Christmas Cheer

Yours truly is stuck in the studio working on some new Christmas designs for next year. It is always strange designing products a year in advance; by the time they are in the shops I am well and truly onto the next big thing. Sometimes I do forget what I have done. And the nice surprise is when you see something in the shops that attracts your attention and then you realise it's yours!!

Which reminds me - I must finish making the Christmas Pudding this year. Have had the fruit soaking in alcohol for the past 2 weeks.....

Nathalie Lete Plates at Anthropologie

I am loving these new plates by Nathalie Lete for Anthropologie. I love them so much that I have asked a close friend of mine to bring me back another 6 to add to my collection! A pity they don't deliver to here in Australia.

They're perfect for serving 'clean' food - salads, pastas, sweets and anything vegetarian. It's probably not a good idea to serve a beef casserole on the poodle plate though - your guest may get the wrong idea!

Afternoon Tea - one of my favourite things!!

On a recent trip to Canada last month, we made an overnight visit to Victoria Island from Vancouver and stayed at the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel. Naturally, we sampled their famous Afternoon Tea in their majestic lobby with a view out to the harbour. It was nice but probably too many cakes for my liking. (I lean more towards smoked salmon sandwiches, quiches and champagne). Their special Empress Blend of Afternoon Tea is delightful and you are presented with a small container of it when you finish. It's an institution here especially since they have been serving it for over 100 years!!

It was a great afternoon. We then walked outside our hotel down to the pier to catch the seaplane back to Vancouver. It certainly beat catching the ferry back for 3 hours.

MPxx

The Old Afternoon Tea Menu:

Afternoon Tea:

Since 1908:
The Empress Hotel: