Household Treats to Bank on this August

The August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us, and whether you’re planning a few home improvements or entertaining your family or friends, we have found some lovely home accessories to give some extra added touches to your home on this extra long weekend.

If you’re having lots of guests this weekend and you’re in need of some more seating space then have a look at some of the ottomans and footstools at Oka Direct. They are the perfect addition to any living room or seating area, and can be a great decorative element, as well as being handy when you have a few more people to fit in.

These Karaman floor cushions from Oka Direct are super convenient for this time of year as they can be easily moved inside and outside depending on the weather so that you can entertain or relax in any part of your house or garden, plus they make a simple but effective beautiful new feature for your home.

If you’re thinking about doing some DIY this Bank Holiday, then you may want to start with the addition of some new hooks or antique trimmings for your home. Willow and Stone has some beautiful designs and original antiques for sale that could be the simple but special extra touches your home needs. These hand painted ceramic coat hooks are absolutely adorable and look great both as a mix-match of colours, or all the same, or even just a single hook for a minimal but sweet effect.

Another find from Willow and Stone are these elegant bobbin light pulls, recovered from an old textiles factory. They’re understated addition that would make any room of the house feel a little more complete.

If you’re thinking about hosting a dinner party this weekend, here are some ideas to help create a beautiful setting for your guests.  The Linen Works have a collection of gorgeous tablecloths at the moment, which will lay the perfect groundwork for a wonderful dinner party.

If you’re looking for some stand out centerpieces for a dinner party or just to decorate your home in general, then have a look at An Angel At My Table. They have some wonderful pieces that are eye-catching and innovative. This candelabra makes a bold statement and is perfect if you feel like being adventurous and having a little fun with your finishing touches.

Another stunning piece from An Angel At My Table are these science test tube style vases, a beautifully creative and modern way to display flowers, and will certainly be a conservation piece.

If you want something a little more classic and understated, something to compliment your existing accessories, try out these Peacock Antiqued glass vases. They make a subtle yet sophisticated addition to any table and could be used all year round for any occasion.

This Bank Holiday doesn’t have to be about spoiling just yourself, how about splurging on your beloved pooch?  This adorable wicker dog bed from Somerset Willow will be the icing on the cake to all your new additions to the house and it’s the ideal spot for your dog to take a snooze instead of your lovely new furniture!

So enjoy the Bank Holiday and enjoy treating yourself to a few little home accessory temptations whilst you’re at it!

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Fireside accessorising

Having spent ages trying to weigh up the pros and cons of having a real fire or a gas fire in my living room, I finally decided on a real fire and with great excitement (from me) it was fitted last week. I immediately went out and purchased the initial requirements of logs, coal, kindling and firelighters, (and thus reminding myself of some of the cons of a real fire) and tried it out (very lovely), and I am now deep into the research of potential accessories for my fireside. Who knew the endless possibilities and options available? Here are just a few that are tempting me at the moment. Other suggestions welcomely received.

I have always loved this simple and stylish fireguard, available from Graham and Green

I could happily have any of Somerset Willow‘s beautiful products in my home, but this balloon log basket is one of my favourites.

The major drawback, in my opinion, is clearing out the ash, so it’s important to have good equipment – a practical and stylish dustpan and brush from Baileys Home fits the bill.

A very elegant alternative fireguard from Chesneys – decisions, decisions!

These firelighters from Cox and Cox are made from pine cones with natural wax and scented with cinnamon – I’m worried they might be just too nice to burn!

No more burnt fingers with these long matches from Dibor

A must have requirement is a great set of fireside tools – I’ve got my eye on this set from Garden Trading, although it doesn’t include a toasting fork so I may need one of these from Jim Lawrence for my crumpets!

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