Side Kicks

Side tables are a really useful piece of furniture to have in your home, especially in your living space. Not only do they offer a practical elements, they can have so much style as well. I’ve pulled together some fun and glamorous side tables that can give you an idea of how you might like to change up your home or add in some new pieces.

French House White and Elm Hand-painted Round Lamp Table’ from Angel & Boho

This simple, French style table from Angel & Boho offers a simple but charming effect for a relaxed and low-key room, a perfect canvas to pair with some exciting and colourful accessories.  Side tables are a great way to introduce a particular style, especially antique and vintage ideas. This piece from West Elm is a mid-century design, which would look beautiful paired with an antique sofa or armchair in the same style. The golden magazine rack adds both a pretty feature as well as some 21^st century practicality.

‘Mid-century Magazine Side Table’ from West Elm

If you want to inject a touch of high-end glamour to your living space, a glitzy side table may be just the ticket. Julian Chichester always has some exciting and beautiful designs, and this Penn side table is no different. Its unusual shape will make it an eye-catching feature in any room.

‘Penn Side Table’ from Julian Chichester

Choose to go really contemporary with this hexagonal side table from Skandium. The geometric almost avant-garde design would really make a statement in a contemporary setting.

‘Slit Side Table Hexagon by Hay’ from Skandium

 

‘Liberty Side Table’ from Tom Faulkner

This gorgeous piece is from Tom Faulkner and has a modern, Art Deco feel to it. The glass top shows off the table’s legs, and gives the whole look a sophisticated, grand look.

If you want to bring the glamour, minus the price tag, there are loads of less expensive pieces available. These marble top side tables from Swoon Editions make fantastic little add-ons to a glam living space, and would go hand-in-hand with some sumptuous velvets.

Wooden  ‘Pearl Side Tables’ from Swoon Editions

These side table were originally design in metal, but have been altered to wooden form. The curved bases give them a unique look and would give any room a big dose of character.

‘Wooden Side Table by Vitra’ from Skandium

Keeping with the wood theme, this little piece from Swoon Editions is super sweet, and a really versatile design that can work with a lot of different schemes and styles. The arched legs give the simple design a lovely bit of character.

‘Oscar Side Table’ from Swoon Editions

Finally, for some real eclectic fun, this face side table from Rockett St George will really get people talking. It’s a great idea if you want to add some excitement into a scheme without it losing its glamorous feel.

‘Faces Side Table’ from Rockett St George

With endless styles, sizes, shapes and colours, side tables are a great way to revamp your living space and experiment with ideas, and maybe finding some new favourite pieces.

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Christmas is Coming!

Whether you rejoice at the news that Christmas is just around the corner, or tremble with a little disbelief at how fast the year has gone, there’s no denying that the festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace it with with some fab decorations. I tend to pull a bit of a face at the masses of tinsel you usually find adorning every possible surface at this times of year and other conventional styles of decorating you home, so this year I wanted to make it my mission to find some decorations that not only are full of festive glamour, but could also be worked into an interior all year round. Whatever your style there’s something for everyone that’ll turn your home into an ultra-glam setting 365 days of the year.

If you’re not into your traditional red and green Christmas colours, opting for a crisp all-white theme will really add some style to your home this year. A great way to make sure that your decorations are suitable for all year round use, is to find pieces that don’t follow a seasonal motif too closely. These paper stars from Rose & Grey are contemporary way to kit out your home. Hang them from a high ceiling to make a fairy-tale style feeling, and pair with these lovely lanterns from Rockett St George to really get into the spirit. Once the Christmas season is over, the paper lanterns are the perfect decorations to create a dreamy bohemian-style room, or to dress up a child’s bedroom.

‘Nine Point Paper Stars’ from Rose & Grey.

‘Set of Three Paper Lanterns’ from Rockett St George

This carved skull from Angel & Boho is perfect for all year round use. It’s a fun and interesting way to play around with the animal head trend, the carving detail is a sweet addition, and the bright white colour means that you’re free to add some individuality to yourself, even decorating it horns with some tinsel if you really wanted!

‘Tribal Carved Skull’ from Angel & Boho

For a little rustic charm, a few rattan stars from Holly’s House are sure to do the trick, they’ll look great on a shelf or mantel, surrounded by some fairy lights at any time of the year.

