Sunflowers are a perennial favourite of mine. They’re a forgiving flower for arrangements – just find a vase that’s heavy enough to cope with their thick stems, trim and drop into the vase. Voila. Arrangement done. I’ve had this cast-iron vase for years, and it serves the purpose admirably.

For a casual weekday meal of Tagliatelle with Artichokes and Prosciutto, I used antique Minton scalloped-edge bowls from Elise Abrams Antiques and simple Oxford Gold gold-rimmed dinner plates from Replacements.com.

The Honey Tortoise tumblers are from Pier One, and the Morgantown amber-stemmed Depression Glasses are from Replacements.com (these are the water glasses – the wine glasses are very small). The rattan placemats, bakelite-handled cutlery and napkins were acquired years ago from the now-defunct Country Dining Room Antiques. The humble tablecloth is burlap from our local nursery.

The little squirrel salt cellar and spoon came from Pottery Barn years ago. They often have attractive, whimsical salt cellars, so keep your eyes peeled. They don’t last long.