Category: Amanda’s Journal

My thoughts, my musings, my observations…

 

Christmas Table Main

Make Your Christmas Lunch Sparkle – Decorative Ideas from Devon

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Central to Christmas Day for me is lunch (always very late admittedly) and I like to dress the table to create a bit of a wow factor as everyone gathers round to eat.

I love to create something a bit special every year but it has to be practical too – lunch is normally fairly raucous, loud and busy so the table has to fit in around us rather than the other way round. Tall, expansive arrangements may look fab but can get in the way of seeing and and hearing everyone round the table. So I tend to keep it simple – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extravagant too.

Key for me are scent, candlelight, glass and colour. If you’re opting for scented candles try not to choose something that’s too sickly, it’ll be overwhelming. It’s really hard to beat the smell of freshly-cut pine or evergreen from the garden so if you have time to add some greenery then do. Even a few sprigs will make a difference, just in a jar, decorating candles or creating a runner down the centre of the table. Don’t be afraid to cheat – if you have an artificial arrangement simply add some fresh greenery to it, especially if you have the berries too.

I always use as many candles and as much glass as possible although that’s not always feasible if you have young children. The combination of candle light sparkling against coloured glass, massed closely together, instantly creates a beautiful soft warmth that’s enchanting. Add some depth with a runner, topped with your greenery, and the result is magical. If you want something with a bit more pazzazz  introduce something more extravagant here, be it vintage baubles, glitz, feathers, kitsch, flowers in abundance – it’s Christmas after all. Otherwise, simply tying your napkins with some ribbon or a simple sprig can be enough. Just go with whatever feels right – and enjoy!

 

Christmas Cooking

Christmas Cookery Courses in Devon and Cornwall

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I had to look recently at cookery courses on offer in Devon and Cornwall. Not surprisingly there are some inspirational Christmas courses still available so if you’re looking for ways to put the sparkle into your Christmas fare, read on.

The long-established Ashburton Cookery School has half- and full-day courses available in December covering just about everything, from baking and bread-making to making chocolate advent calendars, macarons, chocolates and canapés. The advent calendar course is on 25th November – learn how to temper chocolate at home and impress everyone with your very own festive calendar with filled chocolates and dipped chocolate truffles.

River Cottage offers a wide range of courses including baking, curing and smoking, game cooking and a ‘stir-up weekend’ making puddings, mincemeat and truffles. If you’re cooking for vegans then the ‘gluten-free Christmas’ on 7th December may be just what you’re looking for. You’ll learn how to make gluten-free panforte (a traditional Italian pudding with fruit and nuts, similar to florentines but more solid), mince pies and Christmas pud.

Exeter Cookery School on Exeter’s Quay is running a series of half-day Christmas foodie gift-making workshops this month and December. You’ll learn how to make delicious treats such as florentines, marshmallows, chocolate-dipped honeycomb and chocolate truffles complete with packaging; perfect for gifts.

Darts Farm is offering an evening Christmas butchery masterclass on 21st November. Learn how to cook the perfect turkey and watch the butchers prepare some showstoppers which are bound to impress your guests.

And finally, Mark Dodson runs masterclasses at The Masons Arms at Knowstone, the Michelin-starred inn and restaurant on the edge of Exmoor. Mark hosts bespoke masterclasses for small groups, maximum eight, so if you can’t find quite what you’re looking for then create your own theme.

Lee Byre

Best Hotels in Devon and Cornwall

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Good to see some of our finest hotels being recognised in The Sunday Times 100 Best British Hotels.

The family-friendly Watergate Bay Hotel was the winning hotel in the South West section, thanks partly to the ‘buzz about the place’, its choice of restaurants and its Kids’ Zone, Ofsted-registered and open daily from 8am to 10pm. And, of course, its location set atop two-miles of spectacular surfing beach.

It has to be said, though, that it’s a pretty good place for couples too. Treat yourself over the winter to a Taste of the Bay, a three-night stay at the hotel with dinner in Zacry’s Restaurant, The Beach Hut and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen.

