This time last year my other half and I spent a few days staying with friends in Stockholm. Despite the bitter temperatures, it was a beautiful time to visit – the air was crisp and clear, and the early sunsets meant the city was often swathed in a luminous rosy light. Stockholm is spread over several islands, so it’s perfect for exploring on foot or by ferry. Wrapped up in thick layers, we . . .
Pretty presents
I've just finished wrapping this year's Christmas presents - something I always enjoy, particularly when aided by a few glasses of Port and some festive films. For me, beautiful packaging makes a gift seem all the more special, so I try to come up with a different take on wrapping every year. This Christmas I wanted a rustic look, so I opted for brown parcel paper tied with grey and white ribbon . . .
Deck the halls | Part 2
Following last week's round-up of festive inspiration from around the web, here's a peek at how I've decorated my own home this year. My theme is rustic greenery, so I've used eucalyptus on fireplaces and doorways. I bought it fresh from a local flower shop and it's now started to dry out, but it smells wonderfully fragrant and still looks very festive. I've also decorated the hearth with silver . . .
Home tour | A happy house in Bradford on Avon
Sylvie Pender (whose beautiful garden I recently featured) has filled her Wiltshire home with colour, character and cheer. There’s something instantly uplifting about it; step into the flagstone-floored, stone-walled weaver’s cottage and stresses seem to melt away. While Sylvie was growing up her parents owned a series of B&Bs in Bath, all offering eclectic decoration and a warm welcome for . . .
‘The Sawyer’ | A rustic wreath
I’ve fallen in love with 'The Sawyer' - a beautiful wreath from Ruby & The Wolf (recently profiled on These Four Walls). It’s bursting with greenery - pine, eucalyptus, cypress, Spanish moss and silver brunia - and adorned with berries, seeds, feathers and dried pine cones. It looks stunning on festive doors, and also makes a lovely table arrangement when paired with chunky church candles. It . . .
Deck the halls | Part 1
It's December, so it's officially OK to start putting up Christmas decorations. I've been trawling the internet for ideas - for me, this year is all about rustic greenery, with a few dashes of gold, silver and white for added sparkle. And plenty of candles, of course... . . .
