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Posts Tagged ‘summer’

Summer has finally arrived in the UK, perhaps a little too much, and it’s hot hot hot! Which means of course it’s the perfect opportunity for some al fresco dining, and to enjoy those summer evenings. You’re may already have a table and chairs, and perhaps a seating area to relax in, but as with all rooms in the house it’s those little details and additions of accessories that make all the difference. Here are some lovely accessories and ideas that you could think about adding into your outdoor areas to create a charming and comfortable space.

Cotton Seat Cushion from H&M Home

Give your garden chairs a little bit of a spruce, style and comfort with a seat cushion. It’ll allow you and any guests to stay outside into the evening without getting uncomfortable as well as making more of a feature out of the furniture. These ones from H&M Home are fun and season appropriate and will help give the seats a little extra personality.

To create the perfect outdoor space, its about making it feel like a room in the house, and adding accessories is the best way to do that; you wouldn’t buy a sofa for you living room and leave it bare without a throw or cushions, so do the same for your outdoor area too! If you’re worried about weather damage, get yourself a little trunk or chest that can live near the back door to store your soft furnishings in. Give you seating area more substance with some playful cushions; this braided cushion from H&M Home has the perfect summer vibe for your backyard, and can be blended into different colour schemes.

Braided Cushion from H&M Home

Add some more botanical glamour to the seating area with this design from Designers Guild, its sophisticated and fun, and would work nicely with the H&M cushion above for a fresh contemporary look.

Palme Botanique Emerald Outdoor Cushion from Designers Guild

As well as being comfortable, being able to stay in your garden late into the evening also requires some good light sources. Creating the right atmosphere is an important part of any dinner party or special occasion, and lighting is a main factor. I love this outdoor chandelier found on Pinterest, it adds a romantic touch to an outdoor dining area, and it’s not your usual outdoor lighting, so gives your space some uniqueness.

Garden Chandelier from Sheer Luxe via Pinterest

For a different look, a few of these lanterns dotted amongst tree that hangs over a seating area, or along a pergola would look lovely. Make a statement look with them by hanging a few at different levels, or a sleek row of them.

Batur Hanging Lantern from Oka

If you want to add some eccentric style in your garden area, why not add a few of these flamboyant candlesticks from Angel & Boho. Their ornate design will give the space a little over the top charm, giving the area a fun and whimsical feel.

Petit Oiseaux Bird Candlestick from Angel & Boho

A seating area with a coffee table can be given a party makeover with a lighting addition like this one; a metal tray with tea lights floating in water will transform your day-to-day outdoor area into a dream land.

Candles Floating in Tray from Pinterest

Making sure you add the extra pieces to your outdoor area will make the space seem extra vibrant and full of style. Dining, coffee and side tables can be filled with extra home accessories to really put your own stamp on the space. Something like this mirrored tray from Angel & Boho is not only lovely and glamorous, but great for transporting drinks and nibbles, or sporting some candles when the sun goes down.

Gilt Mirror Tray from Angel & Boho

The idea might seem a little odd considering that your garden in probably surrounded with plants, flowers and wildlife, but having a vase at your table filled with a cutting of your favourite flower form your garden or just one you love, could be a really special touch; especially if it’s in a patio or decking area. A glass design to keep the space filled with light is a good option, this asymmetrical vase from H&M Home has a pretty look for an outdoor space.

Asymmetrical Vase from H&M Home

Of course you’ll need a beautiful set of dinnerware when dining outside, if you’re thinking about upgrading yours, this Naya set from Made is a lovely, contemporary design. The muted palette is perfect for showing off a meal of colourful foods.

Naya 12 Piece Dinner Set from Made

Finally, just as a little extra touch these candle holders from Garden Trading are just a really sweet addition to any outdoor table; especially with a little bit of sand placed in the bottom.

Wells Windlight from Garden Trading

It’s easy to not associate your garden as an extra room in your home, but when the weather is as good as it is now, it becomes the most important part of the home; so make sure that your space is comfy, stylish and suits your personality perfect so that you can enjoy as much time in your garden as possible.

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Whenever Lizzie Ibbotson, our Osborne & Little rep comes in to show us the new collections it’s always a wonderful trip to a world of fantasy and magic. Osborne & Little have completely nailed their latest collection, Enchanted Gardens, with beautiful patterns, designs and some fantastic colourways, it’s a collection to covet. So take a look at some truly enchanting designs.

