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25 UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR 2020

25 UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR 2020
Christmas is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about what to buy for the special people in your life. It can be difficult to come up with gifts that are unique and original, and that will be appreciated rather than just put to one side after a few moments.  Continue reading

HOW TO EMBRACE THE NEW SEASON AT HOME

HOW TO EMBRACE THE NEW SEASON AT HOME
Summer is by far my favourite time of year - I love the light evenings, heavenly al-fresco lunches, the warm sunshine on my skin, and just the feeling of being free as we open the windows to our homes and let the fresh air in. Continue reading

HOW TO WOW WITH YOUR POWDER ROOM

HOW TO WOW WITH YOUR POWDER ROOM

When it comes to decorating our homes, most of us place a lot of focus and attention on the more obvious rooms such as the kitchen or the living room. These are the rooms where we spend most of our time and are the spaces that visitors to our home will see most of. However, I’ve always thought that there is one room in particular that many people leave as an afterthought - the powder room.

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THE HOMES AND INTERIORS OF DOWNTON ABBEY

THE HOMES AND INTERIORS OF DOWNTON ABBEY
One of the things I love most about Downton Abbey is its interiors. Julian Fellowes (Downton's creator) is more familiar than most with the English Country House and its ideals and it seems he chooses the set design and locations to perfection. In one episode we are taken to Ditchley Park, the famous home of Nancy Lancaster who transformed Colefax and Fowler into a brand synonymous with English Country house perfection.  Continue reading

SO CAPRI - MY TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE CHIC, ITALIAN RETREAT

SO CAPRI - MY TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE CHIC, ITALIAN RETREAT
Capri is synonymous with understated elegance. The most discerning of taste makers from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Valentino Garavani have chosen to escape to the idyllic island for relaxation and enjoy its natural beauty. I had always wanted to visit Capri and discover its charms for myself so I booked one week on the island and arrived in mid June. If like me, you don’t entirely trust the reviews on TripAdvisor, here is my guide to enjoying the heavenly island of Capri with style and finesse. Continue reading

THE TAKING OF TEA - A TRULY BRITISH TRADITION

THE TAKING OF TEA - A TRULY BRITISH TRADITION
Afternoon Tea is a delightful pastime that when carried our correctly, is a thoroughly enjoyable experience where one can take time out and relax. The tradition originated in England in the 1840's by Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford who found that the times between Lunch and Supper were too far apart. The Duchess requested that her servants bring her a pot of tea and some light refreshments including finger sandwiches and pastries. The tea, most likely from China at this time but soon replaced by Darjeeling, was to become a symbol of refinement and ultimately a social connector. Continue reading