Author: Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

If you’ve been reading my newsletter you’ll know that since the start of the year I have been attempting to do a wardrobe challenge. This involved me filling a rail with clothing so that I could see what I had worn; as great as this has been for encouraging me to do a massive clear out, it resulted in our bedroom being full of clutter and was stressing me out!! With life throwing a few curve balls lately, more than ever at Rose Cottage we’ve needed a calm and relaxing place for us to soak up some much needed ‘me’ time.  For most people this room would be the bedroom – somewhere to completely unwind after a stressful day.  Over the past few weeks I have came to realise the importance of this room and put some love into it in the hope it will love me right back!!

So, here’s what i’ve been up to –

Making my bed every morning.

There is nothing makes me feel more put together than when i’ve made the bed (and added the extra 20 ‘just for show’ cushions!!!).  I fling open the window, leave the covers back for a little while to air the bed, then put all the covers and cushions into place.  I think this little simple task can really set the tone for your day and help encourage you to plough through all the other jobs you need to do.  I also give the bed a good spray with softner mix (a Mrs Hinch tip) to freshen it up and give it that just washed feel. Plus at the end of the day when your crawling back in how much better does it feel to get into a bed that has been made?!

Keeping it tidy.

‘A tidy room equals a tidy mind’ – isn’t that the popular saying?!  I have been really trying to put everything back where it belongs after I use it, and every couple of days running the hoover and duster around.  To my complete shock even the hubby has commented on how good the room has been looking (I checked his pulse don’t worry!) – now just to do the same in the rest of Rose Cottage!

Adding scent.

So as well as spraying the softner mix, as mentioned above, I like to spray my pillows and the top of the duvet with Pillow spray.  I’ve found this has really helped relax me, especially when I’m struggling to get over to sleep.  I have also added a candle and some fresh flowers to my bedside table – my new moto is ‘life’s too short not to burn your expensive candles!’

Invest in good quality bedding.

Thankfully my hubby works in this industry so we have been sleeping like royalty for a while now (!!!); but honestly if you haven’t bought good pillows and a duvet, put it top of your shopping list and thank me later! It is life changing, will save you money in the long run as they will last you so much longer and you will sleep like a champion!

And lastly, something I haven’t done (yet!!!) – Redecorate.

Get yourself lost on Pinterest for a few hours and create a board of bedroom inspo.  Look for rooms which are calm and muted rather than loud and in your face.  What you find relaxing will be totally different to me, but thats the beauty of Pinterest – there’s something on there for everyone’s taste.

If you have any more tips I’d really love to hear them.  I’m hoping to sleep from now until I write another blog post so see you then!!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Hi there!

For our next instalment of The 12 days of Christmas countdown at Rose Cottage we are showing you 6 table settings!

I can think of no one better than the gorgeous Laura Jane from The Homely Haven to show you all her amazing ideas…

Hello! I’m Laura J from The Homely Haven and I’ve been asked to write a guest blog by Jill on a few ideas for your Christmas table, as part of Rose Cottage’s 12 day of Christmas!

Its not long to the big day now, and i’m sure your head is filled with 101 things to get done… I know mine definitely is!

I always love to make our table a little special at Christmas, but not too over the top that the table styling takes longer than making the food!

These ideas are simple and can also be changed and adapted to suit the colours that you have chosen for your theme this year…you do have a theme don’t you??

I’ve played it safe and chosen to style a white dinner set 6 ways as most of us as a white dinner set knocking about our kitchen.

So here goes…

ONE:

If you don’t want to pay for new place-mats for Christmas, simply wrap your current place-mats in a festive (or even brown paper) paper and you’ve instantly changed the look of your table! If you are a Cath Kidston or Emma Bridgewater fan, this is a brilliant way to incorporate the design on a budget. To finish the look, I have simply added a piece of holly (to match the design of the paper) a little place name tied with a beautiful velvet ribbon and the napkin tied with a simple knot. TOP TIP: turn your place-mat vertical rather than horizontal to gain much needed space around the table!

TWO:

How cute is this little stocking! I found these in Home Bargains for 69p for six. They are a complete bargain and so, so fun for your Christmas table, even if you just use them for the kiddies place-settings! There is lots of leftover room for the odd chocolate coin as well!. I tied mine with a little bit of candy candy twine to hold it together a little more.

The little place name holder is simply made with three candy canes, melted together to form a little holder, you could use larger ones to create a more dramatic effect.

TOP TIP: this is a fabric place mat, but I have cut it in half! great way to save the pennies (and space on the table).

THREE:

Keeping with the traditional red and white theme, This is a more adult version of the Christmas stocking idea.

I have created a little napkin pocket and simply finished with coordinating ribbon and a little Christmas wooden star with an initial stamped on.

TOP TIP: a little matching pillow box with the guests favourite sweet is always a lovely finishing touch.

FOUR:

This is the simplest of all. Fold your napkin into quarters length way and place under your plate/bowl and have hanging over the edge of the table. Simple yet elegant. I have finished with a wooden handmade Christmas decoration, but they equally make a beautiful place setting and then the guest can keep for their tree next year! TOP TIP: always set your table with your plates/bowls as it gives a much more dramatic effect to the table.

FIVE:

Change it up with your cutlery! I’ve invested in gold cutlery for this years Christmas table (complete design still not decided on, but white plate and gold cutlery are certain). This look would also be perfect for a new years day meal because its quite glam with the black/gold look. I’ve simply tied the cutlery together and set on the plate (finished with a little bauble and a gold leaf luggage tag) and finished with a knotted napkin. TOP TIP: instead of place mats, invest in some charger plates. You can find them in loads of high street shops and for as little as £1 a plate.

SIX:

Embracing nature with this one. Keeping it plain and simple for the last table setting. A Pine cones and pine branch keeping it real and simply Christmas. The pine cone also works well as a place name holder. TOP TIP: If you don’t wan’t or have time) to faff about with your napkins…a simple napkin ring will do the trick! Try to choose one that will work with different colours and styles. I choose ones that match my place-mats.

And that’s a wrap folks!. Hope you’ve enjoyed these festive styling tips. Nothing fancy or too complicated, just a few ideas to help bring your Christmas table to life (especially if you aren’t that great a cook).

Love Laura xo

Thanks so much to Laura for sharing these great ideas!

You will find more from Laura over on:

Her blog: https://thehomelyhaven.wordpress.com/the-homely-haven/

Her instagram:

https://instagram.com/thehomelyhaven?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1iskpvkn0l0w4