‘Set of Three Natural Rattan Deco Stars’ from Holly’s House

To give your home a touch of luxury this Christmas time, why not go for some decorations that are full to the brim with glamour and exotic style. If you’re less into shepherds and sheep and more into glitzy, romantic settings something like this lanterns from Angel & Boho are perfect. Surround a dining room table for an extra special Christmas meal, or dot around various surfaces for Christmas drinks, and then for a dramatic and romantic year just simply keep them there!

‘Tall Filigree Lantern’ from Angel & Boho

‘Venezia Oversized Gilded Lantern’ from Angel & Boho

The ideal companion for some striking lanterns, are some extravagant candlesticks. You can mix and match the lanterns and candlesticks around the room to create a beautiful, romantic setting, or fill a table up with a wonderful arrangement of candlesticks to set the tone. This set from Graham & Green come in all different sizes, which is a good idea if you don’t want your arrangement to look too stiff. Their antiqued glass style can work with various existing styles from bohemian to traditional to glamourous contemporary.

‘Mercury Antiqued Glass Candleholders’ from Graham & Green

Decoration doesn’t have to always be about adding extra drama to your interiors, it’s also a great way show off your fun side and add little hints of quirk and playfulness to a room without going overboard. This Llama from Graham & Green is just the ticket if you want to have a good laugh this Christmas (and everyday afterwards!), and is a good twist on a traditional reindeer. It’s perfect for hanging decorations off of and for being a wonderful decoration itself. It’ll make a great addition to your home if you enjoy not taking life too seriously, positioned over a fireplace or perhaps a bed.

‘Pom Pom Llama Mount’ from Graham and Green

These painted hearts from Re-Found Objects will make wonderful colourful decorations this festive season, and can go on to brighten up your home afterwards. For Christmas time, place them in a more concentrated area, decorating a dresser, or staircase. For the rest of the year, a collection of them would make a lovely touch scattered around a wall, it’ll add a youthful and fresh take to your home, plus they’d go rather nicely with the llama!

‘Hand Painted Hearts’ from Re-Found Objects

If you like fun festive decorations, and want to find a quirky alternative to tinsel, you might want to take a look at finding some pom poms! They are absolutely everywhere these days, so you’re bound to find some in a style to your liking. These red and orange poms from The Conran Shop are oh so cute, but they use contemporary colours, therefore avoiding an overly twee feeling.

‘Pom Pom Garland Festival’ from The Conran Shop

At Christmas time, you can get away with going a little overboard if you fancy, and if you like going all out over the holidays, chances are you probably like doing it all year round too. If you want to add a bit of nature to your interiors, you might not want to stop at just a Christmas tree. These indoor outdoor trees from Cox & Cox are adorable and add a theatrical element to a room without being too dark or mysterious. They can be used inside to get into the holiday spirit, and then when the New Year comes by, place them outside to really enchant your garden.

‘Indoor Outdoor Birch Trees’ from Cox & Cox

The same can be said for these lights from Cox & Cox, use them to decorate your interiors over Christmas and then afterwards they can be used to light up a garden, or transform an archway.

‘Indoor Outdoor Twinkle Light Garland’ from Cox & Cox

There are all sorts of way to create a wonderful winter land this Christmas, and even more ways to get creative and make magical interiors all year round!

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A Flair for the Dramatics

Whether you have a large estate or a humble flat, adding a little drama to your interiors is never a bad thing. While some may opt for an entire dramatic look, for some it’s better to start off slow and introduce a few wonderful pieces that will really start to shape the feel of your interior. From lighting, mirrors and home accessories, here are some amazing ways to add some excitement to your home and begin to give it a dramatic flair.

A pair of theatrical candlesticks are always a good place to start if you want to just dip your toes into the dramatic pool. These cheeky dog candelabras from House Junkie are a contemporary, modern way to introduce some quirky drama. Placed on either end of a mantelpiece, or on a table, they’re sure to be an eye-catching piece.

‘Guardians Dog Candelabras’ from House Junkie

If your taste is a little more feminine, then these bird candlesticks are the perfect combination of quirky sweetness and intriguing theatrics. The hand painted porcelain pieces will make a subtle but effective addition to a sitting or dining room, adding just the right amount of pizazz.

‘Petit Oiseaux Bird Candlesticks’ from Angel & Boho

A super easy way to add some drama to a room is with lighting. Though our first thought when it comes to dramatic lighting might be a huge glass chandelier, there are some really interesting ways to give your lighting some gravitas, that can follow some unconventional style trends. This three tier recycled chandelier is full of retro, bohemian glamour. It’s perfect if you don’t want to take your interiors too seriously and want to add some fun style.

