Total Dining

August 2009

I recently attended a conference lunch – and the food was sublime. The lady chef – Alex – had prepared a bountiful table of unusual conference fare which was varied, light and delicious... I have known Alex ‘from before’ – we have both volunteered at a local centre for homeless and disadvantaged people, where she still gives her spare time to provide between 80 and 120 lunches twice a week, no mean feat.

She is not fazed by requests for a wide variety of styles – she can produce anything from a Mediterranean feast to sumptuous party bites and overwhelmingly fabulous chocolate cakes. Designing personalised menus to suit all tastes and budgets she is out there, available and ready to cook for you, from small ‘at home’ dinner parties to a full-on business bonanza.

After talking with her we have decided to offer you an exciting new experience: Total Dining Alex will design and create the dishes, and I will ‘dress’ the area – imagine your dining room re-vamped with props, paintings and plants or your garden transformed with the addition of stunning greenery, sculptures and features… ever thought of water tumbling over a mountain of glass fish? Or how about your al fresco evenings - a barbeque in a theatrical setting? We have the imagination...

It is surprising how much can be achieved with a few beautiful plants, pots or urns strategically placed, no matter what type or size of space you have. These additions could be temporary or, of course, permanent.

 

First Impressions - they count

April 2009

I have just had the huge pleasure of smartening up the front entrance of my daughter's school.  'Bring us into the 21st Century' was the brief . . .

We used Phoenix canariensis in fabulous bright green pots, agapanthus and grasses in round black pots and an ‘instant’ box hedge on either side to finish off the look. The plants are all robust and can cope with a bit of a struggle – aspect is due south so they will be blasted by the sun, but that’s fine. The pots are all ‘top dressed’ with black pebbles not only to look good but to help retain moisture. Watering once or twice a week and a gentle clip of the box hedges as they grow is about all the maintenance required.

An entrance is so important, it creates the very first impression of your business or home and if it is not right it can be quite off putting – disaster if you are trying to attract new clients. Any entrance, whether to an office, restaurant, shop, house or even a teeny flat can be spectacular – inviting to clients, customers and friends alike, and welcoming us home at the end of a frantic 21st century day

And if you are having trouble selling your house or flat – a little tweak could just seal a deal…

A re-vamp need not cost a fortune, but may well change yours!



Can't Move? So Improve!

Many of us may not be able to move house until this current recession has passed, so perhaps we should be making more of what we already have, whilst also increasing the value of our homes. Improving your outside space does not have to cost a fortune... it may be as simple as re-arranging your existing garden, with a few well chosen additions, and that is where I come in...

Spring is finally sprung and having made it through the long cold winter months now is the very best time to start thinking about your garden. Traditionally, Easter is when most people rush to the garden centres, buying somewhat haphazardly in an attempt to ‘get something in’ before the season. If you plan now you will be ready.

Do you need an extra room? How about using some of your garden space? Could be a spare room, quiet retreat, kid’s play room, studio or office.....

This building was erected last year and has proved to be a most valuable investment – no more teenage parties in the house – they are safe at home, but not under your feet, and the noise stays outside...

If you would like help, from some ideas and advice or an accompanied shopping trip, to a complete re-design then call me - all sorts of jobs undertaken, from razzing up the old, to creating the new.