When I was visiitng London at the weekend, a very rare treat these days, I was struck by the amazing number of gorgeous gift shops and home stores dotted along the various avenues and high streets we encountered on our coach trip to a music venue.   The route was traffic strewn which was a delight for us, not quite such a jape for our very patient driver.  Every few metres we were able to peer down into the shop fronts at fantastic arrays of middle eastern looking furnishings, gifts of all shapes and sizes.  I could see porcelain and pottery designs artfully arranged, gift choices of fantastic colours, groups of dinner and high tea sets in incredible jewel colours and hues.  These goods, I am sure, will be aimed at the more affluent family market – the sort of homes that have massive gatherings and need a huge range of eating and drinking ware, not necessary idential but showing that individual flare so beloved of the aspiring home stylist!