History | Five Memorable Garden Parties

There’s something magical about a gathering in a beautiful garden. Here we remember five backyard bashes that have gone down in history

Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee

You may not know, but it was Queen Victoria who hosted the first ever Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 1868. But it took her a few years to hit peak party person at her Golden Jubilee celebration in 1887. As well as several banquets, a parade and two days of festivities, around 6,000 illustrious guests (including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Leopold II of Belgium and Emperor Frederik III of Germany) enjoyed a buffet in a tent in Buckingham Palace gardens, alongside music provided by the Royal Marines. The day was captured in oil on canvas by the artist Frederick Sargent in the painting ‘The Garden Party at Buckingham Palace’, which was bought for Queen Elizabeth’s collection in 1994… Perhaps it was the inspiration for her own ‘Platty Jubes’ celebrations…

Second Earl of Dudley’s 21st at Witley Court

Whether your 21st was a posh bash at the golf club or a few jars at the men’s working club and a homemade cake, it will have paled in comparison to the 21st birthday celebrations of William Ward, Second Earl of Dudley in 1888. The party was a three-day event comprising a ball for 214 with a music marquee as well as a separate marquee for coachmen and a temporary stable to accommodate 100 horses. But the party piece de resistance was Day Three when 900 of his tenants and workers lunched in a massive marquee in his park, after which guests enjoyed ‘swings and roundabouts and boats on the lakes, sports races and music’. Bunting hung all over the drive, the fountains were lit and the night ended with ‘one of the most splendid displays of fireworks ever seen in this country’. Inviting absolutely everyone in the vicinity including women, children and servants worked well in ensuring there were no complaints about the noise!

The Party of the Delights of the Enchanted Island, Versailles

One way to make a party memorable is a quirky theme, which is clearly what Louis XIV had in mind when he threw a party for his mother based on the story of Alcine the Magician from the book Roland Furieux by Ariosto. The party included a horseback parade, in which the King took part, playing the part of ‘Roger’ from the book, followed by Apollo’s Chariot down to ‘Alcine’s Palace’ built especially for the occasion. There were horse-riding competitions, operas, comedies, readings, shepherds and shepherdesses dancing while surrounded by animals… The King himself starred in a ballet just for the ladies, written for him by none other than Moliere and feasts were served by masked and costumed servants. On the third day, Alcine’s Palace was lit up by a firework display during which a floating ‘whale’ and two whale calves took Alcine and her servants away across the water. 

We don’t even want to think about how many bin liners it took to clear that little bash up. 

MOMA’s Party in the Garden 2022

MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art) in New York City has held an annual fundraiser every year since 1969. Sadly the party was cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 and in 2021 it had to be held as an online-only event. So by the time the Party in the Garden returned in June 2022 everyone was even more excited than usual to be together in beautiful surroundings, raising money for the museum which had been closed to visitors for so long. New York’s arty types enthusiastically filled MOMA’s modern sculpture garden that evening to honour film-maker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson. The couple told the assembled crowd how they had enjoyed one of their first dates in the museum, everyone dined on a meal of halibut and burrata and then finished a magical evening dancing to rapper Anderson Paak and DJ Michael Brun. Sometimes the best garden parties are the ones you’ve waited the longest for.

Secret Garden Party

The indie arts and music festival, Secret Garden Party (SGP) was launched in 2004 by DJ and art student Fred Fellowes (SGP’s Head Gardener) and James Whewell, heir to Wyresdale Park, to be an alternative to the larger, mainstream music festivals. It began with just 300 revellers, growing to welcome some 35,000 people 13 years after its inception. As well as live music, art installations and performances, guests can take part in everything from outdoor swimming to parades to workshops, all in the magical setting of Abbots Ripton in Cambridgeshire in the grounds of a Georgian farmhouse, taking in lakes, a river, and beautiful landscaped gardens. Each year has a ‘theme’ that binds together all the acts and offerings and every year is special in its own way, but 2012 is generally accepted to have been the best SGP of all time, with acts including Orbital, KT Tunstall, Lamb and Tim Minchin. The festival is all about ‘secrets’ though, with one of the best being that the acts are not disclosed before the day itself, so you never know quite what sort of garden party you might get!

If you’re feeling inspired by garden parties and secret gardens you might enjoy our feature, Plot Twist, in our September issue, which is all about gardens from fiction. The illustration by Lucille Clerc, above, is taken from Literary Gardens: The Imaginary Gardens Of Writers And Poets by Sandra Lawrence (Frances Lincoln), and depicts a scene from the short story, The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield.
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Make | An Upcycled Jumper Blanket

Illustration by Christina Carpenter

A good use for any moth-eaten jumpers – sew them into a patchwork blanket for cosy reading sessions by the fire.

