When baking goes bad

We’ve all experienced the odd culinary disaster, particularly in the baking department (me more than most I suspect) and whilst presentation will never make things taste better, a minor collapse (a de-thawing for example) could be brought back from the brink of the dustbin by a gorgeous platter or cake stand. Should such an event occur in your household, I have some presentation suggestions for you.

Pressed glass cake stand by Baileys Home £48

Bone China ‘Beautiful Alchemy’ Cake Plate by Rockett St George £20.50

Handcarved Acacia Cake Stand by Anthropologie £30.00 – £54.00

Pressed glass cake stand by Graham and Green £41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holly Frean Gallus Dessert Plate at Anthropologie £14 each

 

Stoneware Cake Stand from The White Company £35

 

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Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow – as featured in Cambridge News

With arctic winds sweeping in and snow flurries predicted over the next few weeks its time to batten down the hatches and make sure your home is winter proof for the cold months ahead.

This blog first featured in Cambridge News

Make your home as welcoming as possible by lighting up front doors and porches  to guide visitors in from the snow (or rain). Stock up on salt as well to make sure pathways and steps are clear of ice and snow.

Prepare for a flurry of muddy boots by setting aside an area for damp clothes and shoes. If your hallway is carpeted make sure you’ve got a heavy duty door mat to ensure visitors don’t bring the outdoors in with them.

If you’re lucky enough to have an indoor fire or woodburner stock up on supplies of pre-seasoned wood and kindling to last you through a few nights and store them in a smart log basket indoors to prevent endless trips out to the woodpile.

To ensure heat doesn’t escape under the door and out into the night a thick drape across your front door is very effective. Or, for a cheaper option, a draught excluder will help to trap heat indoors and prevent the night air from whistling in.

And finally, layer up. Heap lots of snuggly throws and blankets onto beds to keep them nice and cosy, ensure your windows are thickly curtained to keep out wintry drafts and pile your sofa high with cushions in rich tactile fabrics.

Image credits: The White Company, Fired Earth, Graham and Green, Lewis and Wood

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