Tea for two

Whether it's a special occasion or you just feel like a little treat, there is nothing more civilised than Afternoon Tea.  This great British tradition dates back to the early nineteenth century and it is around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is said to have complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. At the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast, and dinner at around 8 o'clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon.

Later friends were invited to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey and this summer practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." Other social hostesses quickly picked up on the idea and the practice became respectable enough to move it into the drawing room. Before long all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.

Afternoon Tea is more popular than ever now, from the grandness of The Ritz to the more avant garde Sketch, Afternoon Tea is the way to go (or for the philistines amongst us, myself included, dare I say it Afternoon Coffee!!)

Paris - City of style

Paris is synonymous with style.  As Gertrude Stein stated in her in her 1940 novel 'Paris France', "It was in Paris that fashions were made".  As far as anyone can remember Paris has always been the fashion capital of the world.

The Power of black

The colour black is full of mystery and solemnity.  It is usually associated with elegance.  Black can represent power, sophistication, wealth, style and sexuality.  Interpret it as you wish.

Cool Britania

Over the past couple of years there has been a resurgence of all things iconically British.  Be it Jan Constanine's appliquéd cushions to re-upholstering furniture in the Union Jack.  Even Dame Vivienne Westwood has designed a range of wallpaper for Cole & Son using the Union Jack, albeit a controversial bloodied version.  Like it or loathe it, with the Royal Wedding coming up, regal imagery is everywhere.

  

Hermes - 'Art you can wear'

There is something totally wonderful and luxurious about wearing a Hermes scarf.  They are so beautiful to look at.  Since 1937 Hermes has produced over 2,500 designs, with the horse motifs being particularly famous and popular.   Hermes scarves are 90cm x 90cm, weigh 65 grams and are said to be woven from the silk of 250 mulberry moth cocoons.  During the holiday season, in Hermes' Paris boutiques, one scarf is sold every 20 seconds!  I have seen them made into cushions and also framed as artwork.  There are infinite ways of tying them and Hermes actually give you a boxed pack of cards showing how to do it.  They also look fab tied on bags for that carefree bohemian look.