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Hilma af Klint and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

We love Hilma af Klint, the Swedish artist who preceded the likes of Kandinsky, Mondrian and Warhol with her vast abstract paintings. She has only recently gained the proper recognition she deserves, in part thanks to a major retrospective that opened at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm in 2013 with subsequent stints at the Serpentine Gallery in 2016 and the Guggenheim, New York last year. This Friday evening there’s the chance to hear the exhibition’s original curator, Iris Müller-Westermann in conversation with Halina Dyrschka, director of a new documentary on the artist, Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint. Sign up here to join the free Facebook Live that runs from 7-8pm and recalls the origins of the discovery of Hilma af Klint and the process of bringing her work into the public sphere. Afterwards, join a virtual screening of the documentary here.

And tonight will be the (virtual) UK premier of a When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, a new adaption from Oscar-winning filmmaker Caroline Link. Judith Kerr sadly passed away last May, but we’re pleased to hear the films gets the seal of approval from the author’s son, Matthew Kneale. You can watch the trailer here, as well as book tickets to see the film and an interview beforehand with Caroline Link and Matthew Kneale in conversation with Jonathan Freedland as part of the UK Jewish Film Festival (5-19 November 2020).

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Non-Traditional Hampers

Instead of Stilton, port and mince pies, we’re loving this year’s new generation of hampers that offer a twist on the Christmas classic:

Best for Flower Lovers: Jam Jar

Jam Jar’s Christmas hampers are brimming with exquisite things. They come in two sizes, the Classic (£125) contains a Botanical Pressing of an English flower, a postcard gift set, a beautiful resin dandelion paperweight, Savon De Marseille soap and a chocolate Panforte with oranges and figs. The larger Luxury Hamper (£250) includes all that as well as as a festive spruce wreath, a handmade flower fairy to hang on the tree, a larger dandelion paperweight, a set of three soaps and an almond and orange blossom nougat. Order here.

Best for Italian treats: Bocca di Lupo

Bocca di Lupo’s hamper takes you on a roadtrip around Italy. There’s fluffy pannetonne from the Amalfi coast, coffee roasted in Gattinara, Sex and Optimism chocolate bars cold-pressed in Sicily, Giandujotti caramels from Piedmont, plus the classic Bocca di Lupo Negroni for 2 to pour over ice. £63. Order here.

Best for New Babies: Liberty Stockings

A gorgeous Liberty print Little Star stocking stuffed with presents for Christmas babies from the softest Jellycat Bashful bunny to bath toys, rattles, swaddles and a cotton bib. £80 (with contents worth over £133). Order here.

Best for Luxury: Heckfield Place Hamper

We fell in love with Wildsmith soap when we tried it at Spring. Made at Heckfield Place, find the hand wash, hand cream and Repair Balm in this luxury hamper along with a bottle of Classic Cuvee 2014, Hedgerow Gin made with berries foraged from the estate, Gingerbread syrup (for a hot rum toddy), Plum and Cardamom jam from the orchard and plum pudding. For the Christmas tree there’s a Heckfield Strawflower bauble made by Kitten Grayson Flowers and a perky felt robin with bendy feet to clasp onto the branches. And there’s the hope for a more peaceful 2021 with a Moon Calendar as well as the book Path by Louisa Thomsen Brits. £350. Order here.

Best for Chocolates: Rococo

Chocoholics will be extremely happy with this wicker hamper filled with 3 artisan chocolate bars, 2 boxes of Rococo’s chocolate thins, 4 nibble bags and 1 chocolate selection box. Yum! £110. Order here.

With it’s brightly coloured box and delicious contents, this hamper will bring a smile to any recipient’s face. Choose from two sizes with highlights including a River Cafe tote bag, True Grace candles, River Cafe extra virgin Olive Oil, Volcano expresso coffee, Tuscan chocolates, River Cafe Grappa, Summerill & Bishop linen napkins and Dada’s Christmas Cake.  From £275. Order .

Best for Ski Holiday Vibes: Colette

Smart French deli, Colette opened earlier this year and for Christmas they’ve launched a whole range of hampers. The Deli Counter hamper comes with delicious treats like Ladurée macaroons, Brie De Meaux and Bayonne Ham whilst the Sommelier hamper comes with champagne, wine and port. We like the sound of the Fondue Hamper for Four, with a generous amount of Swiss seasoned Raclette AOC du Valais & Gruyère de Bagnes, plus all the accompaniments for dipping. Add a gingham tablecloth and pretend you’re in the Alps. £100 including cast iron fondue set. Order here.

