by Helen Kain | Oct 23, 2022 | Christmas, Desserts, Halloween
As a child, the approach of Christmas heralded the arrival of several treats in our house: Quality Street Chocolates, Petticoat Tails Shortbread, Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, and my hands-down favourite, Poppycock. The first three items still fill me with delight,...
by Helen Kain | Dec 31, 2021 | Antique glassware, Blue, Christmas, New Year, Recent, Winter Tablescapes
It’s been a year of ups and downs. A bit like a Covid remake of the shower scene from Psycho, on repeat. I’m all for switching off the screen and turning our attention elsewhere. So let’s end on an up note with a stylishly sophisticated table....
by Helen Kain | Dec 22, 2021 | Christmas, Featured, Pink and Red, Recent, White, Winter Tablescapes
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me… … A Patridge in a Pear Tree. Thank you, Anthropologie, for a new and somewhat whacky twist on an old favourite. These particular plates are from a couple of years ago. Anthropologie has a new set by...
by Helen Kain | Dec 4, 2021 | Black, Christmas, Green, Pink and Red, Recent, Winter Tablescapes
There is something infinitely appealing about an old-fashioned Christmas scene, with half-timbered houses, ladies in bonnets and long skirts, and wait … what is that cart? Carol singers, people exchanging greetings, the decorated tree and a happy dog are...
by Helen Kain | Dec 1, 2021 | Cakes, Christmas, Recent, Winter Recipes
A few years ago, visiting the Chatsworth Farm Shop during the Christmas Market reignited my love affair with moist, luscious, brandy-soaked fruitcake. The genuine article, not the sawdust brick masquerading as such, which is distressingly common. I could only...
by Helen Kain | Nov 27, 2021 | Black, Blue, Christmas, Green, Pink and Red, Recent
It’s tree-trimming day—when we haul two artificial trees in their “body bags” along with boxes of lights and ornaments up from the basement (my least favourite part). Glenn wrestles the real tree into its stand and lies on the floor, awkwardly...