You will need
Old jumpers, throws and blankets; good scissors; paper; an old bed sheet; wool; large needle.

To make
1 Decide how big you want your squares and make somepaper templates – a 20cm square is a good size to work with. Cut a few paper squares, then pin them to the jumpers or blankets and cut out. Keep cutting squares until you have enough. The size of the blanket is up to you but 10 x 15 squares is good.

2 Zig-zag stitch around the edges of your squares to stop unravelling, lay them out on the floor and arrange them in an order you like. Sew together the squares in each long row first, giving you several ‘strips’ of squares. Then sew the strips together. You can do this by hand or use a sewing machine.

3 Place the blanket right side down on an old bed sheet and sew the two together leaving a gap to turn the blanket right side out, then close it up by hand. Using wool and a large needle, blanket stitch all around the blanket’s edge.

4 Curl up on the sofa under it.

You can find more seasonal things to note and notice, plan and do on our Almanac pages every month.

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Manifesto | Slapdash

Embrace our manifesto for living a life that’s not perfect but ‘good enough’

The word ‘perfect’ is banned from The Simple Things. It’s hard to live a slower, more fulfilled life when we are surrounded by unrealistic examples of a flawless existence. So, cakes are wonky, suggestions are could-do, not should do, food is slow, not for show. Yes, we make things look pretty and choose the most beautiful pictures because there’s a pleasure in that, but our weekend projects are ‘proudly homemade’ and we’re never striving to ‘impress our guests’ in our Gathering recipe ideas. Belongings are often more treasured because they’re imperfect and many of our favourite memories stem from things that went awry. When we talk to people about their plots, jobs, homes or cities, we ask about their mistakes, failures, problems and life lessons, as well as the good stuff. 

After a decade of advocating the simple things, we figured it was time to speak out for ‘good enough’ and urge everyone to experiment with a little bit of slapdash. So here is our Slapdash Manifesto. Stick it on your fridge or add it haphazardly to your pinboard, maybe order one of our patches (available in our online store soon) and stitch it badly to something that you’ll wear with pride. 

PRACTISE

Become a dabbler. Feel the joy in ‘having a go’ Just begin.

BE PRAGMATIC

Enjoy the journey. It’s the doing it, not the result, that matters.

FIND PERSPECTIVE

Everyone loves a trier. It’s the spirit of it that counts. You are your own worst critic.

LEARN TO PLAY

Relish it. Enjoy rather than endeavour. Make your own rules.

PAUSE

Stop for cake. Embrace no-dash slapdash. Go slow.

Make | Koromogae Linen Spray

Photography by Louise Gorrod

Koromogae is the switchover between the seasons in Japan: a chance to get out the clothes and furnishings you’ve had in storage, and carefully stash away the things you’ll no longer need for the coming months. This homemade linen spray will keep your clothes fresh (and moth free) until the warmer weather. Simply spritz sheets, clothes, towels, curtains and other fabrics in your home for a refresh that you can make in minutes.

Makes 1 bottle

You will need
90ml vodka or rubbing alcohol
20-30 drops of essential oils (see suggested combinations below)
350ml distilled water
Measuring jug
Spray bottle (at least 500ml)
Small funnel

To make…
1 Pour the vodka or rubbing alcohol into a measuring jug and carefully add your essential oil drops. If using a blend, rather than just a single scent, do it slowly so you can make sure you have a fragrance that you like.

2 Add the water and mix thoroughly.

3 Using a funnel, add the liquid to the spray bottle and screw the top on. Label the bottle and remember to shake thoroughly before using.

Maker’s note: If you use rubbing alcohol rather than vodka it’ll have a stronger smell and requires a more thorough shaking to mix the ingredients each time you use it. This spray will last up to one year – however, if the spray starts to smell differently, it’s time to replace.

Scent combinations to try: Lemon and lavender; Sandalwood and clementine; Rose, lavender, jasmine and sandalwood.

This project is from our Home Economics page which, this month, is all about the Japanese tradition of Koromogae - the seasonal switchover in the home. You can read more about it in our October issue.

Project by Karen Dunn, photography by Louise Gorrod.

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Recipe | Baked Pear Pies

Photography by Kym Grimshaw

Making little pastry leaves to go on a pie is a core memory for many of us. There is something about adding small artistic touches that elevates food out of functionality and into aesthetically-pleasing fabulousness.

Serves 4

For the pastry
225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
120g fridge-cold butter, grated
2 tbsp icing sugar
Pinch of salt
1 egg, beaten with 2 tsp very cold water

For the pies
4 pears
2 tbsp milk, for glazing
Crème fraîche, for serving
Maple syrup, for drizzling

1 First, make the pastry. Put the flour in a bowl and add the grated butter. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

2 Mix in the icing sugar and salt followed by the beaten egg mixture. Combine to make a rough dough using a table knife then turn out the pastry onto a work surface and bring it together into a ball. Wrap in cling film and put in fridge for 30 mins.