‘Meadow’

Meadow is a vibrant pattern is a modern take on the typical floral themed fabrics. The array of wild flowers, including some lively poppies, really stand out of against the navy background. It’s a strong look that must be met with some hefty confidence, but it’s a great choice for making an impact in a room.

‘Aviary’

The Aviary pattern gives you a geometric feel, these colourful birds on a structural web are a great way to add some colour and fun to a contemporary room. If typical florals and natural motifs aren’t really your thing, adding a contemporary element can help to eliminate the factors that you’re not so keen on.

‘Woodland Sheer’

When it comes to sheers, you’ll typically find some beautiful white or off-white colours that’ll look elegant whilst giving your room some substance, but at the same time maintaining the light. Osborne & Little have taken this one step further, keeping the cool and sophisticated sheer qualities but adding a dash of colour into the mix with some fun leafy shapes.

One of my favourites from the collection is Rain Forest; it’s the combination of vivid colours, intriguing patterns and the overall striped effect that really create a concise, contemporary and glamorous effect. The only problem you’ll have with this fabric is choosing between the two colourways; the first, a green leafed pattern with almost neon indigo flowers, and the second a beautiful combination of purple and yellow.

‘Rain Forest’

Hanging Gardens is an adorable fabric that’s perfect for a feminine, sweet interior. The pattern consists of all the wonderful planters, baskets and birdcages you might imagine in your dream conservatory. The painterly style gives the whole look a soft and charming feel, giving it some interesting character. It’ll look gorgeous framing a window or doorway to the outside, especially blowing gracefully in the breeze.

‘Hanging Garden’

One of my favourite flowers, the Rhododendron, is captured beautifully in one of the fabric patterns in this collection. The gentle trellis-like formation makes a sophisticated structural look without being too heavy. The pattern is perfect for giving a little life to a conservative setting. The flowers have a charming traditional feel, but the dabbled background gives a little touch of contemporariness to the look, making perfect for adding florals to a period home without it looking dated.

‘Rhodara’

For a chinoiserie style, but with a twist of modern colours, the Japanese Garden pattern is just the ticket. The busy yet delicate design will give a room a new lease of life, and is a design that can be introduced in to a multitude of interior themes; including contemporary, bohemian, retro or traditional. A great feature of a chinoiserie style pattern is that it integrates the old with the new, and the fun with the elegant.

‘Japanese Gardens’

A new lighter touch has been given to an old favourite from the Pasha collection, the Tulipan. The teal, blush pink and faded orange tones of the detailing, gives the intricate pattern a softer feel, making it a more diverse fabric. There is also a certain modern neon-ness to the pattern which gives it an unique, contemporary, floral look.

‘Tulipan’

Lastly, for something full of quirk, fun and just a hint of quaintness, the Curio pattern. From a distance, there’s a grid-like formation but upon closer inspection, you see a whole world of curiosities. Squirrels and owls that have found themselves bouncing around crockery and shells overall making a sweet, joyful pattern. It would make a perfect kitchen or bathroom blind, giving additional warmth.

‘Curio’

If you love adding a touch or romance, character, fantasy and charm into your interior, this collection is your new best friend. From contemporary to traditional, there’s something to suit everyone, and all sorts of ways to have fun and get creative with the Enchanted Gardens collection.

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It’s May bank holiday this weekend and for me that always signifies the beginning of summer. May and June in Cambridge always tend to be my favourite months, and hopefully this year will be no different. Since the sun is, fingers crossed, here to stay it’s probably a good time to start thinking about your garden furniture in preparation for the warm weather.

Whatever space you have and whatever style you like there are absolutely tons of furniture pieces around at the moment, and now is the perfect time to purchase them. I’ve collected a few of my favourite pieces to share with you.

‘Rattan Garden Furniture’ from Habitat

If you’re feeling like adding a dose of retro glamour to your backyard then these rattan pieces from Habitat are just the ticket. The bench and the chair make a wonderful set, but I have a particular soft spot for the tall sided chair. It’s super stylish and paired with a few cosy cushions, it’ll make the perfect place for relaxing on a warm summer’s day.

A collaboration that I was very excited to hear about was the teaming up of House of Hackney and Sun Beam Jackie. The latter is a company based in Cornwall that specialise in make amazing parasols, which are now available in some classic House of Hackney prints, creating an absolutely must-have item for any garden.

