Perfect Alfresco Dining

Image from HONSESTLYWTF

At this time of year, with the weather warming up it is the perfect time to have people round for dinner outside! And I pulled together a couple of tips for having the perfect night;

CUSHIONS AND THROWS. The nature of outside dining tables chairs, is that they are usually wooden so they can last outside, making them more uncomfortable. So throwing tons of cosy cushions all over it, making sure you have some throws out there for when it gets chilly! (Living in the UK of course it will)

LIGHTING. Having lots of lanterns with candles in and loads of fairy lights every where creates such a lovely atmosphere! Especially when it gets dark and a bit chilly. It is one of my favourite moments in summer, having a couple of cocktails, and chilling with friends in low lighting with a blanket. Perfect.

CANDLES. Candles not only make the space cosy, but Cintronella candles reportedly also keep insects and creepy crawlies away from you!

MUSIC. Music just completely sets the mood for whatever evening you want. Create a playlist, or find one on Spotify, kick back and relax.

FOOD STATIONS. My final tip for a stress free evening, is to set up food stations. Make up the salad, the toppings, drink stations etc, serve up the mains on the table too and let your guests serve themselves. Meaning you don't have the pressure or serving up, and your guests can pick what they want!

What are you top tips for Alfresco Dining?

Recipe // Mulled Cider

Image from here

Nothing says Autumn like a warm mug of spiced cider! Something about the warm steam, the spices, the sweetness and of course, the alcohol. So enjoy this simple recipe, in some cosy mugs. Take them outside and watch the fireworks from your own garden!

Ingredients;

- 1ltr cider
- ¼ Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cloves
- ¼ Nutmeg
- Juice of 3x Oranges
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 tbps Caster Sugar

Method;

Pour all of the ingredients into a pan (except the sugar), bring to the boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes. After this time, taste and add the sugar little by little until you are happy with the sweetness.

What’s your favourite Autumnal drink?

Lazy Sunday Essentials

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I must say ... I think Sunday is my favourite day of the week! When I wake in the morning, with the sun coming through the curtains there's just this feeling of contentment. Still another day to relax and organise before the week ahead. The difference between a Sunday and Saturday for me, is that I usually chill in my pjs on a Saturday, thinking I have the whole weekend ahead of me. On Sunday I kick myself in to gear and get my chill on!

Image from Pinterest

Coffee - Being a serious coffee addict lover, it is the first thing I do on a Sunday morning. Either making a cafetiere if the other half is awake (usually not), or I will make myself a Lyon's coffee bag. The other half's uncle introduced us to these coffee bags over Christmas, they are exactly as they sound and I am not sure why they were not made earlier! Take the coffee bag and use them in the same way as tea, leaving it for longer if you prefer a stronger tea or less time for a weaker one. I must say they are super tasty, and the perfect slightly more indulgent coffee for a weekend.

Image from Brit+C0

Facial - I take the chance on a quiet Sunday morning to indulge in my weekly facial. I settle in my bathroom, watching a little catch up TV (at the moment: Bake Off!) and get to work. Lighting a candle, I'll start with a normal cleanser, cleaning away all the grime from the night before and follow on with an exfoliating cleanser. As I have oily skin I do not want to strip away too much oil, so do this once a week. I follow this up with a face mask giving my skin a deep cleanse, then on with a thick moisturiser, giving this time to sink in and then my eye cream. After this, I feel really refreshed and ready to start my day.

Image from TopInspired

Sunday Make-Up - Usually we will head out on a Sunday, for a quick shopping trip, a coffee, or my favourite ... a lazy walk along the river. So I never want to do a full face, especially after a facial, but I want to look alive. This consists of my Garnier BB Cream to even things out, MaxFactor Creme Puff Blush, My Holy Grail Mascara and Eyebrow Pencil, Maxfactor Masterpiece Max and Soap and Glory Archery Pencil and whatever lipstick I am feeling that day, probably something quite light and nude.

Image from StyleCaster

Clothes - Sunday's call for my Sunday uniform. This consists of some comfy jeans, usually my trainers, and the cosiest jumper I can find.

There is just nothing better than indulging in a lovely coffee, fresh faced and in cosy clothes ready to just chill.

What is your Sunday routine?

Best Things About Autumn

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With Autumn now in full swing, I thought I would share with you all my favourite things about Autumn, and my favourite things to do in Autumn!

The Fashion

- Cosying up in layers
- Layering up in jumpers, hats, scarves and gloves
- Pyjamas, dressing gowns and cashmere socks

The Food

- Burgers
- Caramel Apples
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coffee
- Doughnuts
- Hot Chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Oranges
- Pies
- Popcorn
- Pumpkin
- Roast Dinners ...


The Weather

- Rainy days spent inside watching films
- The changing colours of the leaves
- Cosy nights spent in front of the fire
- Long lazy walks all wrapped up warm with coffee ...

- The Bonfire Night!

I am not really one for Halloween it self but I do love a good Fireworks night. Probably for the same reasons as above, although this time cosying with burgers and doughnuts watching the most amazing fireworks! My favourite one in London is Battersea Park fireworks: (7th of November)

Although some other amazing ones are;

- Newham Fireworks - Sunday 1st November

- Crystal Palace Fireworks - Thursday 5th November

- Southwark Fireworks - Thursday 5th November:

- Wimbledon Park Fireworks - Thursday 5th November
- Morden Park Fireworks - Saturday 7th November