3 Preheat the oven to 175C/Fan 155C/ Gas 4.Peel and halve the pears, leaving the stem intact. Use a small knife to scoop out the core and seeds. Place flat side down on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.

4 Roll out your pastry so that it’s around 5mm thick. Cut it into four equal squares and place over each pear – they should be big enough to fit over a pear half. Cut away the pastry from the edge of each pear.

5 Make a couple of slits into the top of the pastry and use the pastry you cut away to create leaves. Attach these to the top of the pears with a little milk and then brush all over.

6 Bake for 20 mins.

7 Let the pies cool on the tray and then transfer them to serving plates, pastry side down. Top with crème fraîche and drizzle with maple syrup.

This recipe is just one of the ideas from our October issue’s Kitchen Therapy pages, which also include recipes for a Turmeric & Ginger Tonic, Mushroom Risotto with Crispy Sage, Cardamom Knots and Seed & Nut Brittle, alongside ideas for seasonal ways to pass the time while the oven is doing its work. The recipes are by Lottie Storey and the photography is by Kym Grimshaw.

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Sponsored post | One.World Reader Discount

Enjoy an exclusive reader discount at One.World – considered interiors for both your
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At One.World, we believe the things you choose for your home should be as thoughtful as the life that you live. Our product range is now bigger than ever, with inspiring new lines alongside the timeless favourites that our customers already love – all blending beautiful design with a mindful approach to how things are made, with each piece crafted to last and to be cherished for years to come.

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Sponsored Post | Keep the Home Fires Burning with Charnwood

Family run Charnwood is providing a warmer, smarter future with its new Aire Intelligent wood-burning stove

There’s something wonderful about the crackle of a real wood fire: the flicker of flames, the warmth and the unmistakable sense of comfort it brings to a home. As the evenings draw in and we seek refuge from the chill, many of us yearn for that cosy centrepiece: a stove that not only warms our rooms but anchors our lives with a sense of calm and tradition.

Charnwood has spent the last 50 years honing that experience. As a family-run, British business, it’s built a reputation for designing and engineering stoves that celebrate the magic of real fires while embracing innovation, sustainability and environmental responsibility. And now it’s thrilled to introduce its most advanced family of stoves yet – Aire Intelligent.

A revolution in wood burning, the Aire Intelligent is a smarter way to enjoy a real fire, without compromise. Using its pioneering I-Blu combustion technology, it actively monitors the fire, automatically adjusting the airflow to ensure the cleanest, most efficient burn possible. Simply load and light the stove, close the door, and let it do the rest. No fiddling, no second-guessing, just effortless warmth.

In a world increasingly concerned with emissions and energy use, the Aire Intelligent stove leads the way. It burns less wood, produces fewer particulates and delivers exceptional real-world performance that matches, and often exceeds, lab-tested standards. Plus it’s British made and built to last.

Despite the benefits, wood burning has often come under fire in the media, but much of the criticism has focused on outdated appliances and poor burning practices. Charnwood stoves, including the new Aire Intelligent range, represents a different approach: cleaner, greener, and smarter. Wood is a renewable, low-carbon fuel when burned correctly and it can play an important part in the climate solution.

For five decades, Charnwood’s been combining craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering to create products that bring people together and warm more than just their homes. So, if you’re considering a wood burning stove, think beyond the heat it provides. Think about the atmosphere, the sustainability, the ease of use and the sheer joy of a fire that knows how to look after itself. Welcome to Aire Intelligent. Welcome to a new era of wood burning.

For more information and to find a stockist, visit charnwood.com or follow on Instagram at:
@charnwoodstoves

Wellbeing | Why Wildlife Photography Helps

We all know that being in nature is good for the soul, but maybe capturing images from nature can help, too. Here are eight ways photographing wildlife can improve your wellbeing

1. It gets you outdoors

Photographing nature also means you’re getting fresh air and sunshine (or daylight at the very least) both of which are good for you. 

2. Just being outside often puts a bad day in perspective, too. 

Try photographing the clouds or a big horizon and notice how your worries feel just a bit less significant. 

3. Outdoor photography brings physical benefits

Walking in the woods, hiking up hills, squatting at the edge of fields waiting for the perfect moment… capturing nature on camera is surprisingly good exercise. 

4. It boosts creativity…

…and being creative improves wellbeing, reduces your levels of stress hormones and helps to quieten the mind. 

5. You can use photography to express feelings

Like writing or painting, photography of any kind can provide an outlet for your emotions, which in turn can help you feel more emotionally balanced. Doing so in an outdoor environment often makes it feel easier to access those emotions and connect with them, too. 

