First Bite of the Big Apple - Taking teenagers to NYC

City breaks seem to suit our family extremely well. The teenagers are quickly bored on the beach (spoilt) and the hustle and bustle of a foreign city is a great contrast to our sleepy Cornish home town. New York City is an ideal destination for teenagers for as well as feeling like a huge movie set, the jet lag created by travelling west means that they will actually get out of bed before lunch. Prior to leaving we all wrote down the things that we wanted to do resulting in a contented balance of modern art and fried chicken. Our boys (aged 15 and 17 years) are at an ideal stage to enjoy the city and could manage their subway passes, hecklers, late nights and improvising on the fly.

Brooklyn

Our days booking a hotel room with a fold out sofa bed are long gone. Hotel rooms in Manhatten for four people are prohibitively expensive and tiny. We opted for more space and booked a lovely Air B n B in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Our appartment was a brisk five minute walk to the Subway Station (Grand Street) and a 10 minute subway ride to Manhatten (Union Square). There were plenty of affordable food options and coffee shops on our doorstep including Three Legged Cat (best coffee in NYC) From Rome to Brooklyn (pizza) and the fabulous Kellogg’s Diner serving American and Mexican food in a tradional Happy Days- style setting. We attended the Sunday Service at Love, Fellowship Tabanacle (Brooklyn) where we were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed listening to their fabulous gospel choir.

Central Park brrrrrrr.

Activities

Our Go City Pass included access to five major attractions in New York City. One of the unexpected highlights was the American Museum of Natural History. Who knew that the teenage boys were still so enamoured by dinosaurs? We were all impressed by the Hayden Big Bang Theatre and the scale of the exhibits. I enjoyed the rather niche tour of Art Deco friezes at the Rockerfella Centre although I am not sure that my enthusiasm was shared. The story of immigration was well told at Ellis Island and a great insight into the melting pot of cultures within the city.

We snagged some last minute tickets to watch Moulin Rouge on Broadway (TodayTix) which was spectacular and more fabulous than the film with the addition of contemporary bangers that were familiar to the teens. We pre booked tickets to see the Knicks vs Bulls at Madison Square Gardens (Ticketmaster). I am not a sport enthusiast but thoroughly enjoyed the basketball (apart from the awful honking) it’s a much more wholesome family affair than watching the football. (less c bombs more giveaways). A visit to the National Stonewall Memorial Centre was eye opening and felt timely given the current US political climate.

Gay Liberation’ statue by George Segal (outside Stonwewall Inn)

Food

Food is a very high priority on our family holidays. As well as some rather grim fried chicken affairs (the kids loved Raising Canes and Chick-Fil-A) we were excited to find some great Jewish Delis. We enjoyed chicken soup and Reuben sandwiches at PJ Bernsteins on the Upper East Side (close to the Met and Guggenheim). The more famous Katz Deli was worth the queue but you’ll need sharp elbows to grab a table. We found the best bagels at Bagel Bobs in Grenwich Village : popular with the students at NYU, these bagels were loaded and very budget friendly. We ate gorgeous Italian food at Nizza and Bea in Hell’s Kitchen. These fun restaurants were bursting with atmosphere and their menus had all the regular crowd pleasers as well as more creative offerings.

My last visit to New York was in 1996 when I seemed to spend most of my time sunbathing and smoking on the steps of the Met (I did go in briefly). I had forgotten that the Subway was edgy and makes the London Underground look like the Orient Express. Our teenagers were definitely exposed to the more grubby side of the city, in fact they were absolutely thrilled to witness criminal activity (Tasor anyone?) All in all, New York City blew their minds and I don’t think they’ll ever forget their first bite of the Big Apple.

Delicious Reuben Sandwiches with no queue at PJ Bernstein.

Our Little Mother's Day Gift Guide

UK Mother’s Day falls on March 30th this year. This moveable feast has a different date and origin to the celebration in other countries such as America, Japan and Australia. In the Middle Ages, girls and women were given the 4th Sunday before lent to spend with their families. At the time, it wasn't uncommon for children to leave home to work when they were as young as 10 years old, so this was an opportunity for families to meet up again and attend church services. On the way home, children would often pick flowers and give them to their mothers and the tradition of Mothering Sunday was born.

There is nothing more gorgeous than a beautiful posy, however if you want your Mothers Day flowers to last forever, you might consider picking a beautiful Liberty fabric depicting clusters of fauna and flora in your Mum’s favourite colours. We have plenty of pillowcases and cushions in stock that would make beautiful gifts. This Liberty fabric ‘Felicite’ is one of our favourite classics featuring a rose trail design in yellow, peach and light green. Mum’s always need more sleep and silky Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton pillowcases are the ultimate treat.

Pillowcases made from Liberty fabric ‘Felicite’ and Penzance Linen.

Many of us feel bored of your home after the long winter months. A new tablecloth and napkins can breath a bit of life into your dining area. Why not choose your Mum a beautiful tablecloth or napkins handmade in our Cornish studio from premium laundered linens. Super-absorbent and easy to launder, the women in your life will love these practical and pretty table linens. Mix and match napkins and tablecloths for a unique and special dining setting.

Tablecloth and Napkin in Wimbledon Linen

Our generous drawstring bags are such a practical addition to any bag collection. Perfect for laundry, travelling, gym or whatever you choose. They also look great slung on the back of a door. Available in three gorgeous linen fabrics and lined with cotton.