‘Moroccan Bottle Top Chandelier’ from Re-Found Objects

For another alternative way to add some glamour and some delicate drama to your lighting is with this amazing knitted rope chandelier, a completely innovative way of reinventing the classical piece into something contemporary and intriguing.

‘Knotted Rope Chandelier’ from Holly’s House

From the ceiling to the walls, give an interior some quirky glamour with something like this monkey shelf. It has all the same motifs as a typical gilded ornamentation you might find in a French chateau, but here you get a sense of humour with your drama in the form of a little cheeky monkey!

‘Golden Monkey Shelf’ from Rockett St George

 When it comes to the dramatic interior it’s all about a showstopper piece, and this cuckoo clock certainly fits the bill. The interesting metalwork creates a dramatic display and is a really eye-catching piece.

‘Metal Cut out Cuckoo Clock’ from House Junkie

This canvas print from House Junkie, designed by Angela Rossi, is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The surreal print is just the piece if you want add to an existing collection of wacky art, or begin to start a new one. The vibrant flamingo will look amazing placed in a dark, moody room.

‘Princess Flaminia Canvas’ from House Junkie

Having a dramatic interior doesn’t always means having to have the wildest, wackiest pieces you can find, you can still maintain your own style whilst embarking on your journey of drama! This huge mirror from Angel & Boho is not only beautiful but full of romantic, bohemian drama. If you’re looking for an old, faded glamour effect, this is a rather perfect piece.

‘Archtop Metal Window Mirror’ from Angel & Boho

A screen is an accessory that will always have something of a theatrical presence in a room, but often the most common style will lend themselves to the retro interior motifs. But this piece from Oka is perfect for a clean, contemporary style. The Grunewald screen is hand-painted and will bring a wonderful fresh, dramatic impact to a room.

‘Grunewald Screen’ from Oka

From moody and romantic dramatic looks, to fresh and contemporary, there are all sorts of ways to include a fiercely theatrical theme into your interiors!

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Cheap Thrills

A rather excruciating part of my job is that I am constantly surrounded by, or looking at beautiful home furnishings and accessories, that unfortunately I just cannot afford. Fortunately, the interior design world is also full of wonderful pieces and products that will only take a pinch out of your wallet, and here are ten gorgeous items all under £50.00 to get you inspired!

‘Metal Pillar Candle Holders’ from Cox & Cox (£9.50)

A quick way to decorate a table area or ledge is with a few decorative candle holders. They instantly add a touch of personality to a room, and will also add a sense of homeliness. You can either follow a theme with your candle holders, or integrate a whole range of styles, from bohemian to luxe to rustic. They will easily dress up a room, and because they are usually cheap you’ll be able to get your hands of a few pairs! I love these pillar style holders from Cox & Cox, they had a hint of rustic glamour to a setting, but if you really want to give a little pizazz to a table or mantelpiece, these leopards from Oka are sure to do the trick!

‘Pair of Lakadema Leopard Candle Holders’ from Oka (£44.00)

If you’ve bought a cheap, plain sofa there is an easy solution to make it feel fancy, and that’s cushions! There are masses of low cost cushions out there from plain, bright and patterned, but I always find that if you want to add a bit of luxury to a sofa a little texture and colour goes a long way. Sometimes you’ll luck out and the cushion pad will be included in the price, but if not you can usually get the pad for just a little extra, or if you take note of the sizing you’ll be able to find a cheaper counterpart online or in a large department store.

‘Mint Cushion’ from Touva (£25.00 with cushion pad)

This little minty cushion is so sweet and so stylish, and for just £25.00 including the pad it’s an absolute bargain! I love the tassels and the contrasting patterns on this Trivandrum cover from Oka, it’s a wonderful solution if your sofa is looking a little bare, and is in need of a revamp.

‘Trivandrum Cushion Cover’ from Oka (£25.00 with cushion pad)

A nice way to dress up your home is with a few flowers or plants, and for that you’ll need somewhere to put them. If you’re into your contemporary interiors, this half-moon planter may be right up your street. It’s full of character, and its copper tones will look perfect against a vibrant green plant.