6. Photography is good for your confidence

Having your patience rewarded by finally capturing the creature you were after, or getting a beautiful shot lit just the way you had hoped for, can be a huge positivity boost for anyone, from beginners to photography professionals. 

7. It creates communities

While nature photography can certainly be a solo hobby, it can also be a very sociable thing, with lots of photography clubs and online groups to join. Sharing your work and seeing others’ work, too, is a lovely way to connect with people with similar interests and build a community.

8. It brings joy time and again

Capturing wildlife on camera gives you a boost at the time, but then also gives you a lift every time you scroll through your camera roll or see a memory pop up on your phone. Make the most of this feeling by printing some of your favourite photos out and framing them, or having them printed onto coasters to make you smile each time you see them. 

If you’re inspired to have a go at nature photography yourself, you might enjoy meeting Andrew Fusek Peters in our September issue, who took the beautiful photo above, having used his hobby to recover from a period of poor mental health. You can see more of his work in his book, Garden Safari or at his website fusekphots.com. 

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Recipe | Maritozzi (cream buns)

The cream-filled buns from Roma are having a bit of a moment right now. These mini versions work for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, merenda (snack), Tuesdays, etc…

Makes 12

4g fast action dried yeast (or 8g fresh yeast)

125ml whole milk, warmed to about 37°C

250g strong bread flour or Italian 00 flour, plus extra for dusting

50g caster sugar

1 large egg yolk

25ml neutral oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange, coarsely grated

for the sugar glaze:

25g golden caster sugar

½ tsp sea salt

for the filling:

225ml whipping cream

2 tsp icing sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 Make a sponge starter by mixing the yeast with the warmed milk until it’s dissolved, then mix in half the flour and sugar. Mix well by hand with a whisk, cover, and leave for 1 hr until risen, spongy and bubbly.

2 Combine all the remaining ingredients with the sponge starter and add the remaining flour, little by

little, mixing to a non-sticky dough.

3 Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 10 mins until smooth.

4 Return the dough to a clean bowl, cover, and leave until doubled in size. Depending on the temperature, this will take about 1 hr at a room temp.

5 Knock back the dough and shape into a round, then divide into 12 even pieces (or weigh into 30g portions). Shape each piece into an oval by firstly rolling into a ball and very lightly pinching the dough underneath for a smooth shape. Place the dough ovals on 2 baking sheets lined with baking paper, not too close as they expand. Cover and leave to rise for 40 mins.

6 Preheat the oven to 200C/ Fan 180C/Gas 6. Bake the buns for 10 mins, or until golden brown.

7 For the glaze, place the sugar and salt in a pan with 2 tablespoons of water. Heat gently until the sugar’s dissolved and the glaze has thickened. Brush it over the buns straight from the oven and leave to cool on a rack.

8 Meanwhile, whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla until thickened. With a bread knife, slice each bun down the middle. Fill a piping bag with the cream and pipe it into each bun. Use a small palette knife to scrape the cream smooth and to give the maritozzi their recognisable finish.

Cook’s note: For other fillings, try pistachio cream mixed with cream, a chocolate cream or Nutella. Press the likes of strawberries, freeze-dried raspberries, chocolate or chopped nuts into the surface as decoration.

These cream buns are taken from Dolci Italiani by Ursula Ferrigno. Photography: Clare Winfield (Ryland Peters & Small).

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Playlist | Sunday songs

Our October playlist is compiled by Daniel Gray, author of Sunday Best: Travels through the day of rest.

These are songs that sum up the spirit of a Sunday. Have a listen on Spotify here.

You can see some of Daniel’s ‘Sunday best’ outing suggestions in HUG, the October 2025 issue of The Simple Things magazine.

Competition | Win Tickets to the Mind, Body & Spirit Festival

Ready to refresh your soul, awaken your senses and dive deep into all things wellness, self-love and spirituality? Then next month’s Mind Body Spirit Festival may be for you. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 14-16 November 2025, the Mind Body Spirit Festival is celebrating its 10th year at the NEC and is the ultimate celebration of holistic living. The Simple Things has 10 pairs of one-day standard entry tickets up for grabs, worth up to £42 per pair.

As a visitor to the 2025 Mind Body Spirit Festival you can expect to enjoy seven different feature areas, where you can listen to transformational talks on a range of subjects including midlife musings, manifestation and astral projection. Perhaps you’d prefer restorative sound baths or to find out more about healing therapies, yoga, dance and music, plus there will be tarot and psychic readings for the inquisitive. While the Wellbeing Market will showcase over 125 unique brands – ideal for topping up your crystals, essential oils or to simply buy a beautiful gift for yourself or a loved one.

