skye McAlpine
A short hop from Harrods, this Knightsbridge pop-up space has had an Italian-tinged festive makeover courtesy of cookery author Skye McAlpine’s la dolce vita-style tableware.
Pick up scalloped plates made in the Veneto region, seriously posh crackers and one-off vintage pieces selected by Skye.
Until December 17; 10 William Street, London SW1X 9HL
Atelier278
Italian stone and British craftsmanship has proved a potent combination for Atelier278’s made-to-order travertine and marble tables, but this Notting Hill pop-up will also offer far more giftable onyx bowls, coasters and cups.
Perhaps most covetable are the limited collection of showstopper chess sets in green onyx and white Carrara marble.
Until December 10; 79 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AG
Raye at Coal Drops Yard
Concept grocery store Raye has earned a loyal following by treating beautifully-packaged food, drink and wellness products with the reverence of a gallery.
The second week of this Coal Drops Yard pop-up will feature a shoppable tablescape of stone tableware by Monoware.
December 7 – 21; 108 Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR
Fels Ceramics Weekend
Well-connected design gallery Fels is an industry favourite for furniture, objects and artworks sourced from Britain and beyond.
Their upcoming ceramics weekend is a chance to buy directly from more than twenty ceramicists – some selected through an open call – and discuss your new purchase over a glass of mulled wine.
