CURRENTLY CRUSHING ON... DESMOND & DEMPSEY 

Well it certainly has been a while since my last post! A smaaaall hiatus of approximately 12 months. 

As is always the way, life somehow took over. But in recent months I've been missing the blog and I think it is time to focus upon its resurrection! 

What better way to embark upon its return that with something I am currently crushing on humongously: Desmond & Dempsey pyjamas. 

I have a bit of a thing about pyjamas and am already earmarking multiple pairs in the run up to Christmas (I have a feeling that I may need to welcome a pair of Desmond & Dempseys a little bit sooner, however). 

They'd be perfect to pack for a few upcoming weekends in the country with friends, and just for general joyous lounging at home of course. I just love how a classic PJ can make you feel that bit more pulled together and happy to face both the early and lazy mornings, or settle down for the evening in style. 

My favourite Signature Cut sets below are either available now or for pre-order and can be monogrammed for an extra cost (as if the whole situation could get any better!)

Desmond & Dempsey

All images from Desmond & Dempsey

NEW IN: MOROCCAN SOUVENIRS

I knew before going to Morocco that I wanted to return with two things: patterned bowls and a straw bag. It was horribly difficult to choose between all the beautiful offerings in the souk, but I came away with a brightly embroidered straw bag and four bowls. We resisted getting a big serving bowl - which I regret - but there's always next time! 

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AT HOME: DRINKS

Our little dinner party was a lovely success. I wanted to share the recipes for the cocktails I made because they were SO nice. 

Thyme Lemonade by Martha Stewart

1 1/2 cups (I used about 300g) of sugar

1 bunch of fresh thyme

The juice of 10 lemons

1 cup (250ml) of gin

Bring the sugar, thyme and 1 cup of water to the boil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Then stir in the lemon juice, gin and 6 cups of cold water and strain into a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve over ice and garnish with sprigs of thyme.

This may well be my new favourite summer cocktail. It was cool and refreshing with the thyme and gin giving it a great edge, but steering well clear of being too much. I hate strong cocktails. 

White Peach Maple Soda by Quitokeeto

1/2 cup (125ml) of maple syrup

1/4 cup (60ml) of water

2 cups of unpeeled white peaches (about 3)

Soda water

Lemons

Over a low heat combine the maple syrup, water and white peaches which have been cut into 1/2 inch chunks. Warm the peaches to soften them a little, but do not over cook. 

Puree the mixture with a hand blender and set aside to cool.

Fill each glass with ice and add 1 part puree to 3 parts soda water and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir and serve with a sprig of fresh lavender (if you have some!)
This is a lovely mocktail for alcohol eschewing guests or those who just fancy a break from the gin as the evening goes on! Incidentally, I feel like the puree could work really nicely in a prosecco/champagne cocktail  for a twist on a classical bellini and plan to try it asap!

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AT HOME: ENTERTAINING INSPIRATION

We're having a few people over for supper tomorrow night, so naturally I have turned to Pinterest for inspiration! 

 We don't have the room yet for a sit down meal for more than 4, that's the dream for the next flat! So instead we're going for something a bit more casual - making our own pizzas and offering up summery cocktails. 
Casual does not rule out chic though, and whilst frugality is the buzz word and space is limited, I'll be doing my best with little touches here and there to make what space we do have feel a bit more special. Cutlery will stand in tall tumblers for people to use as and when they want, perching wherever they like to enjoy their food. We are minus a garden to bedeck in fairy lights, but the inside of the flat will have to hand itself over to them instead, and I'll be dotting a few tea lights in pretty holders around the living room. Peonies, white roses and mini gladioli in printed vases will add a dash of colour here and there. 

I'll be making two cocktails - Martha Stewart's Thyme Lemonade with gin and a non-alcoholic white nectarine maple soda. The boyfriend is largely in charge of making the pizza dough (fingers crossed...) to which we'll mostly add the usual classic toppings pepperoni, mozzarella, artichoke, peppers, parma ham, rocket and figs. We'll be finishing up with Nigella's take on tiramisu (made with Bailey's). As the lady herself points out, it's a comfortably cliched dessert offering, but one that usually goes down well because it is SO darn tasty.

I've  also added a few bits and pieces from Zara Home to my entertaining toolkit - pretty paper napkins, retro glass dessert bowls, gold serving platters and aztec print tumblers for cocktails. 

You can find all the links to the cocktails and credits for the photos used over on my Pinterest page: gonewiththefash. And if you're after entertaining ideas I'd heartily recommend working your way through Natalie of Canned Fashion and Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere's Pinterest boards - oodles of inspiration.