Win tickets to next month’s Mind Body Spirit Festival, and immerse yourself in all things wellbeing and spirituality

Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or just starting on your journey, this is your chance to discover new tools for personal growth, connect with like-minded souls, explore conscious brands and experiences, or to simply relax, recharge and re-align. The Mind Body Spirit Festival is a great opportunity to be part of something magical.

For more information, inspiration and to buy early bird advance tickets, visit: mindbodyspiritfestival.co.uk/birmingham or follow on Instagram: @mbswellbeing, and on Facebook: @mindbodyspiritfestival

How to enter

For a chance to win one of 10 pairs of tickets to the Mind Body Spirit Festival at NEC Birmingham, enter our competition by clicking the button below by the closing date of 5 November 2025 and answering the following question:

Q: How many years has the festival been taking place at the NEC Birmingham?

Terms and conditions

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 November 2025. Ten winners will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winners cannot transfer their prize or swap it for cash. Prize is 10 x pairs of one-day standard entry tickets. Travel to and from the event is the winners’ responsibility. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Competition | Win a shop worth £200 at Gudrun Sjödén

If your wardrobe’s in need of a boost or a bit of colour therapy, enter our competition to win a
Gudrun Sjödén spree

As the weather slowly turns and the seasonal colours blend towards rich, warm tones, it’s time to set sail on a new adventure with Gudrun Sjödén’s latest collection – beautiful, heirloom pieces that could soon be adorning your wardrobe as The Simple Things has two vouchers up for grabs, each worth £200.

Inspired by a journey along the Atlantic Ocean, the latest collection is a patchwork of capsules, all giving their own nod to people, places and concepts. While the striking colours and unique patterns are characteristically typical of the joyous Swedish brand that we know and love.

Explore the remote island of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean through beautiful clothes that imagine soft silhouettes and tactile, natural fabrics, all in a muted palette of warm greys and muted olive greens.

Meanwhile, the Azores and French painter, Paul Gauguin, have inspired a collection of rich, sumptuous colours – an ideal balance to the cool shades of wintry landscapes. Think oversized squares, stripes and block-coloured fields. The palette is borrowed from the artist’s work, featuring aubergine, burnt orange, bottle green and deep indigo. In particular, the Azores linen smock blouse is a statement piece to love throughout the seasons.

Lambswool, velour and quilted organic cotton provide softness and warmth as the evenings grow chillier, while winter’s prettiest coat, the ‘Alberta’, is crafted in recycled wool and polyester.

Shunning fast changing trends, each Gudrun Sjödén collection is designed as a new chapter in an ongoing story of patterns, textiles and colours. Enter and you could win a voucher, worth £200, to spend on staples that will be loved for generations.

For more info, visit gudrunsjoden.com or follow on Insta at: @gudrunsjoden.ldn. 65-67 Monmouth St, London, WC2H 9DG, or visit the pop-up, 24 Oct - 2 Nov, at Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT.

How to enter 

For your chance to win one of two Gudrun Sjödén vouchers, each worth £200, enter our competition now by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of
5 November 2025.

Q: Which French painter inspired some of this season’s colourful collection?

Terms and conditions:

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 November 2025. Two winners will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winners cannot transfer their prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at: icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Reading | Books for Train Journeys

This month marks 200 years of passenger railways and a good book is a train journey essential as far as we’re concerned. Here are a few page turners to get you on your way…

The Railway Children

Edith Nesbit’s Edwardian novel is a classic for a reason. The tale of three children, moved from London after their father is imprisoned for spying, who wave at train passengers, is worth a revisit if you read it as a child or discovering if not.

The Necropolis Railway

The first of Andrew Martin’s Jim Stringer series, in which the Yorkshire railwayman turned amateur sleuth solves mysteries occurring on various British train lines in the steam-soundtracked early 1900s.

The Kingdom By The Sea

As the Falklands War rumbles on, Paul Theroux circumnavigates Britain’s coast in one of his typically

thoughtful travel books, meeting peculiar characters, walking a lot and often travelling by rail.

These ideas for railway page turners is taken from our September ‘outing’ pages, which focus on days out with trains, from request stops to iconic journeys to walks along disused railways. The illustration is by Colin Elgie.

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Tipple | Warm Apple Cider with Lemon & Rosemary

Serve outdoors as the weather determines – warm if there’s a nip in the air, or over ice if the sun still is shining.

Serves 6

100g caster sugar
3 slices ginger
1 ltr medium dry cider
200ml freshly pressed apple juice
Juice of half a lemon
6-8 sprigs of rosemary, to serve

1 Make a syrup by heating the sugar and ginger with 50ml of water over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove the ginger and set aside.

2 Combine the other ingredients in a pan and heat gently. Add half the sugar syrup and taste, keep adding until you reach the desired sweetness.