Storage Bag in Granny Smith Linen

To be honest, all I would really like for Mothers Day is an amnesty on sibling fighting. However given this is unlikely, a gorgeous gift from a small business would be very welcome. I know my Mother has always treasured the little things we have given her for Mothers Day so choose carefully and made well.

We’ll be doing a giveaway over Mothers Day so please keep an eye on our Instagram posts.

Sophie xxx

Make Sandwiches Great Again

In difficult times it’s always helpful to focus on life’s minutiae, in this case sandwiches. I am a huge enthusiast of anything slapped between two pieces of good bread and my death row meal would definitely include an excellently constructed sandwich. School packed lunches and service stations have given this cullinary treat a bad reputation : flappy ham, soggy tomato and dry bread. A well- made sandwich can easily take centre stage at supper and need not only be reserved for lunches-on-the go. Is it time to rethink your sandwich game?

The sandwich is officially 263 years old. Although there are earlier accounts of meals served between two slices of bread, the sandwich is named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. As the story goes, he was playing cards and did not want to leave the gaming table to eat. The rogue Earl asked for a serving of roast beef to be placed between two slices of bread so he could eat with his hands. At the time this was scandalous, as eating with your hands was not considered polite. Other people were probably eating this way, but they weren’t considered important enough to write about. The Earl was considered a ‘daring man’ and probably didn’t know that his snack requests would become a global convenience meal.

According to the British Sandwich Association, in the UK we spend over £8.2bn on sandwiches every year. Marks and Spencers first produced a wrapped sandwich in 1980 for 43p and the industry took off exponentially in spite of doubts that customers would want to buy something that could be easily whipped up at home from leftovers. The average packaged sandwich is consumed within 3.5 mins and people were up for instant gratification during the 80’s convenience foods boom. By the 1990’s, the sandwich industry had trebled in size and sandwich invention became competitive between major retailers.

Sandwich cutters at Katz’ Deli

Fancy sandwiches were championed by Pret-a-Manger in the 1990’s with more daring creations including roast leg of lamb, redcurrant jelly and aubergine. However, the immigrant cultures in New York bought varied deli sandwiches to the city from the 1880’s on wards. Personally, I don’t think that packaged versions can ever complete with freshly constructed elaborate or simple sandwiches. Deli’s such as Katz have up to 8 cutters working furiously to produce phenomenally well stacked sandwiches including aged pastrami, brisket, swiss cheese and pickles with Russian dressing. Here in the UK we are seeing the emergence of shops that are taking the skill and construction of sandwiches more seriously. Great British Chefs have compiled a list of the top 15 sandwich cafes in the UK that would be well worth a pilgrimage.

From Elvis’ fried banana and bacon offering to the Queen’s dainty finger sandwiches, good bread is the ultimate vehicle for your favourite snack. The question of what is more important the carrier or the filling is difficult to answer. Personally, I feel that processed bread is ruiness to a sandwich as is a slimy filling that has been sitting between the slices for too long. Life is too short to eat bad sandwiches, so do yourself a favour and make yourself an epic one this weekend. These are my top 5…

Top 5 sandwiches

1. The Reuben - pastrami, saurkraut, swiss cheese on Rye Bread with Russian Dressing.

2. Crab Sandwich - white crab meat, homemade mayonnaise with crispy iceberg lettuce on brown bread,

3. Smoked Salmon Pumpernikel bagel with cream cheese and capers.

4. Fish Finger Sandwich - goujons with tartare sauce on fresh white bread.

5. Cucumber Finger Sandwich - softened butter, thin slices of cumumber and salt and pepper on brown bread.

Salmon and Cream Cheese on Pumpernickel Bagel (Bagel Bobs, NYC)

Snippets from February

February has passed me by in a flash. Between traveling and a couple of rounds of Norovirus, I haven’t got much to report. Sadly no-one offered to read to me in my bed chambers and I’ve been mainly complaining whilst nibbling on small pieces of toast. Some good books and TV have kept me company, here are a few recommendations that I have found cheering and heartwarming.

Reading

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. I finished this whippersnapper of a book in less than three days. Anne Tyler’s tender and well written tale tells the story of divorced couple Gail and Max over three days as they celebrate their daughters wedding. There are no big plot twists just great writing and wonderful eccentric characters.

NT Live

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. I love NT Live productions as they give us country mice the opportunity to see wonderful productions for just a few more quid than a standard cinema ticket. This joyful re-imagining of Oscar Wilde’s classic play is beamed to your local cinema hot off the West End. Fabulous performances, gorgeous costumes and clever sets breath life into this fun, anarchic and frivolous version of The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde was incarcerated for homosexuality just weeks after the play debuted, so it is fitting that it is full of cheeky moments that would have met his approval.

Streaming

Bad Sisters - Apple TV. I’ve only recently discovered this whip smart black comedy from Sharon Horgan. At the heart of the series are five Irish sisters who plot to murder their abusive brother in law JP. We painfully watch him police and put down his wife and daughter incensing rage amongst the sisters and a series of murder attempts. The story is deeply disturbing at its core, but the relationship between the girls is rock solid and will have you rooting for them all the way !