The newly-reopened Gara Rock near Salcombe was voted Best Seaside Hotel. I’ve written about this before and there’s a great selection of lofts, suites, apartments and cottages. 2019 will see the opening of the ‘Out of the Ordinary’ suites, including their Secret Suite for couples.

And perhaps not surprisingly the Best Romantic Hotel was Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor overlooking the Exe estuary. The hotel is sumptuous, a perfect match for the exquisite Michelin-star food. You’ll be smitten in every way. Make the most of their special three nights for the price of two offer this autumn (running until the end of November) or their autumn lunch offer.

The ever-popular adults-only Scarlet got a mention. With its clifftop hot tubs and glass walls revealing its spectacular ocean backdrop it remains a firm favourite.

But good to see some newer names on the list, especially Lee Byre, a B&B at Coryton between Tavistock and Okehampton (pictured above). With just three rooms you’re going to have to wait a while to enjoy a visit here – the rooms are booked up until the end of the year. At the end of a track, sitting on the side of a hill enjoying woodland and river views Lee Byre makes a beautifully peaceful retreat – but step outside and be exhilarated by the walking, biking and wild swimming on the doorstep. Packed lunches and day- and night-time guided Dartmoor walks are on offer, as well as dinner and their own spring water.

Rees Kenyon

Let Me Introduce You To… Rees Kenyon Design, Devon

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It’s a little over a year ago that I realised I needed to rethink my website. I’d been going for a few months and was getting a feel for the sort of work that was coming my way and this was helping me to sharpen my focus on the services I was offering and the clients I was securing.

I went to Rees Kenyon Design in Lewdown, Devon with a vague idea – or so I thought – of what I wanted, only to be put right by Rees (in the nicest possible way).

Rees’ philosophies are: ‘Communicate well. Be creative. Be Passionate. Ensure your audience understands the message. If in doubt leave it out.‘

Sound advice. And, sure enough, a year down the line I realise that the design process he took me through was absolutely invaluable. With Rees’ guidance, we decided on a totally new website and a rebranding. He made me think about the business in the round; the need to market it (and myself) in an entirely different way; to think about what I liked doing in terms of the services I was offering (and equally importantly what I was discovering I perhaps didn’t want to offer); and how to visually present my services.

It was quite a daunting prospect in some ways. When I first started Concierge South West I’d deliberately taken rather a broad-brush approach because I really hadn’t been sure which way the business may go. My collaboration with Rees gave me the confidence to be more targeted and it’s paid off. Plus I was delighted with the elegant designs he produced: he listened to what I was looking for, was a perfectionist, innovative and creative and continues to offer ongoing support. He knows his stuff.

A year down the line, thank you Rees!

Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant Work in Devon and Cornwall

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I’ve found that my services are often sought as a personal assistant, in particular, for people who’ve perhaps been in hospital and unwell for some time and need help catching up on the avalanche of paperwork that awaits them when they return home.

It’s easy enough for any of us to put off the dreaded pile of paper and emails but even more so when you’ve been unwell and maybe aren’t up to tackling all that personal admin just yet but are worried because you’ve fallen behind on it; it adds another layer of stress and anxiety that doesn’t help your recovery.

My role is often to go through the paperwork, deal with correspondence, reply to letters and emails, make appointments, file documents and generally to help a client regain control of their affairs. I started my career as a solicitor so I’m well versed in issues of confidentiality. My role is not to advise a client but to assist and carry out their instructions. I may be needed for just a couple of sessions but sometimes the relationship remains ongoing and I’ll visit a client once a month or so to continue supporting them where necessary.

The work is often varied: from simply replying to Christmas cards to obtaining quotes for house insurance to sorting the disposal of many items that have been in storage for several years, each client’s needs will be different. And, indeed, each client is different. And it’s the clients that make this work so interesting. I have to say, it’s very rewarding to see a client regain the confidence to deal with their personal affairs. A privilege to be part of that process.

