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What with all the celebrations, holly-jollies and packed-in boilers that this time of year tends to bring, I’m generally pretty skint. And I know I’m not the only one. But for me, heading into a New Year inevitably brings an appetite for newness: a little something to tide me over and lift my spirits. I was asked to create my edit for a New Year refresh, and here’s what I came up with: a list of items from which a few bought together might add a new dimension to an old set-up. There are one or two more expensive pieces, but you’ve got to leave room to dream a little, don’t you?
I have a tiny downstairs loo - the one which guests are most likely to use - where I know the smallest of investments could have a big impact. I’m actually planning to paint it in the new year and I think the room will deserve a refresh once I do so. Three simple ingredients should do the trick: good towels, a nice soap, and new mirror.
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I’m not about to undertake any major changes in the dining room, but I can certainly up my game when it comes to dressing the dining table. I hope to be doing a bit more entertaining this year (it’s a loose resolution; no commitments) so some new table linen and accessories are definitely in order. I am a big fan of The Vintage list so I’d like to add to my little collection of champagne saucers which feel far more special than their price tag suggests.
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Although I don’t always think of myself as one of life’s great optimists, without however misguided I always approach a new year with a sense that it’s going to be a good one: a new dawn and the belief that I will somehow be transformed into a better version of myself. Inevitably some of the resolutions to make that will centre around what’s happening in the kitchen. Maybe this year, rather than wasting time reconsidering how I fill my fridge or whether I fill my biscuit tin, I will concentrate on a few things that will give me instant pleasure every single day. Some gorgeous mugs to make me smile every time I use them. A teapot (and the promise to use it rather than always popping the bag straight in the mug. (I refuse to believe there is a better teapot than the classic Brown Betty by the way.) In fact, sod it, I’m going to pop a biscuit tin on the list too.
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I’ve long been a fan of the H&M washed linen bedlinen, but this new stripy cotton set has caught my eye. It’ll go nicely with the Weaver Green runner which will cover my recently acquired water stain on my sisal carpet. (Honestly, sisal is disastrous in my experience.) I’ll have two of these please, one on each side of the bed.
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My living room could do with a jeuje. I have always admired Caravane’s sofa covers and a couple of these would have an instantly transformative effect. And a new scent! I remember reading once that changing one’s fragrance can be a positive thing to do when you are in a new relationship - a sort of shrugging off of the old you (and the associations of your ex) and beginning a new chapter. I wonder if a new scented candle might have the same effect. Will the smell of Oud from Dr Vranges banish the niggling thought that I could do with buying a new rug? I think it just might…
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