You may recall that last year I went to the Ideal Home Christmas Show down in London and while I admit to not being terribly impressed at that show, when I was invited to attend the Ideal Home Show in Manchester this year by sponsors Go Compare, I figured the 10 minute drive to Event City wasn’t too much of a stretch so worth a bit of a wander around.
I roped in the lovely Ashley of Live Like the Boy to accompany me to fight off the crowds that were gathered and to get a few shots for the blog. This is us testing out a ‘Selfie Stick’ that was clearly rubbish (note, we aren’t even in focus – still funny though).
I think the issue I had last year and still have is that Ideal Home don’t seem terribly particular about who exhibits at their shows – I mean, you have everything from waterbed mattresses to shoes to cheap pound-shop like gifts, to teeth whitening. When I think of a ‘Home’ show, I think interiors, I think food perhaps but I don’t really think about signing up for Paintball.
The crowds were insane though and it was difficult to get too many shots of the nicer exhibitors merely because the crowds were 5 people thick at those ones. Nevermind.
This stand… WTF?
What do you mean you wouldn’t spend Β£275 on a felt ball covered black gloss poodle?
Ok, there were more tasteful displays. Like the rooms they’d set up which were very cosy English style. Although I did hear one event goer say, ‘This looks very American to me.’ – I’m not entirely sure what she meant.
Greg Wallace’s restaurant was a nice touch, however, and he was there greeting people and taking selfies with them. The menu looked good as well.
There were a few nice stands like Think Gadgets who had all manner of pretty fairy lights. I was pretty tempted to purchase a strand or two for Christmas.
And I thought that Ginger Ray had some really cute things for a Christmas party.
I think the shame is that you really need to look hard for the nicer stands and they are just buried by all the rubbish stands selling tat. Would I go again? Probably not – I ended up (like last year) buying food instead (some flavoured olive oil, a couple of Mediterranean salads as well as A1 Steak Sauce from an American food stand!). But if you are looking for exciting ideas in interiors, this wouldn’t be what I would consider inspirational design.
I did, however, have a nice time simply because of the company (thanks Ash!) so if you are going, be sure to bring a friend with a good sense of humour ;)
Did you go to the Ideal Home show? What did you think?
Damn it, I was going to get you the felt ball covered black gloss poodle for Christmas – until I saw the price.
Haha! Hey there's always next year if someone hasn't snatched it up already ;) xxx
That would get me in the spirit. Although, that poodle puts me in a different kind of mood.
It put me in a stabby mood lol xxx
How fun was this – getting so excited for the holidays!
I am definitely in the mood for Christmas now ;) xxx
They've been harassing us to have a stand- glad we didn't! Though, we actually sell a black gloss poodle…. (without the gorgeous felt balls). Sure, she's weird, but it takes all sorts eh ;).
I'm sure there are other events you'd be much better placed and I'm sure your glass poodle is much cooler than this one ;) (and hopefully better priced!! lol) ;) xxx
I think the bloke selling the "professional glue" was a particular highlight of mine…<br /><br />Glad you had fun anyway :)
LOL! Yeah there were just all sorts! Thanks again for the tickets Andrew ;) xx
Gutted I didnt't spot you there Kimberly! And looks like we both gravitated towards the same lighting display :)<br />I know what you mean about just going the once. I don't think there was much 'new' there really, but as I went with my sister who hasn't been to anything like this before I got to appreciate it from her open eyes which was quite nice! For me though, I just
Oh so sorry I missed you! Yeah it was a bit of a disappointment but alas, there are always other shows to have fun at ;) The twinkly lights were lovely! xxx
That looks like a blast
It was actually good fun but that had more to do with Ashley than the event! LOL! Xxx