Whimsical Christmas Stockings

Sometimes, only something whimsical will do - even at Christmas. And when I saw these extremely whimsical, luxurious Christmas stockings I could not help but smile. Just as with handmade stockings, these are a present in themselves, regardless of what you fill them with.

This gorgeous Victorian Christmas Stocking makes a wonderful wrapper for a 'once-in-a-lifetime' gift such as an engagement ring. Made from shiny gold fabric, the heel, toe and gaiter are beautifully embroidered velvet.

I love this Crazy Christmas Stocking which looks as if it's just been stolen from a Harlequin. It's far too nice to bring it out just at Christmas time. So keep it handy for carnival season, too.

This Classic red and green Christmas Stocking definitely belongs to one of Santa's elves. Nice of him to lend it. Maybe elves just don't suffer from cold feet....

You may think this lovely Nutcracker Christmas Stocking a little too grand for a child, but I have the sneaky suspicion that this very whimsical Christmas stocking might well become an heirloom, reverentially revealed and filled to the delight of the kids year after year.

And finally for all history lovers, a Luxurious Christmas Stocking that wouldn't have looked out of place at the court of King Charles I. I just love the colours and the gaiter reminds me of the beautiful lace worn by gentlemen of that period.

Whether they're straight out of a Disney film or the pages of a historical fashion magazine, these whimsical Christmas stockings will always raise a smile. And they're so beautiful, you'll want to use them Christmas after Christmas after Christmas....