My grandmother has been building a nest. It’s called Linen & Lace. Beware when you walk in, you might faint from the overwhelming mix of aromas. It’s hard to know what hits you first. The pot purri or the musk scented EVERYTHING. This shop is full of items from yesteryear. If you appreciate the finer crafts like tatting, cross stitch and embroidery, you might get into some of the wares of Linen and Lace. There are doilies, laced table clothes, nightgowns, and fabric napkins for sale here. If fabric isn’t your thing, you might like to treat yourself to some fragrant soap, or some jewellery, perhaps even some pretty ornament. This would be my first port of call if I were shopping for something for my grandmother, or for someone who was really into their needlework. I do have to admit, I was fingering a doily with a particularly intricate design thinking«how’d you do that then?».
Tracey G.
Place rating: 4 Brisbane, Australia
If you have an apple pie nanna or ever so sweet gran’ma then this is the perfect place to find a gift for her. It’s not really my kind of shop, but has a lovely old world charm. I ventured in there once looking for a gift and was quite enchanted with the lacework on so many of the night gowns, table cloths, aprons and runners. I bought a night gown — actually for my Mum — which is made of such fine fabric that she says it’s the coolest garment she owns and on those hot summer mornings she feels like wearing it all day. The shop smells good because there are soaps and even different kinds of loose leaf tea on sale. There are ornaments, jewellery and cards — it is hard not to buy some little bits and pieces before you make it out the door.
Courtney G.
Place rating: 5 Brisbane, Australia
This is one of the most beautiful stores ever! It’s a tiny place, but each item has obviously been carefully chosen for its charm, beauty or heavenly aroma then skilfully arranged to look as tempting as possible. As the title suggests, the items stocked are rather random; pretty pyjamas, handmade soaps, jewellery, fake flowers. The seemingly odd assortment comes together beautifully to create a serene shopping experience. I slowly made my way through the store having a browse thinking, yes, I do need a bar of special Christmas-scented soap; maybe I do need a pretty, rustic bucket for when I get into flower arranging; while the adorable elderly lady purchasing her Christmas presents and telling stories about her grandchildren just made the experience all the more charming. This is the perfect place for buying gifts or treating yourself.