Best Lockdown Hamper: Paxton & Whitfield

This would be a great early Christmas present to send someone to cheer up their lockdown. Just 50 of these November Lockdown Hampers have been made to support soft cheesemakers who have been particularly affected by Covid-19 due to the shorter shelf-life of their products. In each hamper find Tunworth – described by Raymond Blanc as “The best Camembert in the world”, as well as an award-winning goats’ cheese, Golden Cross and the sheeps’ milk Wigmore, plus luxury accompaniments like apple and chilli jelly and walnut oaties. £60. Order here.

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Christmas Tableware

We love creating a warm, elegant Yuletide table at Christmas.  Here are some of the best table accessories that we’ve got our eye on this winter:

Angela Wickstead striped tablecloth,

Emilia Wickstead set of 4 linen napkins,

Pair of dark green candles,

The dog’s cracker,

Set of 6 spiral candles by Hay,

Rorstrand Princess Grace winter plate,

Watt & Veke Eldig Paper Star,

Fine china baking set by Feldspar,

Copper Ruby Light Twist Tumbler,

Red berry branch,

Hugo Guinness for Daylesford Limited Edition table cloth,

Sweet shaped bowl,

Candy cane reusable crackers,

Angela Wickstead Four scalloped-edged linen print napkins,

Dessert plate,

Honeycomb table decoration,

Cabin in the forest,

Christmas oil table cloth,

Pair of pine cone and sleigh bell napkin holders,

Striped red and white table cloth,

Pair of Ester & Eric taper candles,

Emila Wickstead floral print table cloth,

Richard Ginori x Cabana pair of plates,

Red Italian linen placemat,

Box of Limited Edition 6 crackers,

Placecards,

 

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Win a signed copy of Sophie Dahl’s Book

It’s a wet and windy half term with a lot of glum news. A good moment then for a competition! We have three copies of Sophie Dahl’s, Madame Badobedah to give away and they are all signed by the author. Published one year ago, Sophie Dahl’s first children’s book tells the story of adventurous Mabel who lives at a seaside B&B, The Mermaid Hotel. One day a rather in-ter-est-ing old lady comes to stay with lots of heavy trunks and a beady-eyed tortoise. Somehow, the pair strike up a rather surprising friendship.

Illustrations © 2019 Lauren O’Hara from MADAME BADOBEDAH by Sophie Dahl

The book is not only beautifully written but includes characterful illustrations from Lauren O’Hara. A must read for children aged 5+, it would make a charming Christmas present. We are delighted to have three copies to give away. Just enter the form below to put your name in the hat.

Illustrations © 2019 Lauren O’Hara from MADAME BADOBEDAH by Sophie Dahl

Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl with illustrations by Lauren O’Hara is published by Walker Books, £12.99, buy here.

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The warmest duvet coats

Socialising has moved outside. Keep Covid and the cold at bay in these delicious duvet coats. So comfy and warm, you’ll have to pinch yourself to stay awake:

Cocoon down puffer wrap coat made with sustainably sourced down, £345 from Sweaty Betty

Hooded puffer jacket  Polyester lining; top design. £49.99 from Zara


Thermowarmth duvet puffer coat made with a special thermo wadding. Excellent value, £99 from M&S

Duroc quilted hooded down coat made with 90% goose down. £1235 from Moncler


City Long ling down puffer filled with 90% duck down – a surprising hit all round, £149 from Superdry

Toggle quilted ripstop coat made from recycled polyester, £325 from Ganni

Reversible short parka in dark green/gun metal made with 60% cotton and 40% recycled polyester. The gun metal lining is totally unique. £565 from Dualist

Oversized hooded quilted shell down coat made with 100% down, £800 from Acne Studios

Erve logi-printed hooded padded coat made with polyester and elastane, £1525 from Stella McCartney

Seamless hooded down long coat, £159 from Uniqlo


Downtown duvet puffer coat made with polyester and nylon, £188 from Free People

Belted quilted coat made with recycled polyester, £135 from & Other Stories

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Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins

As tension ramps up towards the US election next Tuesday, we’ve partnered with Modern Films to bring you a digital screening of Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins. This documentary charts the life of the prolific and outspoken journalist Molly Ivins, ‘six feet of Texas trouble who took on the Good Old Boy corruption wherever she found it.’ We were lucky enough to see a preview of the film earlier this year and were enthralled by Molly’s charismatic personality that suffuses the film with an enormous punch of energy. There’s sharp humour too, as you’d expect from the writer who coined the withering nickname for George W Bush: Shrub. Newly released in the UK, if there’s one film we recommend you watch this weekend ahead of next Tuesday’s election, this is it. Find tickets here.

