2012 will, unsurprisingly, be all about ways to save money and increase efficiency, and gadgets such as InSinkErator’s hot water tap.

Similarly, the simple efficiencies of the well-loved gadgets of previous generations will continue to be affectionately rediscovered, such as pressure cookers that can transform cheap cuts of meat into delicious and nutritious casseroles using a minimum amount of energy; brands like Tupperware, who are re-launching into the UK and whose products are invaluable in preserving and transporting food: a homemade picnic lunch is, after all, a fraction of the cost of shop bought.

Even highly energy efficient deep freezers, such as those from Bosch, are likely to benefit from an uptick in sales as a siege mentality takes hold and consumers take advantage of supermarket offers which can be stockpiled.

Robust textile

In terms of style, I predict we will begin to see a move away from the rather cloyingly twee, nostalgic crafts we have recently witnessed to those that are rather more robust and honest, those in fact with echoes of the 1970′s, another period of economic crisis.

Macrame, elephant cord, rush mats, heavy weaves, hessian, studio inspired pottery, terracotta (colour and material) and felting. Also lots of houseplants – this is “shelter chic”.

Natural Environment

2012 is all about the simple and perfect beauty in nature with fruit adding colour: oranges and lemons, pomegranates and apples. Paint and glitter can add highlights but there’s nothing bling about this trend.

The perfect beauty of nature, free to all, is the overwhelming theme for this year: the invitation to the consumer is not about what to buy but how to celebrate and protect what we have already.

For more information go to insinkerator.co.uk.

You also have the opportunity to win the brand new HC3300 steaming hot water tap from InSinkErator worth £570 here.

I didn’t need to look far as Bottle Green have shared a lovely elderflower recipe on their website.

It is utterly refreshing and elegantly simple, this cooler really hits the spot with the elderflower and vodka complimenting each other perfectly.

Ingredients

25ml bottlegreen Elderflower cordial

apple wedges

Fill with ginger ale

50ml Vodka (I love this Vodka)

Glass: Highball

Decoration: apple wedges

Method: Stir ingredients into glass and add apple wedges to decorate. Drink and enjoy (sensibly of course!).

We love the packaging of Bottle Green’s products but what’s inside is even better.

We tried the Elderflower cordial and with only five ingredients: sugar, Cotswold spring water, elderflowers, citric acid and sulphur dioxide (preservative) and loved the light and delicate taste of hand-picked elderflowers.

Simply dilute with iced water or why not try this in a fabulous cocktail?

£3.15 available from Waitrose 

Ecotools have designed a wonderful set of makeup brushes.

Every part of these brushes is either recycled or sustainable in one way or another and they are held in a natural cotton and hemp cosmetic bag.

The handle is made from 100% bamboo, the bristles are cruelty-free, soft taklon bristles and the two are joined by recycled aluminium.

Even the outer packaging has been thought about and is reuseable.

The set includes a blusher brush, eye shading brush, eyeliner brush, lash and brow groomer, concealer brush and cosmetic bag. A perfect present or treat for yourself.

Available from Boots for £14.99