Morning Coffee Musings
We have made it; Christmas is here and the year is almost at an end. It really is the most wonderful time of the year, and we have certainly been making the most of it in our household, after the festivities were cut back last year. We have just had the final nativity play at school, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and we are soon to have the annual school carol service. Although social distancing rules apply - no number of masks is going to stop me enjoying Hark The Herald!
We have done all we can to make ourselves feel Christmassy this year. We recently took a visit to the Christmas illuminations at Leonardslee which was truly spectacular. The trail allows you to walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens whilst it comes to life with magical illuminations, large scale projections, music and theatrical performances. The children absolutely loved it – and so did we, it really made us feel festive. We finally were able to put the bow up on our house this last week, although a labour of love each year, it really is such a joy to see - which makes it all worth it.
The last few years have shown us the importance of spending quality time with each other and the closeness that comes from sharing moments. I’ve been making hearty winter soups with the children that we then freeze in batches. Our favourites this year have been a ‘rough roots’ country vegetable soup with cashew cream & thyme, and a classic roasted tomato. Delicious and warming!
The past 18 months have taught us just how important human connections and shared emotions are. So the central theme for Christmas in our house this year is togetherness and giving back to people, rather than giving gifts.
Some of our team at FBC are sharing their favourite moments with the people closest to them, with the hashtag #LuckytobeTogether on our social channels. We’re hoping to spread some love over the festive period and encourage people to reflect on what, and who, gives meaning to their lives. If any of our fans would like to participate, all they need to do is take a photo (either in black and white or in colour) of a close-up of your hand holding someone else’s. This should have a short caption about why you feel lucky to have this person in your life, and your favourite way to spend time with them, with the hashtag #LuckytobeTogether.
On Black Friday this year we shared that we stand for quality, legacy pieces that you only need to buy once – and I am bringing this mantra into my outfits this Christmas! Purchasing one or two special pieces that bring me joy and will last a lifetime rather than several cheaper pieces that I’ll probably wear once. I love this idea and believe it will make you feel young every time you wear it too - bringing back memories year on year.
I am so excited for the New Year and the new opportunities it will bring - I believe it will be a year like no other. For now though, it is a perfect opportunity to cosy up in front of the tree and read this edition of Romantic Reveries. This month we bring you last minute ideas for your home to wow guests this Christmas, and I’m very excited to talk to Instagrammer Marta - @Marta_at_the_mill. No one does cosy rustic Christmas like Marta!
Enjoy and a very Merry Christmas to you.
SUNDAY DISCOVERIES
This month we are bringing you discoveries from our new collection, which we are extremely proud of and excited to share. From some stunning statement pieces that will really wow your guests, to finishing touches for Christmas.
Statement Pieces
Palais Royal Upholstered Bench
We are utterly in love with our Palais Royal Upholstered bench. Exclusive to The French Bedroom Company and with only 12 made, it is the perfect addition to your home – and will really wow your guests. Boosting gorgeous curvature, the contemporary linen beautifully compliments the antique gold and the grand aesthetic. Place at the end of your bed, under a window, or in your guest’s bedroom for an ultimate statement piece.
Delicate Dance Gold Bird Wall Art
The new Delicate Dance Gold Bird Wall Art is simply striking. The gorgeous oriental bird glides against a gold leaf effect, with cascading tail feathers. Framed in a natural finished wood, the artwork has a beautiful contemporary edge, which means it will go in any room – regardless of style. Each piece is handmade, so the gold leaf will take different formations each time, making it unique to you.
Soho Cloud Grey Velvet Ottoman
There is just something extra special about the Soho Cloud Grey Velvet Ottoman. Exclusive to FBC, it is sophisticated and elegant – complimenting any room in the house effortlessly. Its carefully considered rows of silver stud detailing perfectly accentuate the natural turned oak feet, and its grey velvet means it can accompany a whole range of colour schemes. It can be placed at the end of your guests’ bed to store linen and towels for the ultimate wow factor!