Listening

Louis Theroux interviews Jamie Oliver - Spotify . I found this long form interview really interesting because it reveals so much about celebrity chef culture as well as the food industry. Jamie starts off telling us that he was chastised and physically chased by men 1990’s who blamed him for their girlfriends new expectations that they help with the cooking. He also sheds light on the stuffiness of the cookbook world and how easy it is for recipes to stray into what is considered cultural inappropriation. Jamie comes across as very likeable and this is ideal listening for a long journey.

Wishing everyone a wonderful March. Little teasers of spring are popping up but I have feeling there is a lot of Netflix to go before we are sipping tea in the garden. Please let me know what you are enjoying in the comments below.

Sophie x

Our tablecloths and napkins in Wimbledon Linen will be available to order at the end of March.

For the love of French Toast

Forget Valentines cards, nothing says devotion like a beautifully prepared breakfast. French Toast is the ultimate indulgence, soft pillows of brioche oozing with custard and scattered with berries. You can prepare the eggy mixture and make the fruit compote the night before, so that all you need to do is a bit of sleepy cooking in the morning. French Toast gives maximum gratification for minimum effort. Obviously you can use stale bread but for optimum luxury, try a supermarket bought brioche.

For the compote

• 300g mixed frozen berries

• 2-3 tablespoons Maple Syrup

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan. Cook on a low heat for around 15 minutes (or until the fruit is soft)

For the French Toast

• 2 large eggs

• 120 ml whole milk (or a combination of cream/milk ifmilk)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• x4 thick slices brioche

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Allow to soak for 2-3 mins, then carefully turn over and soak for 2 mins more.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in frying pan over a medium heat until hot. Carefully lift 2 slices of the soaked brioche out of the dish and add to the frying pan. Fry for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp, then place on a wire rack over a baking tray in a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining slices

3. Dust in icing sugar and pour over the fresh berry compote. It goes without saying that marscapone or greek yoghurt are an ideal accompaniment.

Wishing everyone a love and french toast filled February.

Sophie x

‘There is no sincerer love, than the love of food’

George Bernard Shaw

Tastes better than it looks. Tablecloth in Rose Gingham. Handmade in Cornwall

Some things that I have enjoyed in January

Hooray, we have made it through the darkest 6 weeks of the year. On the occasions I managed to crawl out of my duvet cocoon, I have enjoyed some great telly, films, walks, food, podcasts and radio programmes. Motivation has been at an all time low in this house, but I have found fun, comfort, and interest in the following :

8 am dog walks and owls

Sunrise has conveniently coincided with my early morning dog walks. Some sunrises have been more dramatic than others but the silhouettes of skeletal trees enable clear viewing of some whopping birds of prey. Owls with their funny, tufty ears ready to go to bed and motionless buzzards waiting to swoop. It’s a lovely way to start the day.

Gumbo

Gumbo has been a popular feature on the family menu and I can highly recommend this recipe from Felicity Cloake. Sitting somewhere between hearty stew and soup, Gumbo has a fabulous cajun kick. From the cuisine of Louisiana, it feels more fun and interesting to eat than standard English winter fare and you can create your own hybrid with whatever you have in the fridge.

Streaming

Am I the only person in the country not watching Traitors? Love all the Highland styling but I haven’t got the attention span for protracted reality TV. We were all glued to Playing Nice on ITV despite the improbable plot twists. Set on rugged stretches of coast in Cornwall, it made us think about what we’d do in the event that one of our babies had been swapped…

During ‘Born in the Limelight: Nepo Babies UNTOLD’ , Phoenix Brown (daughter of Spice Girl Mel B) explores how society views those born to the rich and famous. During the one hour documentary, Pheonix attempts to make it as an artist using her mothers name and her crude smiley faces canvases are well received. She is acutely aware of her privilege but explores whether nepo babies are being blamed for society’s inequalities and if constantly bating them is necessary or helpful.

Top of the Popes

Top of the Popes, Ralph Fiennes is excellent in Conclave and I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into the papal election behind the closed doors of the Vatican City. The Cardinal who matched his vape to his crimson robes was a real highlight.

Mr Chalamet’s sanitised version of Bob Dylan is far more pleasing than the real deal in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ I adored the images of 1960’s Greenwich Village and the Dylan bangers were fantastic.

Listening

Louis Theroux’s interview with Jade Thirlwall (ex Little Mix) links neatly to his recent documentary ‘Boy Band Forever.’ Thirle talks about her love/hate relationship to fame through X Factor. Highlights include Jade’s early-days relationship with Harry Styles and getting blasted by the Gallaghers.

I have also been enjoyed the back catalogue of the podcast ‘Unreality.’ Talia Augustidis guides us through short stories that make the listener look at the narrow margins between the imagined and the truth. I particularly enjoyed the episode ‘Sound Collector’ which discusses memory.

There are plenty of things to look forward to in February including Amandaland (the spin off from Motherland), spring bulbs popping up and longer days.. hooray!

Storm Eowyn is really kicking off here in Cornwall. I hope that wherever you are reading this, you are safe, warm and have access to some good snacks.

Sophie

Still some good stuff in the Poppy and Honesty Sale including this valance and pillowcase in Florence.

Popcorn please - the immersive joys of going to the cinema

A trip to the cinema is one of the only things which will detach me from the sofa in January. As soon as our local cinema opened their doors after the Pandemic, I was in there like a rat up a drainpipe, ordering every confection available at the Box Office. Despite the joys of being tucked up with popcorn and immersed into a fictional world, box office sales have been in rapid decline due to the increase of streaming subscriptions. With big fancy televisions and access to all films at anytime, we are seeing the slow death of the cinema.

