Joules Picnic Collection

Hi everyone. I'm sorry everything went quiet for a while, I've been rushed!

Where has the last few months gone!? If it wasn't for the recent sun I think the month of June could of passed me by completely! We did manage to squeeze in a nice day out on Sunday at the Bowood Charity Dog Show. This trip also saw the début of my new Joules picnic rug. Their current range is to die for. Have a look at these beauties (my rug features the blue doggy pattern, I reckon I'll plug for the rucksack next!)

Garden Lazy Chair | £35

Picnic Rucksack in Stripe | £60

Garden Lazy Chair in Rose | £35

French Inspired Easter Table

Happy Easter Everyone!

I'm spending far too much time thinking about how my dining table will look this Sunday. I've been totally inspired by the French inspired theme below. 

I love the all-white ware, the white linen napkins and table cloth, the pewter candlesticks  and the crystal glasses!  For the napkins I think I'll follow suit by tying them with string and putting a little sprig of rosemary on top for a little greenery!  

For the frilly china, I'm thinking my best bet is the Arv range from Ikea. I know the plates aren't as frilly as those used below but remember I've got to get the other half to sign off on them too! 

'ARV' | £45 for an 18 piece service 

Country Living Spring Fair 2013

Inspirational Easter Table - Room Set by Chez Moi

Here we go! My top three 2013 Country Living Fair picks!

No. 3 Yum Yum Tree Fudge

Artisan Fudge made in the heart of Suffolk using all natural flavours and local British Sugar. I tasted loads but my favourites by far were Cappuccino and Salted Caramel. I visited the fair on Thursday and I've already run out of fudge. Thank god I can replenish my supply via their website!

No. 2 Bertie & Jack 

I've visited the Bertie & Jack stall in Bath on numerous occasions. I even asked them for three bespoke prints when I was redecorating my living room. Imagine my surprise when I came across them at the Fair! I was so thrilled I bought a smaller print featuring the song bird cut out for my bedroom.

Best in Show. 

No. 1 Hogben Pottery 

Hogben Pottery are a Fair Favourite of mine but this year I was even more impressed than I usually am! Each piece is hand worked by a select team of skilled craftspeople to create something individual, unique and beautiful. I love their Fox Terrier and Spaniel designs but this year I treated myself to a Rabbit mug. Check out their 2013 best sellers here. 

Blooming Beautiful!

If you like interiors that are natural and simple in style, you've probably already heard about the Danish company Bloomingville. Their products are a mixture of raw materials, Scandinavian sensibility and their love of nature.

I recently ordered some lovely items from the 'Emma' range, including the teapot shown in the image above and this set of four teacups. Perfect for serving Green Tea after a Chinese takeaway! 

Teacups £6.95 each
Teapot £29.00

. . . from not on the high street 

Spring!

Meet my most recent purchase! Spring began yesterday, the weather down here was glorious, so I wanted to celebrate! I can't wait to fill this jug with a citrus and ginger punch. Perfect for afternoon refreshments in the garden. I also got the four matching crystal high balls. Bliss! 

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Crystal Pitcher | £32

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Crystal High Ball Set of 4 | £27

Gearing up for the Country Living Fair!

There's less than three weeks to go until the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair. I was unable to attend the Christmas fair last November so I'm doubly excited about this one!!

I'm planning to go down on the Thursday so I can catch the free one day event of exclusive talks taking place in the Business Zone!  The focus will very much be on turning your talent into a Business. Emma Bridgewater will be speaking!!! ('The Next Stage – Take Your Business to the Masses').

There will also be a Pop-up Market where fledging businesses will be selling their home-made items and testing the water before taking the plunge. All this on top of the usual gorgeous buys!  See you there! 

French Trend Nailed!

French farmhouse is a trend I often revisit.  These gorgeous linens with a jacquard pattern of teapots and teacups are a great way of hinting at the look without going all out.

Teapot tea towel (set of 2), £9.99, ZARA HOME

Botanical Kitchens AGAIN

The devils in the details. . . 

Jug: Have a look at the Portmeirion website, although you might want to make a cuppa first! There are 454 items in their Botanic Garden range alone! The 'Staffordshire' jug shown comes in 17 different designs and 3 different sizes (1/2pt, 1pt, & 2pt). I'm very fond of the daisy jug. (and the garden lilac 1-tier server!) 

'Butterflies Welcome' sign: This black and cream East of India sign with a tapered point  would make a lovely addition to any plant pot, border, or vintage zinc planter! You can't buy direct from East of India but there are a number of online stockists. Try Victoria James.

Planter: Although I haven't been able to locate this zinc planter, there are loads of similar options out there. One alternative is this embossed trough. It would be perfect as shown or planted with bulbs, or filled with herbs!

Half Curtain: This 'Zosa' fabric (shown in the chalk/stone/leaf colourway) is part of the Folia collection from Harlequin. The collection itself features predominantly botanical motifs. I also love  'Josefa' which features a  pear motif highlighted with embroidered knotwork.

February - the month of Mondays.

Happy Monday! 

In the hopes of making the start of your week a little bit easier to navigate, I'm sharing with you yet another botanical kitchen. If you fancy recreating this look, here are a couple of items to get you going!

John Lewis Latin Herbs Vase | £55

Rustic White Distressed Enamel Jug | £26

Shabby Chic Hero!

What a beaut! This Sorting Office Magazine Rack (£24.95, www.dotcomgiftshop.com) is a hell of a find! It's currently out of stock but is due back come March! I'm gonna make sure I get in their quick so I don't miss out!

Sardine Run | Jersey Pottery

"Inspired by antique Vietnamese pottery, Sardine Run is named after the annual mass spawning of sardines in Southern Africa. The colours of Jersey Pottery’s Sardine Run ceramics are evocative of the sparkling waters of the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans and its bold contemporary design combines the interlocked shapes of individual fish to create a stunning collection of casual tableware equally at home in a sun-drenched seaside villa as a chic city apartment."

Couldn't have put it better myself!

Sardine Run Charger Plate 32cm £25.00

Sardine Run Deep Rimmed Bowl Set of 4 £80.00

Sardine Run Mug Set of 2 £20.00

Sardine Run Pot Grab £12.50

Sardine Run Napkins (pk 20) £9.00

Sardine Run Straight Pitcher £34.00

Botanical Kitchens cont. 'Wild Garden' | Clarke & Clarke

This botanical trend is really starting to take hold! My favorite interpretation fabric-wise has to Clarke and Clarke.  

'Wild Garden' takes its inspiration from the Great British countryside. The collection comprises of six hand drawn patterns (Botanica, Cowslip, Foxglove, Wild Fern and Woodland) and three semi-plain textured patterns (Cesare, Fenton and Maximus), each suitable for upholstery. I've focused on the Mineral, Charcoal and Aqua colour ways as they are by far my favorite. 

Any thoughts?