Morning Coffee Musings
This month we’re delighted to bring you a gorgeous Volume Deux of Romantic Reveries, perfect for a gentle morning in bed. Enjoy brunch with the iconic fashion designer Jenny Packham, where we discover what her favourite midnight snack is (and her dog’s!), find out our favourite spots for an afternoon tea and see what we’ve been enjoying in the past month.
Behind the scenes at French Bedroom, we’ve been celebrating our 15th birthday! It seems like only yesterday we were starting out with just Ben and I working in the spare room, and a handful of products. We enjoyed a lovely soirée this week to celebrate, and in true French Bedroom style, we had a garden party with French rose wine (kindly supplied by Mirabeau), wood fired pizzas, strawberry cake and just a few cocktails! We celebrated our achievements over the 15 years as a brand and as a team, we thanked the team for their hard work over the past year of change and we mused about our comradery, friendship, and love. It takes a strong team to create an authentic brand with genuine values and compassion. It’s been 12 months we’ll never forget.
We’re planning lots of exciting collaborations as well as (cover your ears) Christmas! We’ve got new designer bed linen ranges, including one set with a thread count of 1,000, and Christmas will bring opportunities to style our photoshoot location with festive classics like luxe velvets and seasonal accessories.
Oh, and Happy Father’s Day! Every year, my children make handmade cards and cakes, so we expect a sticky kitchen and full hearts. We love to BBQ together in the garden, but the weather looks like it has other plans! Instead, we’ll build a den indoors and have a floor picnic. We’ll certainly all be snuggling up in our bed this morning for cards and cuddles.
Our thoughts and love to anyone who might find this Father’s Day difficult.
Sunday Discoveries
Drink; Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
All this hot weather has us reaching for our new favourite drink, frosé! We love this version from @SamanthaSommelier with watermelon and a splash of tequila… yum!
Wear; Cassis Printed Chiffon from Free People
We love an ultra-feminine boho dress for summer, perfect for garden parties and adventures in the countryside. This dress is just absolutely gorgeous, with a deep V neckline, ruffled tiers and exaggerated sleeves in a beautiful floral print in a variety of colours. Romance personified!
Win; a Wedding Bundle from French Bedroom & Mirabeau Wines
A selfish plug but we don’t want you to miss out! If you haven’t already spotted the competition on our Instagram, then head over there immediately. Tag someone who’s getting married later this year or whose wedding has been postponed due to lockdown and you could win a wedding bundle with goodies from us and Mirabeau Wines.
J’Adore: Afternoon Tea
A traditional treat, afternoon tea was originally served not at the table, but in the drawing room on couches and chairs. Featuring delicate brews, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, it started as a casual affair but has grown to be a luxurious treat. With Cream Tea Day just around the corner on the 25th, you have the perfect excuse! Here are our favourites.
Betty’s Café Tea Rooms - If you’re in Yorkshire, this is the only place to be. A traditional afternoon tea enjoyed in a vintage setting. Make a booking.
The Dilly – An official Peter Rabbit themed afternoon tea, this is one for the more whimsical among us. Perfect for a trip down nostalgia lane or pre- or post-cinema nibbles! Book here.
The Goring – Just over the wall from Buckingham Palace gardens, their delightful afternoon tea has won awards. Served on The Veranda, you can even quaff a glass of Bollinger Champagne to top it off. Make a reservation.
Sunday Brunch with Friends: Jenny Packham
Worn by icons, including the Duchess of Cambridge, Dita Von Teese and Angelina Jolie, Jenny Packham is one of the UK’s most successful designers. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to enjoy Sunday brunch with her today.
Describe Your Perfect Sunday
My perfect Sunday always starts with an early morning walk on Hampstead Heath, a coffee and then home to read, bake or catch up with friends. A day without a to-do list.
How do you take your coffee?
My coffee is a ‘one shot decaf oat milk cappuccino - with chocolate on top” - I’m not complicated!
What position do you sleep in?
I go to sleep on my front and wake up on my back - ready to get up and go!
Tell us about your pets
I have a 5-year-old Sprocker (a working cocker spaniel crossed with a springer) called Byron. He is faultless apart from his insatiable appetite and hatred of cats!
What’s your go-to midnight snack?
My secret night-time snack is Greek yogurt with crunchy muesli and honey. Byron’s is a liver flavoured cookie.
If you could go back to anytime in history, when and where would you go?
I would be in New York in the 1930’s designing gowns in luscious satins, cut on the bias worn with diamanté headbands with feathery plumes. My favourite era in fashion.
You can discover Jenny’s designs over on her website or Instagram.
Your Afternoon Blog Post Omnibus
This month on the blog we discussed the elements to create the perfect guest bedroom. From ensuring your guest gets a great night’s sleep, creating a sanctuary and injecting a little bit of you into the space too. Read it here. We discovered how to design our interiors in a timeless way, just like a French woman would. As part of our Love Story collection launch, we looked at what our love notes really mean. Working with graphologist Tracey Trussell, we looked at common doodles and ways of writing love notes to discover their hidden meaning.
Words by The Girls at French Bedroom