‘Palmeral Parasol’ from House of Hackney x Sunbeam Jackie

For an extra added something to accompany an already existing set of chairs or loungers, these concrete garden stools from Habitat would make a great addition. They’re an easy way to insert in a bit of style or to update an overall look.

‘Round Concrete Garden Stools’ from Habitat

There is always something rather elegant about a hanging chair in a garden, it can turn a simple, ordinary area into a little wonderland. For traditional, classic style The White Company always has you covered, this sweet hanging chair would look lovely surrounded by a bed of flowers.

‘Hanging Chair’ from The White Company

If you have a taste for the unusual or a little quirky, this hanging nest from Encompass is a great alternative to a traditional hanging chair, its design will really make a statement and give a touch of the Avant Garde to the look of your garden.

‘Maffam Manu Nest Hanging Chair’ from Encompass

For an quick and stylish update to a decking or patio area of a garden, that would be well suited to a typical English country home, these sun loungers from The White Company are rather splendid. The traditional style in a modern grey colour creates a clever combination.

‘Adirondack Chair and Foot Stool’ from The White Company

Traditional isn’t always for everyone, so if a contemporary garden sounds like something you want to try on for size there are some really exciting ways to go. Roche Bobois has some wonderful products, including this armless sofa. Its modern design indulges in a hint of St Tropez style with an abstract wood frame, and is a great way to stay cool in the shade.

‘Saga Armless Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

A swing set needn’t only come in a traditional style, for a sleek, modern design try this set from Encompass, its non-fussy design and clean lines are perfect if you enjoy the minimalist style or if you don’t have a lot of space to play with its open design won’t make your garden feel too cluttered or heavy.

‘Viteo Home Swing Set’ from Encompass

Finally if you’re looking for a piece that’s a little more playful and bursting with colour, this outdoor sofa from Roche Bobois is fantastic, it’s a fun and vibrant way to relax in your garden this summer.

‘Escapade Outdoor Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

With so much excellent furniture around for our gardens, we’ll all be stocking up and praying for glorious sunny days all year round!

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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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The temperature is rising all around Cambridge today and in typical British fashion we’re all getting a little flustered! But fear not as we have an abundance of lovely summer saviours to keep you cool in the heat.

Comfort is the key on a scorching day like today and whether you like to lie back and work on your tan or read a book in a deck chair there’s something for everyone.

Cox and Cox, Double Cushion

This beautiful cotton double cushion from Cox and Cox is perfect for a picnic on a lazy afternoon.

House Of Hackney, Deck Chairs

House of Hackney has deck chairs for sale at the moment with some wonderful prints that’ll keep you stylish in the sun. And if you love prints and patterns then you’ll want to check out Sunbeam Jackie’s collection of beautiful bohemian parasols.

Sunbeam Jackie, Parasol

Cox and Cox, Pitcher

Staying hydrated is the perfect excuse to get this gorgeous pitcher from Cox and Cox, great for serving up some Pimms or perhaps some refreshing cucumber water

And to accompany it why not have a look at House of Hackney’s collection of fun trays, a great addition to any gathering in the sun and the perfect way to serve those drinks in style!

House of Hackney, Tray Set

After watching a beautiful sunset, these lovely wicker lanterns from The White Company will be a great way to keep the night going without losing the light.

The White Company, Wicker Lanterns

Of course we’re not forgetting the inside of your home, nothing says summertime like a set of beautiful linen curtains blowing in the breeze, and as always Ian Mankin has some stunning fabrics in his collection.

Ian Mankin

So there’s our guide to staying cool in the sun, we hope you enjoy!

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Blog by Philippa Rosselli

When thinking about the decoration of your home it’s important to remember to include your garden into the mix. Even if you don’t have green fingers there are always ways to dress up your garden that don’t take up too much time or energy, and any garden no matter what size or style can benefit from the addition of a few lighting features. Just like an accessory to a room, lighting can be the perfect finishing touch a garden needs to make it special.

Now that summer has arrived and (fingers crossed!) the weather is bright and beautiful the time has come to adorn our gardens with lighting and turn them into the magical havens we’ve all been dreaming of when the sun goes down. Whether you’re looking to revamp your garden into a welcoming setting for BBQs and other social gatherings or if you’re looking to create a more permanent feature piece for your garden, there’s an abundance of styles and lighting features to choose from.

