My brother came over today looking for ideas for an engagment present for a friend who lives in Margaret River in Western Australia. And like most people who are looking for engagement present ideas, he finally decided on something for the home. I guess that's the most practical gift for a couple... since both can use it.

Because it's winter, he wanted to get them something cosy, so we tossed up between two beautiful throws from funky online retailer Prezzi Express.

First was this beautiful linen and silk throw from India.

Pure, wild, Indian silk has been hand drawn from the cocoon, rolled in the palm and then hand woven by skilled weavers. The beautiful thick, textured yarn is made without any chemical interference and retains its natural glossy finish for many years to come.

Also the weavers make twice the usual market rates to reflect the high quality, resulting in increased prosperity and security for the whole community.

Also from Prezzi Express is this blue merino wool blanket

Each is individually hand-crafted in homes in a valley in Northern India and dyed with gentle vegetable colours.

A cottage industry of weaving and spinning, going back for generations, underpins the valley’s economy. Almost every house in the valley has a handloom. About 100 local women have been trained to produce high quality products that embrace their traditional skills using specialised yarns.

In the end my brother chose the blue merino wool throw, because it's nice and warm. Margaret River is chilly this time of the year!

I hope the happy couple gets years of pleasure out of this timeless throw.

Can you imagine how difficult it is for people to know what to buy you as an engagement present when you already have a house full of stuff?

If you already own quite a lot of household bits and pieces, consider asking for vouchers to a couple of stores for your engagement present. That way you can add all the vouchers up and buy any larger items you need for your new home.

For those of you who are thinking about getting engaged, and don't have any idea what it takes to furnish a home, take a quick walk around the family home. Then work out what you use on a daily basis. Now you may have some items stashed away, so as you go through each room make a list of the items you have and the items you don't. That way, when people ask you what gift item you would like as an engagement present, you have an answer ready for them.

And we all know what will happen if you don't make a list of the things you would like as an engagement present. Everyone (well almost everyone) will have the same idea and you will end up with lots of similar items. If not the same items. I know it's good to have spares of things, but no-one needs a dozen toasters or cruet sets. Of course you could use one of the many gift registries or ask for vouchers - but there's always something nice about receiving a gift - even if it is a toaster.