‘Half Moon Plant Pot’ from Urban Outfitters (£14.00)

If you want something a bit simpler, that follows a more classic style, this glass cloche from Cox & Cox is so elegant, and just waiting for from wildflowers to be put in!

‘Glass Plant Cloche’ from Cox & Cox

When acquiring tableware, because you often need so much of it, it can be hard to find a gorgeous but inexpensive set. Instead, you might want to opt for getting some cheaper plain plates and dishes and then dressing up the table with some one-off extras. This striking jug from Trouva is amazing, and placed in the centre it’ll really stand out and make the whole table feel that extra bit special.

‘Faye Toogood Indigo Storm Jug’ from Touva (£29.95)

You can easily dress up your walls without spending too much money, a nice frame added to cheap print will really increase the overall quality, and some interesting wall lighting is a great way to add some character. I love this candle wall sconce from An Angel at my Table, the mirror panels offer an interesting design, and it’s perfect if you love a bit of bohemian style.

‘Refracting Mirrored Candle Sconce’ from Angel at my Table (£35.00)

Decorating your home with lovely but cheaper pieces don’t just have to be about knick-knacks, you can find some wonderful pieces for a small prices that can also serve a purpose. This suitcase self from Urban Outfitters is rather sweet, and is ideal for storing books and magazines in an attractive way. It’s quirky, retro flair makes it not only useful but stylish too.

‘Palm Pattern Suitcase Shelf’ from Urban Outfitters (£50.00)

When you need to add that finishing touch to a seating area, something like this little table from An Angel at my Table is a great way to insert some decorative magic.

‘Small Brocante Tray Table’ from An Angel at my Table (£45.00)

A smaller budget by no means equals scrimping on the finer things in life, or getting your hands on something that’ll really complete your home. After all, you may find that good things come with small price tags.

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Easter Table Treats

Easter Weekend is just a few weeks away, which means we have a fully-fledged excuse to update our dining room tableware in preparation for the occasion. Whether it’s a big affair or a quiet gathering, new glass and tableware helps create an exciting and sophisticated setting ready for however you choose to celebrate.

I’ve picked out some wonderfully charming items to fill your table with, that were made for spring in mind, each with its own lovely characteristics that will help to make your dining a thing of beauty this Easter!

‘Jackson Ceramic Collection’ from Graham and Green

This Jackson Ceramic collection from Graham and Green are full of light-hearted elegance, and the modern splattered design will add innovation and a contemporary sense of whimsy to your table. For a similar style, with a tad more dramatic feel to it, try these limited edition ink blot ceramics from Rockett St George, together the two designs will create a theatrical setting for your future dinner parties.

‘Ink Blot Bone China Side Plate’ from Rockett St George

There are some amazing ways to add a hint of nature to table, the perfect theme for spring. These garden party spoons from An Angel at my Table are utter perfection and will add so much charm to a table.

‘Garden Party Porcelain Spoons’ from An Angel At My Table

Another sweet, nature themed addition to a table are these beautiful hand embroidered napkins from Sibona. They really add a personal touch to a table for a light and delicate dining scheme. If you feel like something a little different than the olive design, Sibona, who are a fantastic company who have a complete range of wonderful hand embroidered napkins, from crabs to cupcakes!

‘Olive White Cotton Cocktail Napkins’ from Sibona

If you want to inject a little colour into your table design then some beautiful glasses is a great way to go. These glasses from Rose & Grey are full of character and will add a little amusement to any table, creating a delightfully relaxed and bright atmosphere.

‘Tiny Tall Glasses’ from Rose & Grey

For those who love a bit of the unconventional, why not wonder a little into the world of all things bohemian with these adorable cactus shaped salt and pepper shaker, ideal for not just special occasions but for adding flair and fun to the everyday!

‘Cactus Salt and Pepper Shaker’ from Graham and Green

To keep things simple yet stunning, opt for something that oozes laid-back sophistication, this elegant vase from Rocket St George will let the flowers do all the talking, making a wonderful centrepiece for a busy table.

‘Glass Jar Vase’ from Rockett St George

Or for something with more of a rustic, country style feel try these Potter jugs and bowls from An Angel at my Table. The slightly off-centre finish to the ceramics gives them a lovely homemade feel making them the perfect farmhouse chic style.