3 Gently bruise the base of each rosemary sprig to release the flavour, add one to each glass and fill.

This recipe is taken from our September ‘Gathering’ pages, which this month takes the form of a menu for an allotment lunch with friends using grown-yourself veg. The menu includes Grilled Padron Peppers, Mackerel Pate, Courgette Feta Mint & Pine Nut Tart, Apple Kohlrabi & Salad, Tangy Tomato Chutney and a Plum & Almond Traybake. Recipes & styling by Anneliese Klos and Liz Boyd. Photography: by Urszula Soltys.

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Competition | Win a Janome 230DC sewing machine

When you’re ready to sew, it’s easy to get started and you can try all types of projects with the JANOME 230DC. We have won to give away to a TST reader

Fully computerised with stitches and settings at the touch of a button, these robust models have lots of easy-to-use features which make sewing a pleasure.

JANOME sewing machines are synonymous with innovation, quality, and ease of use. This
Autumn JANOME have a great all-round sewing machine for one lucky reader to win.

Model 230DC has lots of easy-to-use features which make sewing a pleasure. It is the ideal machine to grow with your skills. Fully computerised with stitches and settings at the touch of a button. No fuss threading with the auto needle threader, top loading bobbin & a hard cover for storage.

The Prize

JANOME 230DC computerised model has 30 stitch choices and three buttonhole styles; this machine is perfect for beginners and more advanced hobbyists alike. Begin your sewing journey with a smooth operating, robustly built JANOME.

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning just click on the button below and answer the following question by the closing date of 31 October 2025.

Q: How many stitch choices does the Janome 230DC have?

Terms & Conditions

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 31 October 2025. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. Free delivery of prize within the UK. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules

Special offer

The usual price for the Janome 230DC is £439 but with Janome’s Sewing with Style offer this autumn it’s available at just £389. See all of Janome’s latest offers on their website: https://www.janome.co.uk/special-offers. Visit your local Janome retailer to see the JANOME range or click here to find your nearest store. Follow Janome online at @janomeuk.

Miscellany | Hats of Note

A hat always adds an element of distinction. In our September issue, we visited the Bridport Hat Festival and photographed some of the most creative chapeaus we found there. As the festival opens again, we thought we would bring you a few facts about some well known hats and their wearers. 

Sherlock Holmes’ Deerstalker

Conan Doyle’s much-loved detective is known for his deerstalker hat, but in fact the author never described him wearing such a hat. Holmes himself would rarely have worn such as hat as it wasn’t city attire. The deerstalker was an addition by the illustrator Sydney Paget for a Holmes story that took place in the countryside (The Boscombe Valley Mystery) and the image became synonymous in our minds with the great detective himself. 

Indiana Jones’s Fedora

The fictional archaeologist’s hat was a central part of his character, often being grabbed in improbably dangerous manner as he narrowly escaped rolling boulders, closing doors and historical baddies. In fact, the purpose of the hat was to shade Harrison Ford’s face in order to make it easier to swap in a stunt man. 

Carmen Miranda’s Fruit Hat

Miranda’s fruit hats were inspired by the clothes worn by Afro Brazilian Baianas (street vendors) in colonial Brazil. For her song ‘What Does the Baiana Have?’ she wore a cloth turban and added an imitation basket of fruit in homage to the trays of fruit Baianas carried on their heads. While the look understandably caused controversy back in her home country of Brazil, it was a style that made Miranda an icon. 

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Pillbox Hat

Jackie O catapulted the pillbox to fame (or perhaps it catapulted her, who knows?). The pink pillbox she was wearing on the day of her husband’s assasination was to be beamed across the globe for all the wrong reasons. But it’s the pillbox she wore on the day of the Presidential inauguration that is perhaps the more interesting. Most people remember it as being a baby blue but in fact the hat, and the whole outfit, was a light faun shade. It’s thought that a shadow cast on her in the (very early colour) photos made it look as though it had a blue-ish hue. 

The Mad Hatter’s Silk Topper

Silk toppers had mostly replaced beaver fur top hats by 1865 when Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published. But it’s the piece of paper stuck into the silk by illustrator Tenniel that made it famous. The paper reads 10/6 (ten shillings and sixpence), and was presumably a sign that the Hatter, high on the mercury used to stabilise wool for felting, was so forgetful he’d failed to remove the price when he plucked the hat from his shop’s shelf and headed to the tea party. 

If you’d like to see more hats like the one pictured above, you might enjoy our ‘modern eccentrics’ piece on the Bridport Hat Festival in our September issue. Photography by Jonathan Cherry.

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Fun | Games for Round the Fire

Run out of marshmallows but the flames are still high? Fed up with Eye Spy? Here are some fun fireside games you might not know to pass the time

1. Pass the Carrot

Everyone sits in a circle with hands behind their backs. A carrot is passed between them. One person sits in the middle of the circle and has to guess where the carrot is. If they guess correctly they switch places with that person. The aim of the game is to ‘disappear’ the carrot by taking a bite whenever the person in the middle is not looking. If you get caught with the carrot, you’re ‘out’. 

