Why wait for December to have a Christmas Party? Too often we promise to catch up with friends and too often time slips away. Christmas in July solves that.

A cosy soup dinner party warms and nourishes the body and soul; perfect for mid-winter relaxed entertaining

How to create a budget-friendly table setting for easy summer entertaining

Today, take a seat at Anne’s table to discover how a simple blog post inspired an evening that featured 126 year old family brass treasures.

June has been busy with celebrations galore. Read about some of them here in June’s Gatherings, part one.

I have set myself a challenge.

The gift of a home-cooked meal made with care and love was exactly what I wanted, and received on Mothers’ Day. The theme was Soup Weather and it was executed perfectly.

Autumn table styling ideas for real homes—budget-friendly, warm, and layered. Create a harvest tablescape designed for gathering, not just photographs.

Chestnuts catching candlelight, slow-cooked lamb, and a table filled to the brim—this autumn gathering was less about restraint and more about generosity, comfort, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal.

Dress rehearsals happen for a reason. Its a chance to step back and observe what is working and what is not. It’s a rare opportunity in life to make things right before they really count.

An afternoon spent in the late summer sun surrounded by glasses and candles to amplify the glow of the approaching equinox.

Having people over shouldn’t bring stress, but it so often does. These ideas will take that stress away so that you can enjoy your gathering as much as your guests will.

A handful of strawberries, and a willingness to use the beautiful things now; today is the occasion that you were waiting for, all along.

Convenience doesn’t build memories, effort does — and I think that is at the heart of Sunday lunch at The Willows.

Sometimes the secret to beauty is simply… outsourcing the horticulture

A printable checklist for creating your own summer cocktails at sunset

A lesson in restraint, creativity and letting go of perfection in favour of what really matters.

Sometimes all you need is:

A cooler week after summer heat
A deck at sunset
Something delicious in a glass
And people to laugh with

And maybe —
just maybe —
a full bag of ice.

Before the madness of December took over our diaries we made time to catch up with dear friends for a relaxed lunch