‘Potters Jug and Bowl’ from An Angel at my Table

Houseology is full of amazing products, especially if you’re into your contemporary style. So if you want to make your table shine with some modern accessories, take a look at their website for some great ideas. I particularly love this wood and slate serving board, it’s full of style and will look superb as a minimalistic centrepiece.

‘Just Slate Sheesham Wood Serving Platter with Slate Insert’ from Houseology

And lastly, for a subtle sense of cool, these black and white mugs with terracotta bottoms are perfect for the chilled out mornings when the hustle and bustle has been and gone and you can relax with a warm cup of coffee.

‘Moroccan Mugs’ from Rose & Grey

There you have it, a few treats for upcoming Easter that prove not all good things come in chocolate egg form!

For more information on these companies and many others don’t forget to check out Angel + Blume’s Address Book, http://www.angelandblume.com/addressbook.php

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Mum’s The Word

As if by magic we seemed to have powered through almost the first two months of 2016 which means we’re nearing the month of March and onto another special occasion, Mother’s Day! As we are trying to stick to our resolutions of being more organised this year we’ve already dug up some wonderful gift ideas for our beloved mothers.

Instead of purchasing the usual gifts of flowers, which will wither away in just a few days, or chocolates, that will disappear in a mere matter of minutes, at Angel + Blume we want to think outside the box and give something a little more permanent as a present that mums can treasure forever.

Whatever style or taste you mum likes, be it quirky, traditional, nature-loving or contemporary, we’ve got something that will make her smile from ear to ear this Mothering Sunday.

For all the mothers who follow a traditional sense of style, and love adorning their homes in lovely little trinkets An Angel at my Table, as always, has some absolutely beautiful home accessories.

Glory Be! & Amour Tea Towels from An Angel at my Table

 

These beautiful floral printed tea towels will add a lovely spurt of colour into any kitchen, and the added touch of some pom pom trimmings are a wonderful idea, so wonderful in fact that we think they may be best left as display items and not actually used for washing up!

Small White Country Jug from An Angel at my Table

A wonderful gift for a traditional style loving mum is this simple yet sophisticated jug, also from An Angel at my Table. The detailing around the side of the vase creates a lovely finish to the ceramic piece, making the jug ideally matched for a classic interior.

If, like mine, you mum has green fingers then opting for some nature related gifts will get two thumbs up. Thornback & Peel make some wonderful products with the some amazing designs that are the perfect combination of tradition and modern. I completely love this pea pod tray from the vibrant green colour to the herringbone inspired print.

Pea Pod Tray from Thornback & Peel

Another wonderful idea for all the nature loving mothers out there are these rather spectacularly designed plant pots from Not on the High Street. The aged copper Verdigris-like colour is stunning and helps make these pots a real feature piece.

Leaves Plant Pot from Not on the High Street

For a sweet little gift, and a flower that will last, this paper rose from Not on the High Street is simply marvellous, using printed text from novels the whole look has charm to boot.

Literary Paper Rose from Not on the High Street

If you hear the words ‘wonderfully wacky’ and your mind immediately wonders over to your mother, then taking the unconventional route and giving her some adorable and quirky gifts this Mother’s Day will fill her with joy. This cushion from Fine Cell Work featuring the ‘princess of fruits’, the pineapple will make a lovely addition to an array of scatter cushions. It’s a fun and playful item that will look good in any home.

Pineapple Cushion from Fine Cell Work

I love this quirky, full-to-the-brim of individuality vase from Rockett St George. It’ll make a fine talking point and will no doubt put a smile of everybody’s face. It’s full of character and is a perfect gift if your mum is too.

David Display Vase from Rocket St George

Last but not least if your mum is a bit of a cool cat, with a home to match, why not help her kit it out with some amazing and stylish pieces. Since the cold weather doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon a cosy blanket and cushions are most certainly in order. These hand woven, hand printed cushion and blanket are laid-back contemporary style at its best and will look great on a sofa or bed.

Hand Woven Cushions and Blanket from Bailey’s Home

I completely fell in love with this ceramic collection from Rockett St George, so much so that I may have to treat both myself and my mother to a set. The modern marble effect is a wonderful design for all the lovers of the classic contemporary style.

Indigo Storm Collection by Faye Toogood from Rockett St George

So there you have it, a sweet guide on what to buy your mum this Mother’ Day, or if you can’t resist a preview of all the lovely items you’ll be filling your own home with as well!

