Cozy Inspiration From The English Countryside
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from the English countryside. Like a good show that I’m watching on television, a great book about an organic farm in the Cotswolds (including charming goods they sell like a linen tablecloth that I’m featuring for a cozy dinner) and outfit of the week and more.
It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
I’m a fan of English cottage/country/cozy/comfortable interior style using:
- mixed patterns,
- sink-in sofas,
- wool rugs over sisal,
- shelves full of books,
- exposed stone walls
- and layers of handmade quilts.
- But for me, there has to be some restraint and not too much shabbiness. Too much excess and it can give “hoarder vibes” if you know what I mean.
Carole Bamford from Daylesford Living gets the look just right…
Daylesford Living By Carole Bamford
This is an oversized beautiful book that would make an awesome gift for anyone who enjoys peaceful, charming interiors and fresh recipes (and not just for Anglophiles).
According to Carole Bamford: “I wanted to open up my spaces and invite others in, to share my love of design, craft and creation in a way that gives anybody who cannot visit us in the Cotswolds a window into our world.”
There are cottages near Daylesford farm that you can rent. Super charming with price tags commensurate.
It would be a great splurge...some day! So for now, I will just be happy exploring the Daylesford Living book!
Cozy Dining Table With Mushroom Tablecloth From Daylesford Farm
Daylesford Farm gifted me this beautiful linen tablecloth. So when thinking about setting an English country table with it, I thought “wild flowers and candlelight.”
Shop Daylesford Farm
Outfit of the Week With Classic Oversized White Cotton Blouse
I love the collar on this AYR top. I’m wearing an XS. It’s oversized in a good way. I’ve worn it untucked with jeans, too.
Also, the black ankle pants are machine washable and good for travel. I’ve shown these great suede M. Gemi flats before. They fit like a glove and are comfortable. My olive aviator readers are by Eye Bobs.
Darling Little Farmers in North East England – Williamson’s Quacking Eggs
I could watch these little British farmers, Edward, Reuben and Erin, all day.
They enjoy taking care of their donkey, chickens, goats and other farm animals. And you can learn things. I will show this Instagram account to my grand-daughter.
What to Watch: Lark Rise To Candleford On Brit Box
If you need a break from bloody and intense television, here is a pleasant diversion. This is an old BBC television show that’s new to me since I caved in and signed up for Britbox.
“Lark Rise to Candleford follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, the small hamlet gently holding on to the past, and Candleford, the small market town bustling into the future.”
There are four seasons and I am powering through season one. As a note of caution, I did see reviews from people unhappy about how quickly the fourth season wrapped up.
That’s it for Cozy Inspiration From The English Countryside!
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! I hope that it was a wonderful celebration!
Love this book, mine arrved a few days ago. I am a huge fan of Carol and Daylsford and have shared the fam many times on the blog. Have you watched the Homeworthy episode of the house?
Love those little famers too, they make me smile every time I see them on Instagram.
Have a wonderful week.
Mary Ann! I just celebrated my birthday as well! It was on Saturday. When is yours, if you don’t mind sharing?
Happy birthday. Mine was on the 8th.
MA! Ooh … this Britbox series looks good. Bring on the English countryside living, you know I’m all about a sink-in sofa. Stone walls are also swoon-worthy … I wanted to use stone for the backsplash – counter to ceiling – in our new kitchen but Jim vetoed. Sigh. Anyway, what a lush looking book that I need to add to my library – obvi. Love the mushroom tablecloth … and the Daylesford serving bowl … I followed your link to their website a pursuing all the the pretties now. Love your outfit … AYR shirts are the best and you look great in those ankle pants and cozy flats. So many inspiring things … as always! xo
Mary Ann! I hope you had the most amazing birthday celebration in California! Pinned your pretty table! xx
Happy birthday!! Love, love your cozy dining table setting. Just gorgeous!
Mary Ann, oops, I meant to say a sweet picture of the four of you all.
I am sure you knew what I meant. Someday I will learn I can no longer multi task. 😊
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! What a fun and loving birthday celebration. Those decade birthdays were always memorable for me. You are still very young looking and lovely. My 82nd birthday is coming up in December and my husband Brent just celebrated his 85th. The years do move more quickly now that we are older. I love BritBox! I just finished one year on it on the Premiere BritBox. Just started Shakespeare and Hathaway.
I was just thinking how the years are speeding up. 🙂 Happy birthday in December!
Hi Mary Ann,
What love went into creating an amazing Fiesta 70th birthday celebration for you. Alexandra, Luca, and Howard thought of everything. The pic of the three of you is precious. You are blessed to have a family that is so loving and kind. I look forward to seeing more pics. Enjoy the big 70, the first part goes by super fast. You are so smart to keep that body moving through Yoga and all the other physical things you do. AND the mental challenges like mahjongg. I am sure you will advance in age the best way you possibly can.
Your tablecloth and table setting is perfect. You are so good at setting the ambiance.
Alexandra is going to do a post of all her party planning. So fun!
Happiest landmark birthday, Mary Ann! The photo of you with sister, daughter and granddaughter is very seeet!
We WILL get to the Cotswolds yet…
I wonder what (besides/because of???) testosterone makes guys almost universally love violent programs?!
Sweet!
Happiest birthday to you! I love seeing your sweet family celebrations—always so creative!
That mushroom tablecloth is so charming—you set it off just right with the perfect accessories! Always enjoy your gift of setting a beautiful table!
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! Wishing you a wonderful year! Lovely picture of you with your family celebrating!
I read “Lark Rise to Candleford” years ago and it is very special so pleased to hear about a series!! I will check it out. Those farm kids are amazing, so natural and informative about their world and I love listening to them on Instagram. Edward, the eldest, just won a major award for farming with his sheep! I am re- watching All Creatures Great and Small since joining PBS Passport and it is just heaven. Happy Sunday x
I want to start watching All Creatures Great And Small again!
You are sooooo blessed and lucky to have a sister, daughter and granddaughter to celebrate you in style!
I love the gravel (?) floor on your daughter’s patio. I’m looking to do something similar in my back patio. Advice or suggestions?
I look forward to your blogs very much!
I am going back over this morning to help her with a blog post about the party last night. She, Luca and Howard did an amazing job.
Goodness there needs to be a way to screen all bloody and violent shows off my devices. It seems there is so much of that and not enough beautiful shows. Thanks for the tips on Britbox.
I agree with you. Somehow my husband likes them…so I make him take a break. I wish there were more funny shows.
Such a lovely table with the mushroom tablecloth and dishes.
Thanks, Linda!