This page is proof of their effort. Some things will make you nod appreciatively. Some will make you raise an eyebrow and shrug. Others will make you narrow your eyes and wonder... why? Welcome, as always, to Utterly Inessential.
Watch this space
Named official watch maker of the Ministry of Defence, it's safe to say that Bremont don't mess around when it comes to equipping the wrists of the nation. Their new range is the boy scouts of watches: prepared for absolutely anything, from cocktails to the cockpit. With chronograph functionality, this watch is specifically aimed at the airman, or anyone for whom perfect timing is a way of life and an absolute necessity.
The back of this particular watch is engraved with Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Heraldic Badges – something so cool that it's probably best it's not for show to the rest of the world (we all need our own little secrets). Described as 'accurate, durable and legible', I'm beginning to wonder why I keep checking my phone for the time.
The Bremont Arrow (RAF) for £3,595 from www.bremont.com.
My kingdom for a beach...or even a sandpit
I like beachwear an inordinate amount for someone who lives in a) London and b) the UK in general. Whale Of A Time Clothing always keep me lusting after warmer climes full of sun, sand and sailboats and their new California-inspired range truly spikes the volleyball over the net. Eco-friendly and adorably pastel, I would 100% buy one of their deck shirts, despite the fact that I own no deck.
Eye eye
I don't personally have a need of binoculars. If perchance you do, you know which ones to purchase.
Ultravid 8x32 HD-Plus Customised Binoculars by Leica, £1,850, www.leicastore-uk.co.uk.
A little sunshine for your little sunshine
I am a firm believer that no one deserves more love and affection than an adorable new puppy. If you even need another reason to purchase this weaved wonder (which contains a blanket, a dog bowl, a toy, dog shampoo and some delicious peanut butter treats) then the name of the toy giraffe is Genevieve. Give Genevieve the Giraffe a home.
Little Sunshine Puppy Gift Basket by Mungo and Maud for £229, mungoandmaud.com.
A grape choice this week
Our resident wine expert Harry Eyres has tipped Portuguese table reds in this week’s issue of Country Life, calling them 'powerful and age-worthy... some of the world's great wine bargains.'
Harry suggests a very reasonable red Somontes Casa da Passarella Colheita 2015/6 at £11 a bottle, but The Spirit of the Inessential demands that you go for the big-hitter, nay the Big Daddy of Portuguese reds, Quinta do Vesuvio 2015. Harry promises that it's fragrant, floral and 'thoroughly seductive.' And if you finish the whole thing I promise you won't even remember the price.
Quinta do Vesuvio 2015 £62.10, www.hedonism.co.uk
If you purchased our entire shopping list this week you will have spent £5,796.05 and all pictures of your new puppy should be immediately sent to the Country Life Facebook page.
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How to make a bay and vanilla crème brûlée custard tartElevate your everyday vanilla crème brûlée by infusing it with delicate bay.
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A new National Gallery exhibition shines a light on Siena’s brief, but dazzling golden ageIn the space of 100 years, Siena's artists redefined painting as an art form and laid the foundations for Renaissance.
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Seven perfect Christmas gifts for people who just love beautiful, functional thingsWilliam Morris famously said to have nothing in your house that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. These things do their best to hit both targets.
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Christmas gift ideas for menFrom fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.
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Perfect Father’s Day gifts for dads who deserve itThere are many ways to show your dad that you love and appreciate him. There's breakfast in bed, an offer to mow the lawn, a big hug and the offer of the last biscuit. Or you could just buy him something that he definitely doesn't need, but we're pretty sure he'll want.
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The Utterly Inessential Wimbledon Shopping ListWe've rounded up all the utterly inessential products — posh tennis gear, in other words — that you absolutely do not need to enjoy Wimbledon, but would probably fancy having anyway.
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The Utterly Inessential Mother's Day list: 16 gifts guaranteed to either surprise or delightIs your mum the sort who's happiest with what she knows — or one who loves a surprise?
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Supercharged home Wi-Fi, smart headphones and a mobile phone literally anyone can useOur Utterly Inessential Shopping List returns with some technology that is far cleverer than we are.
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The best weekend bags and finest holdalls that (rather a lot of) money can buyGoing somewhere nice? You might be soon, so here's Hetty Lintell with her pick of the finest holdalls and best weekend bags you can buy.
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Best smart speakers for non-techie people: What to expect, what you'll love and what doesn't workSmart speakers are no longer the preserve of tech geeks and millennials — these handy speakers are, and (as we'll discover) particularly handy for those living in the countryside. We've looked at some of the main contenders to see which one comes out on top: Google Nest Audio, Amazon Echo Studio, the Apple HomePod Mini, and the Audio Pro G10.