2. Repeat the Beat

Sitting in a circle around the fire, one person taps out a beat using their hands on their knees. The person to their right has to repeat the beat, and then add a bit more. The game continues, moving to the right, until someone fails to repeat the beat. 

3. Fortunately Unfortunately

The first player begins a story with an opening sentence, for example, “I opened the door and found a bear standing on the door mat.” The person to their right begins the next sentence with ‘fortunately’... “Fortunately the bear was friendly!” The next player starts their sentence with ‘unfortunately’... “Unfortunately he was also starving hungry.” The next player begins with fortunately again: “Fortunately I had an enormous packet of bear snacks in the kitchen” and so on and so on. 

4. In the Pond

This is great for a big group. One person is the ‘caller’. Everyone else sits around the fire and follows the instructions. The caller shouts one of three instructions. If they shout “In the pond” everyone has to put their hands into the circle (the pond). If they shout “Out of the pond!” everyone has to put their hands up above their heads. If they should “On the bank” everyone puts their hands on their thighs. When you get the hand position wrong, you’re out and have to sit on your hands until the end of the day. 

5. The Vegetable Game

Every person names themselves after a vegetable and shares their new name with the group. Theyoungest person in the circles says their vegetable name twice, followed by another player’s vegetable name. So ‘Potato’ might call out “Potato, Potato, Aubergine”. ‘Aubergine’ might then say “Aubergine, aubergine, carrot” and play would pass to carrot. To make it trickier, when anyone is speaking they are not allowed to show their teeth. If they do show their teeth or call out a vegetable that is no longer or was never in the game, they’re out. 

If you’re feeling inspired to gather round the firepit with friends, you might like our My Place pages in our September issue, which feature lots more beautiful firepit set-ups.

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Sponsored post | Best Unique Hideaways for Autumn and Winter Escapes

The perfect time of year to rest and recharge, the lure of autumn and winter escapes is nothing short of magical. From embracing slow mornings in plump duvets and walks through flurries of golden leaves, to savouring gravy-topped roasts and hygge-filled moments by the fire, there is timeless wonder at every turn.

Whether you are seeking a heavenly treehouse, a country cabin, a mountainside hut or more, discover a dreamy collection of glamping escapes in the UK with Unique Hideaways to soothe the soul this cosy season.

Kalmynsi Treehouse, Cornwall

Head to Kalmynsi Treehouse in the leafy depths of South Cornwall to find this heavenly, handcrafted hideaway for two. Above the waterways of the Helford River, this sylvan sanctuary promises a wood-fired outdoor hot tub and Scandi-inspired interiors for the best of indoor-outdoor living. Wander the ancient woodland of the Helford before returning to snooze by the wood burner or lounge on the balcony as countless stars illuminate the treetops above.

Na Mara Bothy, Argyll and Bute

Perfect for solo breaks and romantic getaways, dog-friendly Na Mara Bothy awaits beside a private beach in West Scotland. Step beyond the threshold to trace loch shores and the foot of towering peaks that turn pearly white in winter and explore the endless beauty spots nearby. To relax, Na Mara Bothy’s wood burner-warmed living spaces and loch-view garden are a dream for cosy moments wrapped in the pages of a book or immersed in shared anecdotes.

Sun-Dapple, Devon

Offering an unrivalled window to the natural world, Sun-Dapple is an utterly unique hideout within 14 acres of ancient oak woodland. The perfect escape for couples and families alike, it welcomes up to four guests to enjoy its cocoon-like interiors that lend an irresistibly fairytale quality to forest escapes. Laze in the hammock in sun-dappled light, cook up a feast in the covered outdoor kitchen, and gather around the alfresco fire pit for treats and tales as day gives way to dusk.

Florian, Somerset

Explore under crisp blue skies and snuggle up under starlit nights at Florian. An imaginatively transformed shipping container in the bucolic Somerset countryside, this dog-friendly hideaway for two beckons for dreamy autumn and winter escapes. Venture outside to discover the heaven-sent surroundings for days of adventure, and when you’re ready to return, admire the far-reaching views from the comforts of the sumptuous sofa or soothing outdoor bath.

Hazel, Devon

Set within a 50-acre woodland reserve, Hazel is perfectly placed for those seeking romantic tranquillity. Awake each morning to the sound of birdsong as light pours through the trees and step out onto the deck to gaze at the valley vistas. When you’re ready to emerge from the beautiful, handcrafted interiors, an array of local gems calls for leisurely sightseeing, while the wood burner and outdoor hot tub await to tempt you back again.

