The world is becoming a smaller place, thanks to the internet and to the fact that airlines can fly us to almost anywhere for an exotic holiday or an exciting adventure, exploring the more remote parts of our planet.
Most of us are keen to buy some kind of souvenir as a reminder of a holiday of a lifetime. With some clever shopping, you could bring back ethnic, locally made materials and goods which add a special interest to your home.
Look for colourful materials and patterned cottons from India which make ideal cloths for a dining table or which can be used as a runner for a bed or framed and put up as a wall hanging. Or shop for silks from Thailand or batik prints from Indonesia which can be made into unusual and original cushion covers. Wooden carvings from Bali and masks from Africa can look amazing hung onto a plain, painted wall. Colourful pottery from Spain and beautiful Italian glass can be placed on shelves or used for special occasions when friends come to visit.
Of course, as well as adding interest to your home and possibly becoming a topic of conversation among your friends, these articles are a constant reminder of a holiday spent in an exotic location.