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A Home Away from Home

Holidays during my childhood largely consisted of squeezing everything and everybody into a car and heading either up or down to Cornwall or the Lake District for a week. Holiday rentals to me seemed to be places that were stuck in time, a perfectly preserved overload of twee-ness, with excessive amounts of ruffles and dusty fake flowers, and while some managed to maintain the endearing nature of the property, others were unfortunately interior design disaster zones.

With so many holiday rentals around in Britain, and with the ever-rising popularity of Airbnb, we thought it rather fitting to give a little guide on how to make your holiday home that extra bit special, and making it an appealing, exciting place to be that will make people want to fight for the chance to stay there instead of running for the hills!

There are some wonderfully simple ways to turn a holiday home into a small haven. The high season for holiday goers is always summer and spring, therefore making the most out of your outdoor space is a sure fire way to bring smile to your renters face. Creating large, comfy communal areas is vital, and spaces that easily convert from day to night even more so. Making sure there is enough lighting, be it in the form of candles, lanterns or even making an investment in some chic permanent outdoor lighting will create the perfect relaxing vibe your holiday home needs, and will go hand-in-hand with some amazing outdoor furniture.

‘Luccombe Outdoor Set’ from Oka Direct

Whether you have a beautiful garden or a spectacular view, an outdoor space is enhanced a hundred times over with the addition of fantastic outdoor furniture. If you tend to cater to big groups, purchasing a set that can be used as a large all-in-one or broken up into smaller arrangements is the best seating solution. This set from Oka is a lovely modern rattan alternative to the dated wicker conservatory furniture that tends to be a staple in holiday homes.

For more intimate seating areas there are some adorable ideas that can really give an extra added touch, this loveseat from Oka is so stunning and if you have a small cottage, perfect for a romantic getaway, items like this are the icing on the cake.

‘Tendril Metal Garden Loveseat’ from Oka Direct

If you don’t want to have to re-mortgage your actual home in order to kit out your holiday rental, there are some charming, inexpensive ways to do so, I actually rather like this Bistro set from Homebase, which would make a sweet addition on a patio, perfect for a enjoying a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down.

‘Folding Metal Bistro Set’ from Homebase

When it comes to holiday rentals, it’s the extra added touches that make a renter a returning customer. Making them smile, whether they realise it or not, from simple home accessory additions will mean that they only think positively about your letting and will want to come back year after year. A beautiful parasol like this one from Hen and Hammock inserts individuality and character into an interior, so even if the rest of your furniture is simple and understated one extra added touch will make all the difference.

‘Indonesian Parasol’ from Hen and Hammock

Another insertion of charm could come in the form of a creative and wonderfully designed plant pot. Adding a little greenery to a garden is a great way to give a little oomph, and sourcing a lovely pot is an added bonus.

‘Wafture Planter’ from Anthropologie

Flowers will automatically brighten up any interior, the added spurt of colour adds excitement and vitality. However, holiday homes in my experience tend to replace with fresh with fake, while this is a much more viable option for a holiday home, the flowers always seem to be dusty and ever so rubbery looking. Throwing out your old fake flowers and purchasing some new ones will guarantee to make your holiday homes look ten times more modern and ten times less stuffy! For high quality florals that won’t break the bank head to Funky Bunch or An Angel At My Table, but ditch the typical gerbera flower and opt for something more sophisticated and elegant like peonies or hydrangeas or some wild flowers.

‘Short Pink Blossom’ from Funky Bunch

‘Soft Pink and Blush Hydrangeas’ from An Angel At My Table

A few small changes to the foundations of the house are a great way to modernise an older property and give character to a new one. Switching some unexciting door knobs for some interesting ones is an easy way to reinvent the look or theme of a house with minimal effort. These door handles from Rockett St George are super stylish and will look amazing with multiple design schemes.

‘Talia Ceramic Door Handle’ from Rockett St George

For an even quicker transformation, upgrading a dated and probably slightly mouldy doormat will instil your guests comfort and style right from the get-go, and a simple yet stunning design like this one will please almost any taste.

‘Black and Natural Simple Door Mat’ from Rockett St George

Finally, inserting some your town’s charm into your home is the perfect way to separate a holiday home from a regular one. As long as you don’t go too overboard with a theme (we know we’re by the sea no need for the nautical paraphernalia reminders), then a little small town charm can be quite lovely. A few antiques from a local shop or some paintings or prints of the local landscape, landmark or by a local artist can really do the trick.

