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’

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.

Christmas for overachievers - The Gingerbread House

This Gingerbread House is the pride and joy of my over-achieving husband, Mr. P. My previous attempts have resembled some kind of psychedelic World Heritage Site-cum Christmas morning. Apparently the roof couldn't handle 2 tonnes of smarties and candy canes. Obviously Mr P didn't let the kids near this one. In fact I came into the kitchen to discover two grown men discussing the structural integrity of The Gingerbread House with the kind of intensity that you may find at a conference on nuclear warfare. If you are a Christmas overachiever give it a whirl, that's if you're not too busy plucking your home-reared turkey or bungee jumping down the chimney.

Mr. P's top 5 tips:

1. Make sure the gingerbread dough is cooled before you roll it out. Then roll it out (in sections) between sheets of grease-proof paper to the same thickness! 

2. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on wire racks prior to assembly.

3. Only use Mary Berry's icing meringue for the joins/glue. She knows what she is talking about!

4. Ask for help when building it! 4 hands are definitely better than 2.

5. Build the house in sections and let it set completely prior to adding more bits and pieces.

6. Use wine bottles to steady the Gingerbread walls and roof whilst they set.

Mr P roughly followed Mary Berry's gingerbread recipe, however the chimney was too much, even for a man with no mortal equal.

Bon courage

Sophie xxxx
PS. Don't forget to put a tea light inside - so pretty.