Gara Rock

New Gara Rock, Devon Opening August 2018

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For those people who’ve walked the coastal path near Salcombe many will be familiar I’m sure with Gara Rock, perhaps walking there from East Portlemouth, and the spectacular views across the meadows and cliffs out to sea. If you’re feeling energetic you can walk down to Gara Rock beach, a lovely, secluded and sandy cove with plenty of rocks, small caves and tunnels which provide plenty of adventure for children and a great spot for a picnic. If you’ve not been before, you need to be aware that there are no lifeguards or facilities here though and that you need to keep an eye on the tide.

On the cliffs above the beach was the well-known Coast Café, part of the Gara Rock hotel and cottage complex, which has been closed for some months. The whole resort has undergone a major redevelopment and is opening on 3rd August as an exclusive well-being retreat.

The revamped accommodation is going to range from new loft suites for couples to a penthouse apartment with floor to ceiling windows  and cottages which will sleep up to five.

Sounding particularly appealing is the brand-new Secret Suite for couples. Set in the hillside beyond the gardens this will be an open-plan living space with spectacular sea views and private hot tub.

With the outdoor pool tucked in to the hillside looking out to sea, spa and indoor pool with panoramic views, new cinema in the making and new restaurant opening on 1st August under the helm of head chef Lewis Glanvill it’s all promising to be pretty special.

And for all you walkers the new Walkers’ Hut is now open – to dogs too. Sit back, rest your feet and enjoy those amazing sea views.

Minack Theatre

Open-Air Theatre in Devon and Cornwall, Summer 2018

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With this exceptional heatwave, now seems a perfect time to book tickets for an evening of open-air theatre. So chill the fizz, pack the picnic and grab your blanket for an evening’s entertainment.

And where better to start than the magical Minack Theatre. Starting tonight is Sense & Sensibility, running until 29th June. Then Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard is on from 2nd to 6th July, followed by something entirely different: Tom Stoppard’s comedy On The Razzle from 9th to 13th July. July rounds off with Leonard Bernstein’s Candide which runs from 16th to 20th.

Macbeth is being performed by the Barbican Theatre at Residence One Garden at Royal William Yard, Plymouth from 31 July to 11 August.

More Shakespeare and Jane Austen are on offer at Killerton House near Exeter with a production of Pride and Prejudice on 12th July and The Tempest on 31st July. The Tempest will also be on at Pentillie Castle, St Mellion on 29th July.

The outstanding Illyria Outdoor Theatre’s summer season will be in full swing at many venues across the South West including:

  • The Merchant of Venice at Arlington Court, Barnstaple on 28th July, Sterts Theatre, Liskeard on 31st July and again at The Vicarage, Great Torrington on 11th August
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles at Castle Drogo on 5th August and Carn Marth Amphitheatre, Redruth on 25th August
  • The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle at Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance on 24th July, Hartland Abbey on 10th August and Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth on 16th August
  • The Pirates of Penzance at Coletone Fishacre, Kingswear on 29th July and Hartland Abbey on 8th August

Hartland Abbey is also showing David Walliams’ The Midnight Gang on 15th August and The Winter’s Tale on 27th August.

Frida

Bringing Frida Kahlo Style To Your Devon or Cornish Home

With the Frida Kahlo exhibition ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up’ just started at the V&A what better time to think about the ways we can capture some of that Mexican vibrancy and passion in our own homes and let the colours of the land of margaritas, tequila, chocolate and sunshine flood our sitting rooms.

And the starting point has to be just that: colour. Rich hues of reds, oranges, pinks and blues (think of the cobalt blue of Frida’s house) are typical of Mexican décor. And to make it work don’t be afraid to be bold in your choices.

But if the thought of all that colour is just too daunting or you don’t think it’s going to work for you under our rather greyer English skies then stick to white walls and introduce the colour through furniture, rugs, china and accessories.