Albie’s Freight Train, Yorkshire

Take an unforgettable journey to Yorkshire with Albie’s Freight Train for a seasonal staycation for two. Just a few miles from Richmond, this thoughtfully converted railway carriage invites relaxation and exploration alike. Embrace the location to reconnect with nature and fall in love with the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors. To unwind, snuggle up in the cosy interiors with your latest page-turner or hop in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub to soak up the panoramic views.

The Crook, Somerset

In a pastoral paradise, The Crook is a dream for autumnal escapes and wintry wanderings. With everything you need, this welcoming shepherd’s hut for two enjoys elegantly designed interiors in soothing tones and a landscaped garden with outdoor seating, a pizza oven and hot tub. Cook up an alfresco feast, adorning cosy layers to eat outside or heading inside to dine beside the fire. After rural ramblings, sink into the tub to stargaze from the soothing water.

The Woodsman, Staffordshire

Seek solo escapism or treasure a romantic getaway at The Woodsman. Exuding charm, this picturesque cabin in Staffordshire promises a nourishing retreat to nature. Located on a sustainable site, its surrounding countryscapes adopt a fiery autumn hue that give way to silvery shades in winter. Explore Loynton Moss Nature Reserve for wildlife watching and nearby Eccleshall for boutique browsing, before returning to relax in the hot tub or one of the armchairs in the amber warmth of the wood burner.

The Wrens Nest, Cumbria

Wend beneath copper-coloured canopies to find The Wrens Nest in the Cumbrian countryside. Wrapped in frosted forest scenes in winter, this wooded hideaway for two blends seamlessly with its surroundings and offers the perfect base from which to explore Penrith and the Lake District National Park. Stroll across the fairylight-strung bridge to step into a fantasy realm where empty agendas, a bubbling hot tub, and spellbinding scenery promise a bewitching escape.

Explore the full collection of glamping in the UK with Unique Hideaways for magical autumn and winter escapes.

Make | A Garden Bar

Upcycle an old (or new) potting bench into a bar cart to get the garden party started.

You’ll need:

A wooden potting bench (with a removable bowl if possible); sandpaper; outdoor paint in a colour of your choice; a towel ring, a wall-mounted bottle opener; cutlery hooks; ice bucket if your bench has no bowl; drill or screwdriver. 

To make:

1 If you bought your potting bench new (we found good flatpack models in Ikea and B&Q), put it together first. Then give it all a good sand and wipe down. 

2 Paint the bar all over in an outdoor paint colour of your choice. The louder the better, we think. 

3 Once dry, sand lightly, wipe down and give it a second coat. 

4 When the second coat is fully dry, screw the towel rain (for your bar towel) and bottle opener to the outside of the bar. If your bar has drawers, you can change the handles to something more suited to a bar, too. 

5 Fill your ice bucket or bowl with ice and cold drinks, add cocktail shakers, spirits, mixers and small bowls to the shelves. Pop snacks and bar games of your choice into the drawers and invite your friends round. 

This project is taken from our Almanac pages, which feature seasonal things to note and notice, plan and do each month.

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Recipe | Greek Panzanella

This is a delicious merging of the Greek and Italian classics. Key ingredients include ripe, juicy, sun-kissed tomatoes, bread and olive oil with vinegar to bring it all together. Feel free to embellish with additional veg or fruit (a hint of peach or a few raspberries, perhaps) and fresh herbs, or scale it back to its bare bones with just dressed tomatoes and bread.

Serves 4

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1kg tomato (try a mix of colours)

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Olive oil

2 slices pita bread or sourdough, stale or toasted

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

4 tbsp pitted olives or 2 tbsp capers (or a combination)

400g feta

Large handful of fresh herbs (such as dill, mint, basil, parsley, coriander, chervil and chives), finely chopped

1 Place the sliced onions in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Leave to soak and soften while
you make up the rest of the salad.

2 Slice the tomatoes (or halve if they’re cherry tomatoes). Sprinkle with a pinch of the fresh herbs (finely chopped) as well as a pinch of salt and pepper. Splash the vinegar over. 

3 Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces – you can give it a quick flash in the oven to toast it gently first. Mix the bread through the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and arrange the mixture on a serving platter. 

4 Tuck the cucumber slices into the mix, arranging evenly over the top. 

5 Drain the onions and add them to the salad, along with the herbs. Gently fold through the mix and
dot the olive and/or capers on top.

6 Crumble the feta into bite-sized pieces and dot over the top. Season the salad with a good twist of black pepper and a last drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours (bringing to room temperature before serving).

This recipe is just one of the ideas from our September Home Economics pages, which is all about the mighty tomato. You can also learn how to make gazpacho, cherry tomato bombs, pan con tomate and fermented ketchup. The recipes are by Rachel de Thample and the photography is by Ali Allen.

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