When cinema opened back in 1930 it was the predominant cultural pursuit. Women would put on a cloche hat and wear a marcel wave and dress up for a night at the picture palace! (Lisa Stead). Cinemas continued to thrive for the next half a century and were particularly popular during the Second World War and the Great Depression in the USA. Sitting in our beautiful Art Nouveau cinema, I feel so sad to see most of the plush seats flipped up. Streaming services offer a good bang for your buck, but a trip to the cinema offers so much more.

Watching a film at the cinema will provide you with around 2 hours of uninterrupted escapism. If you are anything like me, then watching a film at home will also involve scrolling through your phone, answering to the snack needs of your family and responding to work emails. Without these distractions I can fully immerse myself in the plot, setting and characters. Watching a film at the cinema is viewing it as the Director intended. Some films are a visual feast and even the most sophisticated televisions cannot compete with the definiton of a cinema screen. I recently enjoyed the gorgeous wide angled shots in Conclave : the scarlet vestiments of the Cardinals illumininated against marble courtyards in the Vatican City.

The collective experience is the best aspect of watching a film at the cinema. Everyone is captivated by the same thing as we share laughter, sadness and surprise together. A couple of years ago, I watched the horror/comedy Cocaine Bear and the whole experience was enhanced immeasurably by the shared response of the audience. People were shouting, screaming and then laughing as the intoxicated bear goes on his murderous rampage. Several viewers had their coats over their heads and another had crawled under the seat.

One reason we go to the cinema less these days is simply because it costs so much to do so. However most tickets cost the equivalent of 2 pints of beer and there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of punters outside our local. So how can we revive The Golden Age of visiting the Picture Palace ? The experience has been elevated by companies such as Curzon who offer beautiful art deco styling and an adjacent bar. I personally think that nothing beats an evening out at the cinema, stepping out of everyday life for a couple of hours to laugh or cry with a bunch of complete strangers.

Setting the scene for a cosy January

Whilst I maintain that January is restorative month, making a very tweaks in your home will optimize your hibernation. Last week we dragged our Christmas tree onto the verge and packed up all the sparkly decorations, leaving everything looking dusty, boring and a bit sad. I get a bit twitchy when the house doesn’t feel right so I have made a few small changes to set the scene for a comfy January.

Soft lighting is central to feeling warm and cosy. I am constantly chastising family members for putting on the ‘big light’ instead of all the nice little lamps around our home. I haven’t packed away the fairy lights and these have been draped around surfaces to diffuse a lovely glow. I love having lights at different heights and recently bought this Seletti Mouse from Ebay, who looks rather gorgeous sat on a pile of books on a side table. We have converted some of our lamps to include a rechargeable bulb so that they can be placed in dark corners to cheer us all up. There are so many rechargable lamps on the high street that give you the freedom to put lights where you wish without investing in an electrician to add sockets.

For some reason Christmas seems to leave a lot of dust and clutter. I personally don’t have the energy to undertake a big deep clean, but a few lucky drawers will be getting a makeover and there is a charity shop box on the go. I don’t really want to look at grubby streaks when the spring sunshine finally arrives, so if anything gets a good scrub it will be the windows. I will definitely be having a wipe around everything with a mixture of essential oils and water. Purdy and Figg make fantastic blends which get the job done and hide the doggy/ teenage trainer aroma.

Long before the advent of Christianity, people hung evergreen boughs in their home over the winter months. Green is a great colour to include in your home during January as according to Karen Heller it is ‘restful, creating balance and harmony.’ Apparently green has these qualities because it resides in the centre of the colour wheel and does not require the eye to adjust. I love having large vases of of eucalyptus or foliage from the garden in our home. You could add some fluffy Gypsophila or large white roses from the supermarket, for some winter magic. It’s also very satisfying to force some bulbs at this time of year. I enjoy growing narcissi although they can get out of control pretty quickly and so it’s a good idea to prop them up with some nice mossy sticks. .As well as plants, you could also introduce some green textiles such as our linen tablecloth in Granny Smith or Ruffle Cushion.

Whilst I won’t be transforming into Marie Condo, it is difficult to rest when the house is awry. A bit of a chuck out, some soft lights and lots of refreshing greenery will hopefully set us up for a rejuventating January. I must mention here that I am very diligently refilling our bird feeders, it is so wonderful to hear their little chatter in the morning.

What small adjustments will you make in your home this month?

Linen Duvet Set, Ruffle Cushion, Bolster and Storage Bag in Granny Smith.

Handmade in Cornwall by Poppy and Honesty.

Taking a fallow January.

This morning, I watched the sun half-heartedly rise to approximately 2 inches above the horizon (scientific measurement). Stood in a freezing cold field at 8 am on January 3rd, I felt it’s weariness and wondered why we choose this particularly time in the year to transform our lives through resolutions or less aggressive manifestations.

