Antique Bar Accessories
Is there anything better than a fully-stocked bar? Clinking tumblers, sparkling decanters, and shimmering liquors; pouring wine from a claret jug, hosting sophisticated cocktail parties, or settling into the evening with a glass of something cool and refreshing; antique bar accessories truly bring the vision to life. Picture the scene: today was long, the work […] ...Read More...
The Owl, the Pussy-Cat, and the Runcible Spoon
‘They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon,’ ‘The Owl and the Pussy-Cat’ by Edward Lear (1871) Everyone was a child once, and most of us will recall the renowned […] ...Read More...
Tea in the Georgian Era
The routine is familiar to us all- boil the kettle, steep the tea, and add milk and sugar to taste. Tea-making is as natural to us Brits as breathing. In fact, centuries ago writer David Elliston claimed ‘the making of tea is one of the most deep seated British rituals, impervious to change’. It’s hard […] ...Read More...
How to Set the Perfect Easter Table
Spring has finally sprung and I don’t know about you but it feels like Mother Nature really took her time with this one. Having said that, now that spring is here I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the longer nights, the (slightly) warmer days, and then of course there’s all the new life around – i’m primarily […] ...Read More...
Hester Bateman the Female Silversmith
The silversmith profession appears to be dominated by males, however I soon began to unearth the female silversmiths. From Elizabeth Eaton/Jones/Cooke to Mary Chawner, like a beautiful blossom at the beginning of spring my eyes opened to the ladies of the prior centuries getting involved in this time honoured craftsmanship. I did however chose my […] ...Read More...
Luxury 21st Birthday Gifts for Her
’21 today, 21 today, she’ll have the key to the door, never been 21 before.’ Perhaps a reference that’s a bit before her time, but certainly one that encapsulates the excitement of turning 21. A birthday is always a special occasion, but a 21st birthday is a true milestone that should be celebrated accordingly- and […] ...Read More...
The Art of Pin Cushions
My mother is not a seamstress. She owns one pin cushion, and it does not see the light of day very often. She may be in the minority; however, as sewing is a very popular craft among thousands, and pin cushions are essential parts of it. Pin cushions date back in recorded history to the […] ...Read More...
What is a Scent / Perfume Bottle?
As Christian Dior once said, ‘a woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting’. Possibly a touch hyperbolic, however this sentiment does reflect the value- both sentimental and monetary- that is placed on scents and the bottles that contain them. Perfume bottles are the first glimpse into the mysteries a fragrance contains, and as […] ...Read More...
What is a Marriage Casket?
In these modern times, a betrothal is typically marked with the presentation of an engagement ring (and hopefully an enthusiastic ‘I will!’). Contemporary rituals surrounding engagement have, perhaps thankfully, moved away from customs of the past. These included booby-traps, beating up the groom and…selling yourself into the slavery of your in-laws? (Yes, these things really […] ...Read More...
What is a Quaich?
A quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking cup, common in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a distinctive kind of shallow, two-handled drinking bowl or cup. The quaich is said to have originated from the Scottish Highlands, where clan chiefs prized them as a token of hospitality. For centuries, they have been used around […] ...Read More...
