Leaving the worst - or at least the most challenging - until last, this week the fashion pages is devoted to presents for men. The list of what not to buy is quickly and easily compiled: socks (obviously); ties (ditto); scent, especially of the cheap gift pack variety (Old Spice is old hat); and all basic items of clothing that he should have enough intelligence and ability to purchase himself during the rest of the year.
So what does that leave? Well, quite a lot actually, provided you are willing to treat Christmas as an opportunity to invest in luxuries, those pampering little extras that every man appreciates but may not necessarily feel justified in personally acquiring. Much better that you provide the treats and leave him feeling heavily indebted to you for the next 12 months. What qualifies as a luxury? Basically where most men are concerned, anything new and costing more than £50. Not all treats are even that expensive, however. The Aveda set shown on this page comes for less and has the merits of being new to the market as well as pleasantly scented and not liable to leave either him or you reeling from too much perfume. This is fresh, subtle and so attractive you may very well end up keeping it for yourself.
The same might be said about an enveloping velvet evening scarf, not too fussy or over-decorated but offering plenty of warmth for cold winter nights. Quilted jackets are equally practical but too many of them overwhelm the wearer, making him look lost beneath all that stitched nylon. One of the most attractive features of the Prada Sport version is that it offers a relatively close fit and will not make the the happy recipient look too bulky. Even though its stylish silhouette is narrow, the jacket still manages to provide protection from the elements.
SO, too, does the Diesel ribbed woollen hat, which also has the merit of coming from one of the most fashionable labels right now without costing a fortune. Where woollens are concerned, generally sweaters are best avoided because they are something of a cliche. At the moment, the most popular style is the high V-neck sweater, but it is just too widespread to be special for Christmas; choose an alternative such as a crew- or poloneck instead.
Buying presents for men is never going to be a simple matter, particularly when the eventual choice is so often received with very little enthusiasm. Try to anticipate that response by buying something which is unexpected but not bizarre or impractical. Clothing chosen with care is sure to meet with a positive reaction. The best present, after all, is always the most thoughtful. Steve and Tony Carter, otherwise known as the Carter Twins, are currently appearing in the Gaiety Theatre's pantomime Cinderella playing Prince Charming and Dandini respectively. Here they model the perfect clothes for this Christmas, with suiting by two of the leading names in menswear, John Rocha and Paul Smith. Any - or all - of the items shown would make a perfect present; both the Carters were planning to see if they could persuade friends, relations - anyone - to give them at least a sweater or pair of shoes from these outfits. Mixing stripes, checks and solid blocks of colour - in 1998's fashionable grey - the clothes will continue to look terrific next year and into the new millennium.