Christmas and the Winter Solstice are out of step with each other. The Christmas frission demands a lot of our energy. From parties to shopping, cooking and decorating, it is a joyful but frequently exhausting time. At this time of year Norovirus and flu are already doing the rounds and we smash our weakened immune sytems with too long to-do lists and boozy late nights Don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of Christmas, but in January we must respect that winter is a fallow season

I haven’t seen our resident hedgehog for days. I expect he is curled in a ball somewhere under a pile of leaves and not manifesting or taking up wall pilates. He will probably get out and about again in April, which I think is a good time to start afresh unlike the long, cold days of January.

Humans have not evolved to hibernate but we can do something similar to restore our energies and suspend some of life’s demands. We can shut out the bad weather and enjoy solitude for a while. I will be spending January reading and dunking biscuits in my tea, perhaps doing a little bit of thinking about what I want from the coming year when it starts properly in springtime. I love this poem by David Gate who perfectly describes a ‘lessening January’ and the ‘down time’ we all need to wake up feeling refreshed and maybe even ready to make some changes in our lives.

Single Bedding Set in Florence (SALE). Ruffle Sheet in Florence (SALE). Ruffle Sheet in Rose Gingham. Bolster Cushions in Rose Gingham. Variety of cushions by Poppy and Honesty.

Top books that I have read in 2024

A book is a holiday in your own head. Even at my lowest ebb, I have found that I can escape into the characters and plot of a good story. During this year of ups and downs, I have really enjoyed the following books. January is the perfect month to hibernate with a good book and I hope that you find some inspiration here.

The Wedding People - Alison Espach

This heartwarming and funny tale deals with a very heavy subject matter. The struggles of infertility, divorce and the death of her beloved cat, leave Pheobe at the lowest point in her life. Dressed in an emerald gown, she books herself into a suite of a grand hotel in order to end her life by taking her cat’s painkillers. However Pheobe is intercepted by bride to be Lila, who has hired the hotel for her ‘perfect wedding’ and will not be inconvenienced by a corpse being wheeled through the lobby.

Pheobe and Lila develop an unlikely friendship based on sharing their repressed feelings. Before long, Pheobe is swept up by the bridal party and starts to see that her life can move forward in a different direction. I highly recommend this comforting book with such lovable characters and theme of the enduring human spirit.

“It’s all about moving on. Saying goodbye to whoever you thought you would be”

Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly - Joanna Glen

This book tells the story of Addie and Sol, two damaged individuals who find comfort in each others’ company but can’t risk falling completely and madly in love because of past dysfunctional relationships. The characters are beautifully developed and ultimately the story is about personal growth and learning to trust again.

The main pleasure of this book lies in Joanna Glenn’s magical descriptions of the natural world along the Northumberland coast. The story is set on a fictional island that can only be reached at low tide by bridge. The isolated location is well matched by the loneliness of the characters and their connection to the land and sea.

The Glass Maker - Tracy Chevalier

This historical novel transports the reader to Murano, Venice and follows a family of glass makers over a period of 500 years. The reader must suspend their imagination as the author plays with the timeline and we watch the Rosso family experience the Italian Renaissance all the way up to the Covid Pandemic.

The writing is absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the role of women evolve over time as well as learning about Murano culture and glassmaking.

..beads brought colour and beauty...There was a pricelessness to these tiny, hard things. They endured, and retained the history of their owners, and their makers'.

Caledonian Road - Andrew O’Hagen

This is dense book with a huge variety of themes and characters. I would recommend reading Caledonian Road if you are ready to take a deep dive into contemporary politics and economics and are looking for something chunky and challenging.

The story follows privileged art historian Campbell Flynn and his relationship with Milo, a brilliant young man of mixed heritage and voice of a new generation. Through their discussions, the themes of corruption, human trafficking arise, forcing Campbell to question his luxurious life amongst aristocrats and links to Russian Plutocrats. Set against the background of Caledonian Road, an area notorious for corrupt landlords, the novel has a Dickensian quality as it looks at the greed and class division of our society.

Sandwich - Catherine Newman

‘Sandwiched’ is the position that women find themselves in when children are leaving home and parents are ageing. . Rocky is in the sandwich and she seems to be constantly making sandwiches for these members of her family. Set on a family holiday in beautiful Cape Cod, we watch Rocky navigate this stage of her life with the added fun of menopausal symptoms.

If you are in the sandwich, I have no doubt that you will empathize with the main character as she reflects on past decisions, manages the needs of her adult children and forges a path ahead with her partner.

“Life is a seesaw, and I am standing dead center, still and balanced: living kids on one side, living parents on the other”

Girls - Kirsty Capes

This is a devastating and funny book about motherhood, family, fame, art and addiction. Sisters Nora and Mattie embark on a road trip accross America and try to untangle their terrible childhood with their famous mother Iris. Sisterly love saves the day and with the help of Matties fabulous daughter Beans, the girls find a way they can move forward in their lives.

The heavy subject matter is lightened by Kirsty Cape’s witty writing and the beautiful characters that she creates. ‘Girls’ is a very clever depiction of the complexities of mental health and family dynamics.

I have read some fantastic books over the past year but these are some of my favourites. If you look further back over the blog you will find more recommendations. I would love to hear about the books you have enjoyed in 2024. Please add your favourites to the comments below.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year

Sophie

Duvet cover handmade from Liberty fabric ‘Wiltshire’

Last minute treats and luxury cooking

Having time to potter around the kitchen, leisurely stirring or chopping is what I call ‘luxury cooking’. This is best done in a timely fashion on a rainy afternoon and is far more enjoyable than the daily rush to get vaguely nutritious meals on the table. Florentines are so easy to make and best of all they only require one pan to wash up ! You could add any kind of chopped nut or dried fruit to the sticky mixture but I find glace cherries and orange rind pleasingly festive.