‘Cambridge’ by Glynn Thomas from Cambridge Contemporary Art

So with a little spruce and just the right amount of whimsy a beautiful holiday home is just around the corner, just in time for summer!

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Last Minute Christmas Delights

Christmas is nearly at our doorsteps, so here are a few more little treats that will be the icing on the cake of your decorations and Christmas celebrations this year.

If you want to spruce up your tree there are some absolutely lovely decorations and baubles around at the moment and here are a few of our favourites.

‘Five Metal Pressed Feathers in Silver’ from Cox & Cox

These feather decorations from Cox & Cox are a subtle, contemporary addition to a tree if you’re looking for something simple.

‘Six Magical Tree Baubles’ from Cox & Cox

Another charming, inventive touch from Cox & Cox to add to your collection, these Christmas trees in baubles are brilliant.

‘Large Party Chihuahua Decoration’ from An Angel at my Table

We couldn’t resist adding in this Chihuahua decoration from An Angel at my Table, a great find for those who like to keep things a little less traditional and a little more quirky. If this is a tad too left field for your taste but you’re still looking for something with a fun edge, these owl ornament are marvellous!

‘Pair of Vintage Style Brown Owl Decorations’ from An Angel at my Table

If the rest of your house isn’t looking as festive as you might have liked there are plenty of ways to add a little oomph to your surroundings.

These thistle tea light holders from ANTA are divine, I especially love the cup and saucer combo.

‘Cream Thistle Orange and Cinnamon Tealight Candle’ from ANTA

Decorate a window sill with these beautiful antique looking metal birds, perfect for Christmas and all year round!

‘Three Little Birds’ from An Angel at my Table

Treat yourself to some pretty copper pieces from Cox & Cox with these lovely bells and lights.

‘Copper Jingle Bell Garland’ from Cox & Cox

‘Copper Maroq Lights’ from Cox & Cox

Get into a contemporary Christmas mood with these creatively designed paper star decorations from Bodie and Fou, they’re great if you’re not too keen on embellishing your home with all things sparkly.

‘Paper Stars in Black and Grey’ from Bodie and Fou

I love this rather special card from An Angel at my Table, it’s an elegant way to do Christmas in style, and if you don’t want to send it to someone it would make a lovely, understated decoration in your home.

‘Pop up St Paul’s Cathedral Card’ from An Angel at my Table

Not to leave your kitchen feeling left out, this sweet robin and holly tea towel from Thornback & Peel is a delightful addition, the design is also featured on aprons, oven mitts, crackers and many other things in case you want to spoil yourself!

‘Robin & Holly tea towel’ from Thornback & Peel

Last but not least, make your gifts extra special with some beautiful wrapping paper, this starry designed paper from Cox & Cox is marvellous!

‘Mini Stars Wrapping Paper’ from Cox & Cox

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, full of wonderful household treats!

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Come Dine With Me

With so many special occasions getting closer and closer in our calendars, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fireworks Nights, and dare I say it, Christmas, it’s more than likely that we’ll be booking in family visits, dinner parties with friends, and beginning to plan the holidays.

The next few months are really a time for bringing people together and spending time with loved ones you don’t often get to see. So in preparation for these upcoming soirées, we’ve assembled our absolute favourite pieces of tableware and accessories from the best collections to shower you with ideas for transforming your everyday table into a thing a beauty. Even if you’re not having guests over, indulge yourself and marvel over these items. You’ll be drooling over your table setting, not just at the food!

Firstly I’m paying homage to Thanksgiving with this American classic style plate set from Ralph Lauren.

The elegant feather trim makes me nostalgic for winter walks with the family and spotting a flustered pheasant shooting up from the nearby ditches. The pattern is lively enough to catch your eye without being so overwhelming that it distracts from the beautiful food about to be served onto it.

Sticking to the feather motif but taking a little more of a flashy turn, these feather napkin rings, from Not On The High Street are a real show-stopper. They take elements of traditional English heritage with a splash of fun quirkiness, to make a playful addition to a formal table.

For a table with a touch more allure and mystery, here are some elegant accessories to spice up a table and create the perfect ambience for an evening of glamour.

Set the mood with these beautiful neo-gothic style candlestick holders from The French House.

A few dotted on the dining table or the surrounding areas will help to transform your home, and once a few beads of candle wax work their way onto the holder the vintage style will really come alive.

