 This autumn it’s all about the 1940s and 1950s, so we’re getting in the mood by picking sloes to make sloe gin, pulling out pots and pans to make chutney and whipping up cakes in the kitchen. For 40s food inspiration check out Marguerite Patten’s Victory Cookbook (Hamlyn, £7.99).
London’s swinging again with Lindy Hop clubs all the rage. Check out www.swingland.com for classes and events throughout the country. We’ll be dressing the part, too, in pencil skirts and tailored jackets, they’re on the high street but for authenticity why not look on eBay for the real thing.
 For those with a sweet tooth, check out London’s Hope and Greenwood www.hopeandgreenwood.co.uk – this authentic 1955 sweetshop is the place to visit. They have 175 jars of splendid nostalgic confectionery and it’s all just too spoiling!
Aga has some gorgeous additions to its cookware range, including a fabulous retro teapot (with capacity for eight mugs) a beautifully funky clock, super spotty textiles and brilliant flan dishes. They’re must-haves for the kitchen, so visit www.agacookshop.co.uk or call 08457125207 for details. Everything in the range is beautiful, durable and practical just as you’d expect from Aga and even the dog won’t be left out as there’s a gorgeous enamel pet bowl too.
 Afternoon tea is big too. The Tea Palace in Notting Hill is the perfect venue to delicately sip tea and nibble on sandwiches, scones and cake. If you’re not in London you can still buy their tea online, with more than 150 of the finest teas and infusions available you’ll be in heaven at teatime.
There are few things as fun as flicking through a vintage magazine. There are always lots on eBay and car boot sales are a good place to pick them up too. It’s amusing to see how both fashions and attitudes have changed over the years.
Finally, forget emails and texts and write proper letters as they would have in the 40s and 50s. Check out the range of suitably scrummy stationery from Smythson at www.smythson.com. |