Finishing Touches
Faux Fur
There is nothing nicer than cosying up in winter under a cosy blanket or bedspread, and we believe they are a must have addition to a guest bedroom (or any room for that matter!). The Rose Piglet and Norwegian Mint faux fur throws are so scrumptious, they feel like you are being hugged by a cloud. Perfect for snuggling up whilst watching a movie, or on a cold morning – your guests will absolutely love them! The reverse side is a soft faux suede that discourages the throw from sliding off.
Vibrant Cushions
We love bold and bright accents when styling, and cushions are a great opportunity to bring some colour into a room. Our new Ikat range is just spectacular, handmade in Turkey from woven slub silk, the colours of the silk are dyed prior to weaving giving the cushion design a feathered effect. Eye catching, bright and beautiful the range comes in three different styles to compliment different colour schemes – a must have accessory!
Bed Linen
Having guests stay over the festive period is a perfect excuse to purchase some new bed linen. The Amortie Sapphire Quilted Velvet Bed Linen Set is ultra decadent and has just been named Best Winter Bedding 2021 by The Independent. Showcasing stunning rows of quilted leaves, as well as jewel-like lustrous sapphire-blue velvet, the bed linen is both gorgeous to look at and luxuriously warm too. For a more floral statement piece, we adore the Midnight Carnation Quilted Bedspread. This tree of life botanical inspired bedspread features blooms, buds, and branches, set against a midnight blue which gives it an elegant and dramatic visual appeal.
SUNDAY BRUNCH: Marta
This week we are delighted to be catching up with interior stylist extraordinare Marta, who runs the stunning home Instagram account – @Marta_at_the_mill. Her rustic, vintage home is simply stunning, and lends itself effortlessly to a cosy Christmas. We can’t wait to catch up and find out more!
1. Describe your perfect Sunday
My perfect Sunday would probably start about midday! As a mum of a SEND child and a three year old, let’s just say my Sundays tend to be a bit more hectic and start a little too early than I would like them too! Coffee and breakfast in bed! Wouldn’t that be a treat! We always have a full English breakfast, which my husband cooks whilst listening to BB2 Sunday Love Songs, (how lucky am I) but what a treat would it be to be able to eat it from the comfort of my bed, without being disturbed.
Actually thinking about it I would happily swap the fry up for a freshly baked croissant, and a shopping trip in St Paul de Vence, small town in South of France. We used to visit regularly before the pandemic and I really do miss it. So yes my perfect Sunday would be waking up late to some French sunshine, croissants, shopping followed by delicious lunch and lots of wine!
2. What's your preferred sleeping position?
I don’t really mind as long as it is in my own bed! Recently I have been having to sleep in my daughter’s single bed and she just does’t stay still! When I do get to sleep in my gorgeous French Bedroom Company bed I love to sleep on my back.
3. How do you take your coffee?
In a very large mug! Coffee is definitely my favourite drink, apart from wine of course! We have recently replaced our coffee machine with a SMEG one and I can’t get enough of it! It is makes the best “frothy coffee” which I probably drink too much of. Not too strong, very little froth, no sugar is how I like it best.
4. Tell us about your pets
Our home is full of furry friends! Bella our German Shepherd is 8 and still full of beans. She follows me everywhere and features in many of my instagram posts. Then there is Alfie! He is our rescue tabby cat. Alfie is also 8, he was our first pet unless you count the five sheep and seven chickens we used to have. Alfie likes his own company the most and spends the day sleeping on our bedroom chair, only waking for mealtimes.
Last but not least there is Scruffs, he is our latest member of the family. We brought him back as a kitten from a farm local to us. He was covered in hay and smelled of cows’ milk, hence why my daughter Lily named him Scruffs. He is definitely a farm cat, keeping the spiders and mice away, and we do get quite a few of those living in the mill.
5. What makes you feel at peace?
I love being at home and I have recently fallen in love with gardening. We have started growing our own veg, which was a huge success. With a very little knowledge my husband and I have been growing enough veg to be self sufficient for the last 8 months! Apart from buying the potatoes and an occasional onion we grew it all and what a lot pleasure it gave us all seeing it grow! Both of my daughters got involved in the process too, especially when it was time to harvest our produce. Their tummies were definitely much fuller then the baskets that they were given.
Apart from gardening I have a huge passion for interiors. I love creating something new with the furniture we already own, nothing ever stays in the same spot for long in the mill much to my husband’s dismay.
