Clodagh McKenna at Highclere Castle, Hay-on-Wye, London crafts, and a cosy autumn weekend
Good morning, friends.
Pumpkin soup, apple crisp, a cosy throw, a new book, and a comfy chair. That is my plan for tonight, and I will not apologize for a single minute of it. After a morning in the garage (yes, the garage, again, I know) it is exactly what I need.
Speaking of good things on the way, I was in High Point yesterday and the chairs for the Indigo Room are finally ordered. After a long delay (life, you know how it goes) this project is back on track and I could not be happier. They are custom, so I am being realistic about timing. Before Christmas would be wonderful. After Christmas is probably more likely, given everything that happens in the last quarter of the year. No matter. They are ordered, and that is enough for now.
My new Christmas tree is on its way. Before anyone says a word: I always put it up early, in time for my birthday, and I will not be talked out of it. There is nothing in the world quite like sitting with a piece of cake in the glow of twinkling lights. It is not just sentimentality. It is strategy. If the tree is up by November, December gets to be peaceful. That is the plan and I am sticking to it.
Let’s meander.
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Fall Hosting
Chef and TV presenter Clodagh McKenna transforms her private Irish pub on the grounds of Highclere Castle, yes, the real Downton Abbey, into a warm autumn feast. She lights the fire, fills the room with pumpkins and candles, and walks through a harvest menu that you will want to make this season. If you are planning any fall entertaining, bookmark this one.
Wanderlust in Book Town
A cosy day and night in Hay-on-Wye, the glorious little book town on the border of England and Wales. Wandering bookshops, watching the sun go down over the countryside, a birthday celebration, and a return to Bramble Cottage for a book haul and a reset. If you have ever dreamed of spending a weekend surrounded by books and autumn light, this is your video.
Skellig Michael
Tommy Tiernan journeys to the island monastery off the Kerry coast, perched on the edge of Europe and rising dramatically from the Atlantic. The history, the mythology, the ancient stone steps climbing toward the sky. I have wanted to see Skellig Michael my whole life. This is the next best thing.
A Mug of Life with Jon Bon Jovi
I will be honest: I did not see this coming. The host of the lovely A Mug of Life channel, where he has genuine conversations over a cup of tea with complete strangers, sat down with Jon Bon Jovi. It is as warm and real as every other episode and I watched it twice.
London’s Rarest Crafts
Globe making. Millinery. Whip making. Woodwork. This episode of Made In follows four craftspeople keeping some of London’s most extraordinary traditions alive, including Peter Bellerby of Bellerby and Co. Globemakers and Eliska Murray of Lock and Co. Hatters. I could watch people make beautiful things all day.
For the Barbour Lovers
As a Barbour lover, I could not resist sharing this one.
At the Cinema or Coming Soon
The Ghosts
The feature film based on the beloved BBC sitcom has arrived, and I could not be more pleased. The ghostly residents of Button House are adjusting to life without Alison and Mike when a séance goes sideways and Julian ends up in the body of a teenage ghost hunter named Jack. What unfolds is as funny and strange as you would hope.
Ebenezer
A new telling of A Christmas Carol, and yes, I will absolutely be seeing it closer to the holidays. I love Charles Dickens. One of the ghosts, however, gives me the creeps. I may have to hide my eyes.
In Case You Missed It
Monday Musings and Friday Favorites are both up on the blog this week.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, friends. Don’t forget to visit Kim at Northern California Style and Juliet at Make Mine a Spritzer, they always have lots to share.
Tell me what is on your weekend list. Are you putting up any holiday decorations early, or am I on my own?
You can find me on Pinterest and Instagram for more of what I am loving this week.
You Might Also Enjoy:
Friday Favorites No. 705 | A Tired Week, Soup Season and Three Books for Fall
Classic Christmas Gifts for Women Over 50 She’ll Love
Gifts for Hot Chocolate Lovers
On My Radar
Thank you for the video of Cup of Tea. What a great way to start the day! May you have a restful day.
Claudette, you are very welcome. Mug of Life is a fabulous series.
Have a lovely weekend.
No Christmas for me until after Thanksgiving. The year has already gone by so fast, and I want to enjoy the nice fall here in MI – the leaf colors, good breezes, and cooler temps. And it’s looking like a family get together we haven’t seen for a long time, so I don’t want to rush that either. I’m making lasagna for dinner, haven’t had it in ages, and apple pie. The pie smells so good when it bakes. Enjoy your weekend!
Hello Elizabeth,
I love your Christmas tree early idea!! Well done! This year we have the whole family gathering which will be very special indeed as my son is in the Air Force, so that will not always be the case, and we treasure every moment we can get!. I bought my first Barbour jacket, the Sage Beadnell last year with a generous gift voucher my daughter gifted me, and she loved it so much her husband and I bought her a Navy one for her birthday. Love their classic designs. Sienna Miller, the actress in the Barbour advert with gorgeous Idris Elba is also in a HBO series called War you might like about a high profile divorce. Fun watching! Happy weekend!
We are still in the midst of packing, buying and selling a home! Tonight it’s cornbread with potato soup while my husband watches college football and I do my own thing. I’ve ready scoped out where to put the tree in the new house. Hopefully before Thanksgiving so we can really enjoy it. .