A few new lighting additions is the easiest way to update your garden,  if candles and fairy lights are your thing or you’re looking for a quaint new porch light, these little finishing touches are just right to show off your signature style in a quick and easy way.

Charles Edwards, Mews Gatepost Lantern

This lantern from the Charles Edwards exterior lighting collection is a contemporary way to add a little old-fashioned English romance to your garden. The bulb and frosted tube combination means that you’ll get that flickering candle effect without having to relight every time there’s a gust of wind!

One of The White Company’s bestsellers this summer are these beautiful Bistro Bulb Fairy Lights. Fairy lights are a beloved home and garden accessory, creating a warm and cosy feel to any surrounding area. These lights are particularly great as the oversized bulb creates more of a retro style, forming the atmosphere of a quaint Italian bistro or perhaps a 1950’s American funfair. Whether you want to hang them on a trellis or in a tree, they’re adaptable to any garden and any style, and are a great last minute addition for any party decorations.

The White Company, Bistro Bulb Fairy Lights

Retrouvius currently has some wonderful indoor and outdoor lighting features, but my particular favourite for a porch feature is this charming Painted Copper Lantern.

Retrouvius, Painted Copper Lantern

Painted on the glass sides are charming seaside landscapes that are the perfect welcoming accessory for every seaside lover or fan of the quaint and quirky. This little porch lamp could be the ideal piece to add a little beach-fun and nostalgia to your home.

If you live in a flat or terrace with perhaps just a rooftop or small space to work with, there are still countless ways to make your outdoor area the most sought after space in your home.

John Cullen Lighting

This John Cullen Lighting design uses lighting around the edge to create the illusion of a spacious area whilst using candles and table lighting to make a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place for social events.

Collingwood Lighting

The same goes for this lovely al fresco seating area using Collingwood Lighting. Three wall lights throw warm light up and down the wall highlighting the attractive brickwork and the foliage in front.

Summer isn’t the only season your garden should be getting all dressed up for though. Incorporating permanent light features into your garden is a fantastic way to make a statement all year round. Turning a garden into your own personal haven means that you can have your very own beautiful landscape painting to enjoy all to yourself.

If you’re lucky enough to have a gorgeous pond or water feature in your back garden then it’s the perfect canvas for some dramatic lighting. John Cullen Lighting shows how to use lights to highlight a water feature and its surrounding shrubbery. The glow and shadows these lights created by bouncing off of its partnered bush adds a level of contemporary sophistication to a garden.

John Cullen Lighting

If you love gardening and have a prized plant, you can use a lighting feature to show off your marvellous creations!

John Cullen Lighting

Putting a light next to the plant immediately draws your eye to it making it the feature piece in your garden. You can use this effect to display your plant proudly or to achieve a beautifully dramatic statement with the lighting creating a striking shadow effect on the house wall.

Although a lighting fixture is a great way to show off your garden and all its wild wonders, you might also want to consider finding a light fixture that is the main feature of a garden itself.

Artemide, Reeds Outdoor

This beautiful piece from Artemide is a lovely contemporary way to include lighting into your garden. It can be left to stand alone like in the picture above, perhaps on a patio or decking area, or you might want to integrate it into a flowerbed. A few of these pieces would be the perfect addition simply dotted around in an overflowing wild garden.

Your garden can be the perfect canvas to play around with adventurous and beautiful lighting, and it’s the perfect way to inject a bit of luxury without a complete overhaul. From elegant, contemporary pieces to fun and romantic, adding a little light into your garden could give it the burst of life it’s been looking for!

 

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We saw the delicious new Woodville collection from Zoffany a couple of weeks ago, when Spring seemed a long way away, but now that the sun is shinning, the daffodils are out and the blossom is looking as beautiful as ever in Cambridge, we thought sharing these lovely images with you was the only right thing to do. The collection is gorgeous and if you have ever been tempted to consider a floral wallpaper, now could be the time!

Nostell Priory Wallpaper Main_lr

Chintz Wallpaper Main 2_lr

Woodville Linen Main_lr

Phoebe Rose Lilac Fabric 1_lr

Romey's Garden Blossom Fabric Main_lr

Veranda Trellis Wallpaper Main_lr

Phoebe Peony Leaf Fabric & Wallpaper detail_lr

Woodville Plain Wallpaper La Seine_lr

Alyce Emb Fabric cushion detail 2_lr

Woodville Linen Fabric Main Portrait_lr

Nostell Priory Wallpaper detail_lr

Woodville silk Fabric and WP detail with lamp_lr

Phoebe Rose Lilac Fabric detail_lr

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The weather forecast may be terrible but as it is June, it is important to be ready to make the most of whatever glimpse of summery sunshine comes our way. So in order to be prepared, here are just a few house and garden goodies that will help you make the most of summer.