Pattern is important here: woven Oaxacan rugs mixed with patterned cushions make a room warm and inviting. And mix and match; it adds far more interest to a room, as does adding layers with throws and rugs. The mix of colours, patterns and textures will work well in this context.

In the kitchen, bathroom or stairway especially one of the best ways to introduce pattern is with hand-painted tiles – for splashbacks, worktops, basins or even whole walls. Combine with an ornate mirror for a wow factor.

Anchor all this colour with carved wood which is a traditional feature of Mexican homes. Maybe carved wooden doors or simply a decorative panel, headboard or cupboard.

Vintage

Vintage Fashion in Devon and Cornwall

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I was asked recently by a client to find a home for some vintage clothing belonging to her mother which had been in storage for quite some years and which was no longer wanted. Oh joy, I love this sort of job! So I thought I’d share with you some of the best vintage and pre-loved shops around; absolutely heaven for those like me who love to rummage in these treasure troves never knowing what you’re going to come across. They’re great places to pick up unique clothing or accessories which can be teamed with your most comfy jeans even to give an individual twist to any outfit: mixing the old and the new is always the way to go.

Satis House in Bude has been around for a few years now and never fails to throw up some real delights. As with all of these emporiums you need time to go through the rails but it’s worth the effort. I’ve found some crazy jewellery here, my favourite being a Philippe Ferrandis necklace which I got for a snip (Ferrandis has been designing jewellery since the mid-‘80s and has worked for people such as Givenchy) – a really good find.

Revival in Totnes is somewhere you could easily get lost in – the shop’s packed out with original clothing with hardly any room to spare. It’s been going for 30 years and it’s hard not to find something you like. Very definitely worth a browse.

And then there’s Willow Hilson in Exeter. Full of beautiful vintage clothes, this is a gorgeous boutique which has gained quite a following since it opened in 2011. Customers love Willow’s personal touch and advice; she has a great eye for fabrics and textiles. You can buy online if you can’t get to the shop.

And if you head down to Budleigh Salterton make sure you visit What Katy Did. The shop sells a lively mix of retro homeware and furniture as well as clothes, aiming for a ‘vintage experience’ for shoppers.

Food And Wine

Foodie Goings-On in Devon and Cornwall

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I just thought I’d let you in on some foodie events coming up in the next few weeks in Devon and Cornwall.

The exquisite Glazebrook House Hotel at South Brent (which I’ve written about previously in this Journal) is hosting a special Pol Roger Champagne Evening on Thursday 24th May. Guests will be treated to an evening of food and bubbly with a four-course menu paired with fine Pol Roger champagnes. The hotel is a finalist in the Boutique/Guest Accommodation category of the Visit England tourist awards and last year won Outstanding Business of the Year and Hotel of the Year at the English Riviera And South Devon Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

A similar event to celebrate English Wine Week is being held at Buckfastleigh on 1st June with Sharpham Wines and Devon Distillery providing a selection of wines to complement an eight-course seasonal supper cooked by Riverfood Field Kitchen.

May sees the start of the Exeter Street Food Market which takes place on various Thursday evenings until September at the Quayside and the Piazza Terracina. Enjoy street food from across the globe, including Spanish, Vietnamese, African, Caribbean and Egyptian, produced from locally sourced fresh produce. It all kicks off tomorrow, Thursday 17th May, at Piazza Terracina from 4.30 until 9.30.

River Cottage at Axminster is holding its Spring Food Fair on the weekend of 26th/27th May. A perfect day out for families with workshops, talks and live music as well as the all-important artisan food stalls and chef demos.

If the River Cottage fair doesn’t quite fill you up you can move on to the Dartington Food Fair which is on the same weekend, on the 27th and 28th May. Again, plenty of demos and wonderful food stalls showcasing the best that Devon has to offer.

And finally, if simply watching Harry marry Meghan on your TV at home seems a bit low-key then head to the Headland Hotel at Fistral Beach for a Royal Afternoon Tea. Celebrations start at 11.30 with the wedding being shown on a big screen and tea being served from 2.30.

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