Ingredients

• 50g salted butter

• 50g brown sugar

• 50g golden syrup

• 50g plain flour

• 50g glacé cherries

  chopped

• 75g flaked almonds

• 50g pistachios

  chopped

• 2 oranges

  zested

• 125g dark chocolate

Method

• Heat oven to 180C/160C/gas 4. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment.
  Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a small pan over a low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour then add the cherries, flaked almonds, pistachios and orange zest.

• Scoop approximately 15 teaspoons of the mixture onto the baking sheets, leaving room for them to spread.. Bake for 12 mins until golden. Leave to cool for 2 mins until firm enough to lift onto a cooling rack.

• Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a simmering saucepan of water. Turn the florentines over on the wire rack. Using a pastry brush spread chocolate onto the base of each florentine. Store in an airtight container and eat within 2 weeks.

These are easy and taste delicious. I managed to find some biodegradable card sleeves on a last minute dash around Trago Mills (if you know you know). Trussed up with a ribbon from the stash and I am feeling Mary Berry Christmas Special Smug, 

i hope you find some time for something non-essential over the next couple of weeks and have a little festive moment for yourself.

Sophie

Large Linen Tablecloth and Napkin in Rose Gingham

Thoughtful Gift Bundles

If you have finished your Christmas shopping, please put your feet up and scroll on. Perhaps you are struggling through your list and trying to find a present that is useful and meaningful. I enjoy building up a present bundle and try include something homemade, local or from a small business. Many handmade businesses have closed their order books, however a few will have still have some ready made offerings available for Christmas delivery.

The Foodie Gift

Start with a beautiful mug. I particularly like these from Harlie Brown Studio and Florence Mytum. Hand turned mugs feel lovely to hold and drink from. You could then add coffee from your local roaster (Yallah and Forty One are our local favourites) or some homemade biscuits (these are an alternative to gingerbread). Throw in some Poppy and Honesty linen napkins and you have built an excellent present bundle.

The Bedtime Gift

A handmade pillowcase from Poppy and Honesty is a real treat. Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton feels like silk but can be thrown in the laundry with everything. Add an essential oil such as a lavender blend and choose in a nice book. These are very personal and can be difficult to get right, however everybody loves a classic with a beautiful jacket. You cannot go wrong with Virago Modern Classics and I would be delighted if I was given these limited edition novels by E.M Forster illustrated by Luke Edward Hall.

The Traveler’s Treat

Whenever I go overseas, I like to take a guidebook, a map and a notebook. if you have a friend that is planning a trip why not get them the latest Lonely Planet Guide and a little moleskin to write down notes and recommendations. These will make lovely souvenirs ,long after the holiday is over. Add a linen storage bag which can be used for laundry and you have the perfect gift for your traveling friends.

Have you got any tips for Christmas shopping? Especially for people with ‘all the stuff’?

Sending you festive energy.

Sophie xx

FREE UK SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING WITH THE CODE : LASTSLEIGH2024

Linen Storage Bag in Granny Smith

An Extra Layer

December is here and the temperature has definitely dropped down here in Cornwall. The bed socks have come out and we are squabbling about the heating (I am a chilly mortal). I have put an extra couple of layers on my side of the bed which are keeping me toasty alongside my rather stinky but lovable spaniel. At Poppy and Honesty, we have lots of quilts for sale but please order them soon for Christmas, as each are made lovingly by hand in our Cornish studio.

Small Scalloped Edge Quilt made from Liberty fabric ‘Theresa over the end of a single bed. Linen Bolster in Granny Smith.

We offer two sizes of quilt. The smaller size is suitable for cots or use as a throw for the end of your sofa, whilst the larger will cover a single bed or sit beautifully at the foot of your doubles and kings. If you would like a different size please send us through your dimensions as we are more than happy to make bespoke sizes and designs. We can also add different finishing touches such as scalloped, frilled and straight edges. Each of our quilts are made with two layers or snuggly cotton wadding to keep you warm and toasty..

Quilted Throw in Florence Linen. Bolster in Rose Gingham.

This season we have added a throw to our collection. These are handmade from padded cotton jacquard and our exclusive linen ‘Florence.’ The throws are perfect to huddle under in front of the telly but equally will add some warmth on your bed when the temperature drops. All of our quilts are machine washable so no need to worry about spilling your hot chocolate or little paw prints.

We have added our Christmas Shipping Deadlines to the website. Please don’t miss the sleigh and order your quilts as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We are currently sending out free gifts with all orders over £30 and for each purchase made on our website we are donating two items to our local foodbank.

Thankyou for supporting our small business at this crazy time of year where your inboxes are loaded with deals. We really appreciate all of our loyal customers, followers and supporters.

Sophie xxxx

Small Scallop Quilt in Liberty fabric ‘Wiltshire’

Black Friday - The Poppy and Honesty Way

I am really sorry if you were hoping for a Black Friday discount code from Poppy and Honesty. The truth is we have such a small mark up on our handmade products that we cannot afford to offer the price reductions that are available from larger retailers. However, we do want to give back to our community this weekend especially as we are coming up to Thanksgiving in America and we are lucky enough to have a great customer base in the US.

