I love June. It’s full of luscious greens and colour in the garden and full of hope for the hot summer. So, this month I am going to focus my attention on getting outside, plus a few healthy holiday wellness must-haves as I am going away for a week in Provence with my family. Here’s to saying hello to our happiest summer yet.

My Poolside Reading List

Holiday Health Hacks

SPF 25 Rejuvenating Day Cream by Cellular Goods, £79

One of my new favourite skincare brands – Cellular Goods packs a punch when it comes to delivering results. Their SPF Day Cream is fantastic for protecting my skin whilst also hydrating it and has the mega bonus of not making me break out in spots like other SPFs can do. 

Silver Linings Resistance Band

So easy to pack because it takes up next to no room at all in your suitcase, this resistance band is a great way to keep your fitness on track whilst you are away – just pair it with Silver Linings Membership.

Wildsmith Skin Shower Oil, £40

Shower oils, in my view, are the ultimate luxury and after a day in the sun, your skin will love this Wildsmith Skin Shower Oil expertly blended to nourish skin and also help boost the body’s own natural circadian rhythms for those travelling further afield and wanting to avoid jet lag.

Rohde Peptide Lip Treatment, £16

So is Hailey Bieber’s new skincare range worth the hype? I can safely say after trying it – YES! The Peptide Lip Treatment in Watermelon is the perfect antidote to dry and dehydrated lips this summer and will give your lips the glazed glow that you didn’t even know you needed… until now!

The Seated Queen Signature Discovery Set, £55

You may have seen this cult brand grace the squares of your favourite Instagram influencer – I certainly have, and I can report back that I am just as in love with it as they are. This Discovery Set is not only a great way to try the brand but it also is perfect for taking abroad and can even go in your carry-on!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

– Carl Bard

Outdoors Tablescapes are a Summer Vibe

This is the time of year to embrace outdoor eating and there really is nothing better than a beautiful tablescape to set the scene. I spoke to my good friend and Interiors Expert, Monique Borsi who has consulted many of my favourite interior brands on styling and PR advice, on here 6 top tips for creating a tablescape that looks as though it has come straight out of a magazine…

Choose a Tablecloth
When choosing tablecloths I love to use patterns which reflect the seasons. In summer I’m often drawn to fruits, florals and cheerful colour combinations. I’m currently coveting this strawberry print tablecloth by Sharland England.

Add Rattan
Rattan is a great way to add texture and interest to your tablescape and provides a lovely contrast against the smoothness of ceramic tableware and linens. The Columbia Collective do the most gorgeous rattan placemats, which are handmade by artisans. 

Perfect Plates
I’m obsessed with beautiful hand-painted plates, as works of art in their own right they are often the talking point of the table and will also look great on display when they’re not being used. My favourites are by Zsuzsanna Nyul who has created an exclusive selection for Cutter Brooks, including this charming mimosa print. 

Mix and Match
Have fun with glassware by mixing and matching patterns and / or colours. Bias Editions have the prettiest hand-blown tumbles in a mix of spot, swirl and stripes. Group them together by colour or style or pick your favourites at random. (Link available from 25th May) 

Napkins Are Key
I like to use napkins which pick out a secondary colour from the tablecloth and are either plain or designed to match. There are so many elements to a good table that too much pattern can feel overwhelming, especially if your dinnerware is also patterned. I often tie mine with velvet or grosgrain ribbon which I collect from VV Rouleaux and re-use. If you prefer pre-tied for less faff Mrs Alice has A great collection.

Light it Up
If you’re planning a long lazy evening meal, lighting is key. Ester & Eric’s hand-molded candles come in the most amazing array of rainbow hues and the tapered finish looks really elegant. Add interest by using a variety of lengths to mix up heights across the table.