Plates, napkins, scallops, bobbins, collagen, skincare and other important things of interest
it's a mixed bag today based on FAQs from my DMs
Hello Hello!
Hope everyone has had a lovely week -I am reporting from beautiful Cornwall - where we are elbow deep in decorating, planning and building - I say ‘we’ - ok GAV is elbow deep in building - we ordered a tv/media unit AAAGES ago from DIY ALCOVES CABINETS and it’s only now that we are ready for it because we had to do all the other jobs first such as have the floor laid - we just couldn’t bring ourselves to only lay the floor up to the cabinets - it had to go all the way to the wall so we waited. And this week is the week! Here is a photo of my view at this very moment
I can’t wait to show you it all finished ( and frankly neither can Gav as it means he might be allowed a little sit down haha)
Anyway
This week, I bring you a very mixed bag of ‘stuff’, based on dms I regularly receive.
I have had a few requests for table setting ideas. I mean, if there was a quiz with a category calling for a specialised subject on table settings, I’d be straight in there. It’s a bit niche, but I am just very happy over here with napkins and stuff…
… and then I will bring you a few fab updates, in a sort of DIY way, to quickly update a space in your home. Can you tell I have been stalking the internet and have more ideas than actual time, or places to install all said ideas. But you might have the need and I am your girl for this.
The final subjects are skincare products that I cannot live without, and collagen that I swear has super powers (with an exclusive and fabulous discount code) And the best fake tan to use this Summer.
Let’s kick off with top of the FAQs -Table Settings. I LOVE a miss matched table, imo, it makes it much easier if you find yourself catering for more people than you currently own matching plates for, if you can pull a few rabbits out of the hat for a cohesive tablescape. So I thought we’d kick off with some ideas for you to save for your next ‘do’ - lovely pieces that you can mix and match.
I have plain, off white plates that have been lurking around for years and they are really handy as they go with everything. They don’t even match and it doesn’t bother me at all.
I tend to buy them singly rather then a whole service as generally I don’t want the matching mugs or bowls, but equally if you need the whole set then it’s a cost effective option
Below - excellent base plates for your perusal
Keeping them as cost effective as possible so you don’t have to shudder at the thought of anyone actually using them.
These are really good dinner plates, they will go with any side plate and will blend in with all sorts of side plates and napkins for layering.
I have a couple of the wavy edged plates and they are lovely
SIDE PLATES
I think I have linked these before, but they are SO useful, and you can mix and match
Here is a marvellous selection of side plates - and a platter because I couldn’t resist it and because it is a BARGAIN
STRIPE WAVY SIDE PLATE (also comes in blue)
Having matching napkins is a lovely luxury, but when I have a crowd of more than 6 or 8 it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll all match. And, should I get the linen napkins out, a massive part of me hopes they don’t actually get used because that ketchup ridden stain is gonna be a nightmare to get out. Tidy eaters only please haha
Below is a little selection of napkins for your pleasure, including paper ones as they are far less of a worry.
1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 ALL LINKED HERE £2.49 I LOVE these and always have a stash. It’s a bit like going to IKEA and not being able to leave without a fresh supply of tea lights. H&M Home? NAPKINS. Did you know they won’t actually let you leave the shop or the website without a year’s supply of paper napkins?
2 - Pair of stripes with a frill LINKED HERE also available in a neutral
4 - Pretty vintage style linen LINKED HERE £2.50 each
INCIDENTALLY & going off at a complete tangent but it might be handy, & seeing as we already have a basket full of napkins we might as well make use of the delivery fee… SO, if you have a super king sized bed and have been searching for Superking sized pillowcases at a price that is NOT super king - I always get mine in H&M home HERE BARGAIN. Wider (longer?) than a usual pillowcase so you will need the pillows to go with, if you haven’t got any DUNELM comes up with the goods HERE
Let’s move on
…to some fab little updates using some glorious bits and bobs from the internet, inspired by ‘stuff the algorithm thinks I like’ and tbh it’s not wrong.
Being my own litmus here, I think these might be up your street too…
I have bought these. I haven’t actually put them anywhere yet… But I BLUMMIN LOVE them - whether it’s tarting up a plain shelf, edging a door or as a border on a wall - they come in 2 sizes, stick on (or you can glue) and they can be painted. There are lots of ideas in the link below
SCALLOP EDGE LINKED HERE small scallop and large - and it’s on sale in Dunelm
LUCY TIFFNEY, is an amazing artist. Her signature designs are fun, bold and botanically blousy and have even graced the walls of The Ideal Home Show
This isn’t Lucy, this is Helen from Laura Ashley and yes my coat is made from Laura Ashley curtain fabric ha! You might recognise Lucy’s designs if you shop with Next - HERE
BUT… she has recently collaborated with THE VITAMIN D PROJECT to create a small but perfectly formed edit of unique wall paper borders -
‘Illusions of Grandeur’
‘Ideal for hallways, doorways, bedrooms, or living areas, these borders allow for creative expression through impactful accents. This collection is perfect for anyone looking to craft a vibrant, eclectic home that celebrates artistry and heritage, blending timelessness with modern style’ FIND THEM HERE
I also spotted these gorgeous blankets..LINKED HERE which are on sale. Lucy’s stuff is gorgeous and THAT is a rabbit hole.