As in previous years, we have decided to support our local food banks this long weekend. Basically, for every purchase you make, we will buy two essential items for Penryn Foodbank in Cornwall. Most Foodbanks will provide you with a list of required items if you give them a ring.

We have also been busy making little bows from our Liberty fabric remnants. These look beautiful tied to the branches of your tree or used to embellish a present. For every £30 spent we will send you a pretty bow to say thankyou. I know it’s very tempting to shop up all the big Black Friday deals and we really are very grateful for your support at this time of year. Please add your faourite small brands to the comments below and we will give them a shout out.

I hope that you are keeping out of Storm Bert and keeping cosy this weekend.

Sophie

Large Linen Tablecloth in ‘Granny Smoith’

Bags of fun

This year we made the controversial decision not to make stockings. There are so many lovely ones on the market and many mass produced offerings by bigger retailers. If you are hankering after a stocking made from Liberty fabric, I would suggest Folklore Children who are small outfit based in the Lake District.

As an alternative to the stocking we have made some gorgeous linen storage bags. These are available in three lovely patterns: Seaside Stripe ; Granny Smith and Rose Gingham.. They are all lined with cotton and have a generous drawstring by which to hang them up. These storage bags are ideal to hang up for Father Christmas and you can fit rather more loot in them than the usual sized stocking (Generous enough for a Beano annual and a footy!) Stuff a bag with lovely foodie gifts for a friend and forget all the wrapping up, these gorgeous bags also have a long shelf life post Christmas day.

Linen Storage Bag in ‘Seaside Stripe’

I always take a linen storage bag on holiday of dirty laundry. When I get home, the bag can go into the washing machine with all the stinky smalls ready for it’s next adventure. The bags are also good for general storage such as toys, hats and scarves or just general crap that you don’t have a place in the house for,

Our clever seamstress Kate has made these bags so well, they will survive a good bashing if they are thrown around or taken to school. Support our small business and add one of these beauties to your Christmas shopping list. They will make a lovely, functional gift.

Sophie x

Linen Storage Bag in ‘Granny Smith’

Laying the table nicely

I can’t bring myself to use the ‘instagramable word’ for laying the table. It just seems a step too far for something that we do every day and many of us with great haste! However it does feel nice to put a bit of effort into laying the table especially on these very long evenings. At Poppy and Honesty, we have lots of different tablelinen however I have chosen to look at a few fabrics as they I think are perfect for your Autumn and Winter meals.

Ruffle Tablecloth in Florence.

Florence Linen and Rose Gingham

These two fabrics work so well together as they both feature warm terracotta and natural tones. Layer up either tablecloth with napkins and candles and create a cosy atmosphere to share a meal together. We make a ruffle tablecloth in Florence which is gorgeously decadent with it’s dropped frill. Napkins edged with crochetted lace add pretty detail and are available in both the Rose Gingham and Florence Linen.

Lace Napkins in Florence and Rose Gingham

Granny Smith and Rose Gingham

Our punchy green Granny Smith Linen will add some fun to your dining room table. As the green check is set against a natural background it works well with the smaller check Rose Gingham. Combine tablecloths and napkins in these two fabrics, add some candles and maybe some tiny bud vases (so people can see each other). Little sprigs of green from the garden or dried flowers are perfect. We don’t usually bother to use napkin rings as our linens can easily be tied in a little loose knot.

Large Linen Tablecloth in Granny Smith. Linen Napkins in Rose Gingham and Granny Smith.

I am not going to tell you how to lay the table but you don’t need a calligrapher or florist to make it look special. As much as I love long tapered dining candles, I don’t find them particularly practical when seating a mob and prefer tea lights or battery operated fairy lights. It’s important to make space for the main event, the food or more importantly ‘the pudding’!

Stay cosy

Sophie x

10% off all of the table linens featured above until 16th November.

Just to remind you that we are always happy to send out free swatches and make custom sizes in our table linens.

Advent Basket

I realise that it is only November 3rd, but trust me this project takes a little bit of forward planning. The joy of Christmas is all about being together and this communal version of an advent calender gathers the family for a few minutes every day. It also helps to build the anticipation of Christmas by incrementally revealing little winter treats everyday.

Now I cannot claim that I invented this version of the advent calender because I am fairly sure I saw something similar within the depths of the internet a few years ago. Basically you find a big bag or basket and fill it with 25 things for the family to share over the festive period. This may include a christmas pudding, a collection of photos from the year or some cinema tickets. The contents of your basket is entirely personal to your family. Some items might be enjoyed more particular members than others and that’s fine. The overall idea is that the basket is full of things that will essentially bring you together. Here are some other things that I will be including in our Advent Basket :

Sparklers

Holiday photos in a book

Christmas Pud

Panto Tickets

Candles

Christmas Ornament

Lonely Planet book of somewhere you plan to visit,

Pack of cards with instructions for a new game

New blanket for the sofa

Cinema Tickets

Chocolate

Silly hat for the dog/cat

Crackers

Christmas Cards

Bird Feeders

Hot Chocolate

Panettone

Christmas Radio Times

Pretty illustrated christmas book such as ‘The Night Before Christmas’ or ‘The Nutcracker’

Printed out photos from the year.

Materials to make paper chains or paper snowflakes

Indoor bulbs to plant (such as hyacinths or narcissus)

Mulled wine/ apple blend.

