a slow spring breakfast

The one thing I really look forward to about spring is the warmth; I hate being cold, and as wonderful as blankets are, I can never wait to be able to throw open our patio doors and let the sunshine in. After months of layers, thick knits, hot water bottles and endless tea, being able to potter around the garden barefoot and watch the laundry billowing on the line is a pretty big treat.

One of my favourite things is a slow spring breakfast; every now and then, once the school run is done and the washing is on, I like to get comfy in the conservatory and take my time over a late start. Pastries or croissants piled high, fresh coffee steaming in the sunlight and a good book or magazine to hand – I always find it particularly good if it’s been a really hectic morning. For anyone considering doing the same, my top tips are:

1. Leave the phone alone
…and the laptop, tablet, iPad and TV. The point is to switch off and let yourself breathe – there’s plenty of time for work afterwards!

2. Choose food that doesn’t need much cooking
There’s nothing relaxing about cooking a full English – I always choose something that simply has to be opened and put on a plate! Other quick and tasty options are pancakes, toast, or scrambled eggs

3. Find a good book or magazine
This is an ideal time to get engrossed in some reading; I’ve got a post about books coming up soon, but my favourite recent read is The Taxidermists Daughter – a real gripping page-turner. Magazines for indulging are Trouve, The Simple Things, Another Escape, Country Living and Oh Comely – you’ll find them packed with plenty of inspirational stuff.

4. Pick the best tea or coffee
If you’re going to indulge, do it properly; tea fanatics will love anything from Teapigs, Bluebird Tea or Jing Tea, while anyone who’s into their coffee should definitely opt for Monmouth – I can’t drink anything else anymore!

5. Add some flowers
I always find that flowers on the table seem to make meals seem a little bit extra special, so this is a good time to add some – scented varieties like stocks, lavender and carnations are all great choices, and I always find clouds of gypsophila pretty to look at.

All the items featured above can be found over at Houseology (details below), and to celebrate the launch of their new platform My Houseology, they invited me to style some products and upload the pictures to the website.
My Houseology is a fantastic new resource that allows anyone who has shopped their to share their style – simply take a picture of your item in it’s new home, upload the photograph, and you’ll be eligible for the chance to win £500. Can’t be bad! For more information, head over to the website (and see if you can spot any pictures from other bloggers!).

Product details: Lexington Striped Oxford Kitchen Towel, Murmur Dune Small Mug, Barber Osgerby Olio White Cream and Sugar Set, Nkuku Artisan Dinner Plate, Greengate Audrey Glass in Indigo, Linum West Table Runner.


Many thanks to Houseology for collaborating on this post.