This article first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website 

 Cox and Cox Wicker window box planter

 

 This very stylish window planter is made from wicker with a black liner so it is perfect window sills. It also looks fantastic from both inside your home and outside, so is a good investment, even when the weather is unreliable.  

Hen and Hammock Stooble

  

The Stooble is a table and a stool and this gorgeous little item is perfect for the garden, camping trips and children’s parties. It also folds up neatly into a little bag which is perfect for transporting and storage.

Graham and Green paper plates Paper A-Z Plates and Cups

 

  These delightful alphabet plates and cups from Graham and Green are ideal for parties, picnics and al fresco dining. Not only are they fun and stylish, they are also very practical as you are never going to forget which cup is yours!  

Cox and Cox Fragrant OutdoorFirelighters

 

Come rain or shine, the British barbeque is never cancelled so even if you are cooking under the garage door, add one of these gorgeous little firelighters to the charcoal and you will get the delicate scent of bay leaves, rosemary, chilli and thyme which will make the air smell sweet and flavour the food.  

Hen and hammock Ladies raffia sun hat

 

 It may seem unnecessary now but when the sun breaks through, you will be glad of one of these elegant raffia straw hats. In four lovely colours these hats are made from natural raffia so will keep you cool in the heat.

 Odd’s old rocker

 

For the true optimists amongst us, this garden rocker is the perfect item of furniture for any stylish garden. It is fully upholstered and available in a range of fabrics for you to choose from. It is also water proof so can be left our all summer long.

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During London Design Week I popped along to the Osborne and Little showroom on the Kings Road to see all their lovely new fabrics. These florals by Nina Campbell were my pick of the bunch – the Penrose print (top) is based on a ‘bold bouquet of cut garden flowers’ and the Barrington print (below) is a pretty ‘scattering of colourful stylised lilac blossom’. Perfect for brightening up the gloomy winter months.

osborne and little 2011

osborne and little 2011

osborne and little 2011

osborne and little 2011

osborne and little 2011

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This is one of my favourite cakes, it’s so moist and has just the right balance between the tangy lemon and sugar. Most lemon drizzle cakes use icing sugar for the syrup topping but I like to use caster sugar which forms a delicious crunchy texture as the cake cools. This is a really simple recipe, always a crowd pleaser and it’s perfect with a cup of tea!

*Editors note* Unfortunately jenny’s cake was so good we ate it before thinking to take a photo! So the photos below are of similar lemon drizzle cakes, with thanks to floracuisine.co.uk and goodtoknow.co.uk

Image credit: floracuisine.co.uk

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Cake

About 200g unsalted butter

About 200g golden caster sugar

Zest of 1 lemon

4 large eggs

About 200g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2-4 tbsp milk (optional)

Topping

Juice of 1-2 lemons (depending on how juicy they are!)

50g caster sugar

When I make this cake, I’ll usually weigh the four eggs first then use the same quantity of butter, sugar and flour but 200g shouldn’t be far off. That way you should get the perfect texture every time. All your ingredients should be at room temperature before you start, particularly the butter and eggs, to make sure your cake rises beautifully!

  • Preheat the oven to about 160°C
  • Beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a mixer or using a handheld electric whisk until very pale and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating in between. Don’t worry if the mixture curdles slightly.
  • Sift the flour and baking powder then add to the mixture bit by bit. Gently fold the mixture (don’t whisk!) using a plastic spatula or metal spoon until all the flour is incorporated and you have a smooth cake batter.
  • Add a little milk to loosen the mixture slightly if it’s too thick. You don’t want it to be too runny so add a spoon at a time and see how it is.
  • Pour into a cake tin and bake in the oven for 50 minutes – 1 hour. Test the cake to see when it’s done by inserting a skewer, if it comes out clean it’s done.
  • While the cake it baking, mix together the lemon juice and sugar.
  • When the cake is done, take it out of the oven but leave it in the tin. Poke holes all over the cake using a skewer or fork and pour the lemon juice and sugar on top then leave to cool in the tin.

Elderflower and lemon drizzle cake

Image credit: Goodtoknow.co.uk

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