Should you ever find your way out…
… I fell over the most amazing trims, which I am eyeing with great interest for various plans I have up my sleeve
Now, inside that link you can see allll the scrummy decorative mouldings on offer. You KNOW I love a scallop and a bobbin (never knowingly under catered) but did you know that the love that many of us have for a bobbin trim isn’t actually a modern fad. It has it’s roots in woodworking that goes back hundreds of years. Bobbin furniture can be traced back to the 17th Century, so if you too have a penchant for a bobbin, fill your boots as it’s not going anywhere any time soon.
It is an absolute timeless classic. Equally, if you prefer a bamboo shaped trim or a twisted rope dado - this is where you’ll find it. I had no idea there was a style called ‘sausage and pea’ but everyday is a school day, right?
Let’s talk COLLAGEN …
(previously disclosed ad but I am a genuine paying customer)
Replying to some more questions I get regularly - In-case you missed the main post about COLLAGEN AND SUPPLEMENTS I TAKE - all the info is in that link
Now, I am 54 and was starting to think I must be arthritic as the joints in my hands were so blummin sore. Menopause and all that, but I didn’t want it to be a slippery slope to just being sore all the time and complaining loudly all the time, so I bought some collagen. I have been taking it for … (brain cell come ONNNN) about 6 months and my hands don’t hurt any more. Nor does my dicky knee. I am now too scared to not take it as it feels as if it has secret witchy powers.
I still have a live discount code in case you are feeling the same and would like to try it
I TAKE THIS ONE - it doesn’t taste and dissolves in water. Sometimes I add it to my coffee instead (which isn’t recommended nor not recommended but it seems to work for me)
30% OFF FIRST SUBSCRIPTION ORDER - ACROSS THE HIGHER NATURE RANGE
Code: SALLY30
OR
15% off a single order of over £10 using SALLY15
Dates: 30th March 2025 - 30th June 2025
I chose to buy Higher Nature because there are no binders or anything in their products that shouldn’t be there. They are all natural.
And I liked the packaging.
(That’s how most things are chosen isn’t it? Especially wine. Nice bottle, lovely label? Straight in the basket)
Another popular question lately is ‘Can you remind me of the skin stuff you use’
I am thinking you might mean the Erborian CC and the Laura Geller stuff that Facebook bombarded me with until I caved and ordered some. And now I am on my second pot of it because it’s like wearing a filter.
Ok, first up - I have been using Erborian for years.
I’ll link what I currently use and swear by
Erborian CC cream - I use the shade Dore - it goes on white and adjusts to your own skin tone - it never goes blotchy or caked and it evens out my pigmentation marks so they are less noticeable. And it’s SPF 25 - tick.
‘This unique formula contains encapsulated pigments that change colour on contact with the skin. They work to even out skin tone and subtly enhance the complexion, providing light coverage and a natural looking finish. The lightweight texture blends into the skin, immediately helping to blur the skin's texture and minor imperfections.
It is EXCELLENT and I wouldn’t be without it. FIND IT HERE
If you have been following me a while, you’ll know just how much I am trying to avoid my eyes from ageing - this eye cream is really really good and wakes my eyes up each morning
GINSENG POWER EYE CREAM LINKED
BEST SELLERS AND INSPO if you fancy a dive in - I massively rate Erborian. A quiet happy customer over here.
LAURA GELLER
The BAKED BALANCE n BRIGHTEN foundation powder is what I was absolutely bombarded with on Facebook, and in the end I was like ‘OK OK I’LL ORDER SOME TO SHUT YOU UP’ so I did - & it is BRILLIANT.
I am on my second pot of it - it’s a ‘foundation’ but not like any I have ever used before. It’s a powder and it NEVER goes powdery or clumpy or anything - even on fine lines. Again, it’s like wearing a magic filter - I use GOLDEN MEDIUM - but I think I could just as easily be ok with ‘LIGHT’ so hopefully that will help you if we are similar skin tones.
There is a Shade Finder Quiz and lots of help to make sure you order the right shade and I would highly recommend her brushes, the tighter brush gives more coverage and the looser larger one gives a lighter coverage.
I BOUGHT THESE - CURRENTLY £16 for the two
There are also lots of offers and sales and discounts so make sure you have a good look to get the best price on the website.
ELZABETH ARDEN 8 HOUR CREAM This icon is currently on offer in M&S - a lovely day cream that I have been obsessed by lately - smells really nice too.
VERY much here for anything that ‘BLURS’, especially when it’s on offer. It feels lovely on and is super hydrating without feeling oily or that I have to wait to put my makeup on.
Right! One last thing. (Told you it was a mixed bag)
The sun has got it’s hat on (YIPPEEE!!) & I feel like it’s time for the annual leg shave and tan procedure to be initiated. The pins have been in hibernation all year so I like to take the ‘dazzle’ off with the ONLY tan I use because it goes on in a flash with zero streaks (you need the mitt) doesn’t stink to high heaven and fades without going blotchy I USE THE SHADE - MEDIUM and if you use HEELS20 you’ll get 20% off anything you order.
I also use the FACE TANNING DROPS which are brilliant.
Here is where I will leave you - I will be back next week with a little life update!
Have a fabulous Sunday and as ALWAYS, thanks for reading and being here! It’s a privilege to drop in to your inboxes for our Sunday morning meeting each week. THANK YOU
Lots of love
Sally xxx
The Sunday Edit is free to read and always will be. I use affiliate links where I can, to help keep it that way.
Thanks so much Sally, I love the Sunday update, it's always so full of fun and joy x
Couldn’t resist those H&M napkins! 😀