Mixing both vintage and more contemporary accessories together on the dinner table will create a really beautiful effect. I love this water glass set from Rockett St George, they’ll work for both everyday use and for when you’re planning something more special. The beautiful smokey finish on the glasses creates an old Hollywood style allure.

An elegant table needs an elegant centrepiece, and this stained gold glass bottle, from An Angel At My Table, is an ideal candidate; just right for adding a few English roses, or flowers of your choice.

All these events may mean digging out some recipes for some delicious meaty dishes, therefore what better time to invest in a beautiful carving set. This charming 1950’s style carving set from Baileys Home are a perfect addition to any table regardless of style as they’ll work in perfectly with whatever cutlery you already own.

If you’re feeling a little more mischievous and playful and want your table to reflect this, there are hundreds of quirky, fun tableware items to choose from. Rockett St George is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with an original flair. This whale tray set by Thomas Paul is a wonderful contemporary piece for a modern home and table. Handy for carrying drinks or condiments but also great as an innovative statement piece when left bare.

Another little gem from Rockett St George is this cactus margarita glass.

If you’re not one for wine and are planning on serving up some cocktails these are absolutely adorable, plus they’ll look just as good on display as well as in your hand!

If playing host becomes a little too stressful then sit back and relax with a cup of tea poured from this outrageously cute little elephant teapot from Anthropologie.

It’s so sweet you can’t help but smile, and even if it’s not your usual style it’ll be great as a little one-off piece amongst your other tableware items.

Last but not least are these festive harvest-style napkins from Anthropologie, they’ll refresh any table in an instant and are the perfect extra touch it make a Sunday lunch with the family just a little bit more special.

The next couple of months are full of happy events, and with your cupboards and tables stocked full of glorious new things there will be even more cause for celebration.

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Home Accessories to Mark the Arrival of Autumn

September has arrived and we’re now into the autumn season and whilst the weather in Cambridge has been less then desirable, at Angel + Blume we’re optimistic in the hope that we’ll be treated to a radiate Indian summer in the next few months (fingers crossed!) Following the Boy Scouts code to always ‘be prepared’ we’ve assembled a list of some beautiful accessories and furniture that are perfect for the changing seasons and the arrival of autumn.

As ever Graham and Green have some wonderful products in their collection at the moment and they’re just the thing we’re looking for.

These metallic tealight holders will reflect the flickering light from the candle flames and create a warm, cosy feeling. They’re perfect for using outside on the last few nights of summer and will be equally as good when brought inside.

Pay tribute to the summer with this striking Peacock chair from Graham and Green. It would work both indoors and outdoors and makes for a great statement piece wherever you decide to put it.

Or if you fancy something a little more retro in style try this vintage bamboo Rocker chair from Rockett St George. The addition of some Matthew Williamson fabric turns the chair from Granny chic to just plain chic!

If your focus is something on the ground level take a look at some of these rugs and floor cushions. This gold Chevron cowhide rug will bring a little bit of sparkle to your home when the clouds are grey. The sporadic splatters and stripes of gold gives the rug a glamorous touch without being tacky and will make the room look shiny and new without adding anything else.

These Moroccan tile mats from Graham and Green are the perfect combination of style and functionality. They’re ideal both indoors and outdoors and add a bit of style to an otherwise ordinary house product and will easily jazz up a neutral room.

Or something a little softer perhaps? Try these gorgeous floor cushions also from Graham and Green.

They’re perfect for taking outside and enjoying some sun and returning back inside and settling down in front of the fire for when the nights get a little cooler.

If you’re not ready to embrace the oncoming autumn months and want to celebrate the summer in your interior decoration then have a look at some of these home accessories. This sunflower style wall clock makes both a stylish addition to any home as well as creating a warm, nostalgic memory for the summer months.

Continue to feed your cravings of summer and make your house the home to something belonging in the scorching desert, this fantastically fun faux cactus. It’ll add intrigue to your home and be a fun, playful reminder of the sun and warm weather during the winter months, and it has the plus of having none of the prickly needles the real ones have!

Another accessory I love are these beautiful yet simple placemats.

They’re a simple added touch to a table that’ll brighten up your home as the autumn sets in, and are a contemporary take on the blue and white oriental style porcelain that was popular during the 17th century and onwards in Europe.

So however the weather decides to behave in the next coming weeks, you’ll be prepared to enjoy it no matter what with these wonderful home accessories.

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