New cookie cutter for gingerbread making

Cooking thermometer for the turkey.

I know this may seem like a lot more work, however many of the things above could be included in your Tesco Shop. Also, every year we are surprised and delighted when we unpack our Christ loot, so it would be perfectly acceptable to wrap up your Christmas fairy or snow globes and pit them into your advent basket.

My kids get really grabby over the Christmas period and I think its fair to say that a lot of parents feel fairly wrung out by December 25th. This idea might just bring you together for a little sparkly moment during the run up. Let me know what you think.

Happy November

Sophie x

Large Linen Tablecloth in Florence

A Picnic in Autumn

As I look out of the studio on a grey and rainy day, I realize that this post might be somewhat ambitious. However when there is a break in the clouds, there is nothing better than being immersed in the glorious colours of Autumn. Everywhere I look in my unkept garden, there are plants that seem to glow. If the weather forecast decides to gift us a day of clear skies, I will be dragging my family on a picnic this half term.

Our tablecloths work beautifully as picnic blankets as the linen is very robust and you can chuck it in the washing machine and drier. However If you are an organised sort of person who has camping chairs I would definitely bring them as the ground will inevitably be sodden. Here are the other things I will be taking on my Autumn Picnic :

1.Flask of hot chocolate made with real chocolate, cream and a pinch of cinammon

2. Lots of blankets and maybe a hot water bottle,

3. A book or magazine.

4. Binoculars… the birds are busy making their nests and it is delightful to watch them to go about their work.

5. A pot of stew in a food flask and chunks of bread. to dip.

6. Playing cards or a dice. If the player throws a 6 they need to collect 6 different leaves or stones. Just make it up as you go along !

7. A small sketch book and some bright pastels if you fancy a doodle,

There is only a small window of time when Autumn is at it’s most spectacular and soon the trees will be silhouettes against winter skies. I hope everyone has a nice half term and gets to have a good kick about in those golden leaves,

Sophie xx

Cushion and Pillowcase in Granny Smith. Bolster in Rose Gingham. Ruffle Cushion in Liberty fabric ‘Ciara Metallic’. Fitted sheet made from Liberty fabric ‘Theresa Green’. Scallop quilt in Theresa Green.

Our new leading ladies - Liberty Fabrics 'Ciara and Theresa'

This season we have introduced three very carefully selected Liberty Fabrics to our range. All of these gorgeous prints are a polite nod to Autumn and Winter but they will also look absolutely divine at all other times of the year. As we have limited space in our Sail Loft Studio, we have to choose our fabrics very carefully. This season we selected the gorgeous Granny Smith as our leading linen and three pretty Liberty of London prints to sit alongside this bold check.

Pillowcase in Liberty fabric ‘Theresa Green’

‘Theresa’ in green is such a pretty addition to our bedding range. This classic print is based on an original fabric drawn for the Liberty Archives in 1965. It has been re-coloured for the Liberty Kaleidescope Collection 2024 in the most gorgeous pallet of rust, green, yellow and pink. The warmer hues sit very well with ‘Ciara Metallic’ which has a very dense botanical pattern in rust and terracotta. This particular re-imagination of Ciara includes a metallic overlay. Look carefully and you will see little clusters of sparkly gold flowers.

Duvet Cover made from Liberty fabric ‘Ciara Metallic’. Linen Bolster in Granny Smith. Pillowcases in Theresa Green, Ciara Metallic and Florence. Velvet ruffle cushion in Theresa.

Finally our pretty pastel fabric ‘Ciara in Pale Green’ compliments the other two liberty fabrics but is in no way a dusty wallflower. This particular colourway of Ciara has a 70’s vibe to it with it’s dirty pinks and yellows. This fabric is also embellished with a sheen which enhances it’s silk like qualities.

If you can’t pick a favourite, all of these fabrics work brilliantly together. Treat yourself to a pile of cushions made with the different prints and adorned with velvets and other trimmings.

Yours in ditsy Liberty print heaven,

Sophie x

Velvet Ruffle Cushion in Liberty Fabric Ciara Soft Green.

Photography : Dee Campling

Custom Orders at Poppy and Honesty

Here at Poppy and Honesty, we love making custom orders. Perhaps you need that tablecloth a few inches wider or have the biggest bed in the entire world which requires a huge quilt. We are here to help you find exactly what you need. All you have to do is email us with your exact requirements and we will send through a quote and timeframe.

Large Linen Tablecloth and Napkins in Granny Smith

The variety of bedding sizes across the world is staggering (and very frustrating to be honest). Please always check the dimensions before placing an order for bedding and if your size is not included on our website, we will make it for you. Similarly, if you see a product and would like an extra detail, we will try our hardest to accommodate your request.

Over the years, we have had some fabulous custom orders including kitting out an entire guest house and making bespoke napkins for a large wedding. Our clever seamstresses Kate, Christine and Bev have amazing sewing skills and many strings to their very talented bows. As a very small business we make many of our products to order and so we can easily make adjustments to suit your needs.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like a custom order. We would love to help create something special for you,

Happy October

Sophie xxx

Our handmade quilts in Liberty Fabric ‘Theresa’ can easily be adjusted to your dimensions.

Bolster Cushion in Granny Smith

Images : Dee Campling and The Wild Girl Cots.