The Memo

Upon finding out we were expecting both times, the first call I made (after my doctor) was to Emmie. I had long dreamt of owning a creation by British needlepoint experts Hunt & Hope, and their signature Christmas stockings had stolen my heart. You're asked to fill out a form describing your vision along with sending inspiration imagery, and there's one rule they don't budge on:

This tiny detail is telling of their overall approach -- a bit out-of-the-box, a lot whimsical and all one-of-a-kind. Their creations extend far beyond delightful holiday decor. They're often commissioned for nursery pillows, bench cushions and really anything you can think up. The process is an absolute pleasure. I cannot wait to hang Jude's chocolate brown stocking next to Eden's this season. They were able to incorporate a meaningful homage to my dad, so it will forever serve as a sentimental piece in our home.

Christian Dior's Chateau de la Colle Noir. Why? Incredible, classic style.

Erigeron Karvinskianus in a copper planter. Why? Their lightness of touch and their abundance in equal measure - that is what does it for me.

Pool shock chlorine granules. And recyclable brown paper for all our packaging.

I never use iPhone notes. Embarrassed to admit that I'm still an old fashioned Smythson Soho Diary girl.

For my wardrobe palette it has to be claret / autumnal. For my interiors, it has to be a very warm tonal dusky pink.

It's from Rose Uniacke's Instagram feed. All about a shop in Japan called the Pigment Tokyo. It sells superb brushes, of all shapes and sizes.

It's my eldest son's 21st birthday tomorrow. Will adores playing Scrabble and so we are stitching him a needlepoint version. We are stitching his initials and his date of birth too. I shall certainly share this on Instagram when the time comes. (PS - The time came, see here!)

I googled 'Nickel'. A client wanted their snowflakes to be "a nickel size" which didn't help me at all!

To be honest, they are all memorable probably because of the bespoke nature of our work. I'm proud of it all and it doesn't matter whether it is 4" or 228" long!

I like to keep things very simple when we entertain. Blood oranges sliced finely along with some of their juices in a pretty glass bowl.

Then finely slice stem ginger and mixed that into the oranges, along with some of the stem ginger syrup. It is a marriage made in total heaven.

I'd be thrilled if any of these adjectives were used - efficient, funny, kind, creative......

Follow Hunt & Hope @huntandhope

View Hunt & Hope's website huntandhope.com