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15% off The Fabled Thread

Having never tried embroidery before, we discovered The Fabled Thread in the deepest dark of lockdown. Soothing as well as satisfying, we were instantly hooked. Founded by Eppie Thompson, the contemporary designs offer a modern take on the more traditional, floral-heavy tapestry kits out there. There are now four ranges to choose from: The Samplers based on Victorian samplers that can be customised to celebrate weddings, babies and new homes, The Fables based on Aesop’s fables, The Musicians that would look great framed as a merry band and The Camels, recommended for beginners.

New this week are the Just So cushion kits that feature Rudyard Kipling’s stories. These come in two sizes, Large (40cm x 60cm, £110) and Standard (35cm x 50cm, £95). As with all the embroidery kits, these come in beautiful gift boxes and would make a very good Christmas present.

Eppie is going to be offering 15% off all orders placed from 31 October at 9am – midnight 8 November. Use the code: CHRISTMAS15 at the check out. Shop here.

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Top London Restaurants under £30 per head

There’s great value to be had at some of our favourite London restaurants just now. These are the top places on our radar:

Skye Gyngell’s Spring Tavola – £30/head for 3 courses including a glass of wine

The new informal ‘Tavola’ menu at Spring is pretty perfect: starters include Panisse with burrata and spicy tomato sauce or a plate of San Daniele, with pastas for the main course like papparadelle with spicy sausage and tagliatelle with cavalo nero, followed by tiramisu ice cream or Fragolina sorbet for pudding. All of this just £30/head including a glass of house red or white wine, or a seasonal cordial made with Fern Verrow autumn fruit. There’s also the option to add a pitcher of spritz for the table. Dinner only, Tuesday to Saturday with reservations from 5pm – 8pm. Book here.

NOPI – £27/head for 5 sharing plates

We might not actually be going to the theatre at the moment, but we can still make the most of NOPI’s more affordable pre-theatre menu that applies to reservations from 5.30-6.30pm Monday – Friday. Sharing plates of Ottolenghi deliciousness include roasted aubergine with tamarind yoghurt preserved lemon and turmeric cashews and beef onglet with shitake peppercorn sauce. £27/head for 5 sharing plates. Book here.

Polpo – eat out to help out 50% off (£10 cap)

Polpo were one of the restaurants who extended the Eat Out to Help Out scheme throughout October. There’s a few days left to make the most of it – 50% off the bill (food and soft drinks only, with a cap of £10 per head) applies Monday – Friday 4-7pm in Soho and Chelsea. Book here.

Kricket – 50% off the food bill on Mondays

We’re great fans of Kricket and will definitely be making the most of their generous offer that grants 50% off the food bill every Monday from now until Christmas. The saving includes soft drinks but excludes alcohol. They’re also offering 20% off the bill every day of the week when you book from 5-6pm. Open in Soho, White City and Brixton for lunch and dinner. Book here.

Flor – new ASAP Pizza Sundays

Every Sunday from 1 November until Christmas, Flor in Borough Market will be transformed into the buzzy ASAP Pizza. Head Chef Pam Yung built and ran the sourdough pizza programs at New York’s Roberta’s and gained a Michelin star for her first restaurant, Semilly in Brooklyn. Now she will be bringing her New York-style pizzas to London. There are tables inside as well as beneath the heated, covered outdoor space opposite Flor from 1-7pm every Sunday. Book here.

Dishoom – 50% off food from 18 November – 3 December at Covent Garden

Dishoom turns ten this month, and to celebrate the original Covent Garden restaurant has undergone a full revamp, inspired by the bygone era of the Indian silver screen and Bombay Talkies. They are offering 50% off the food bill during the soft launch 18 November – 3 December, before opening officially on 4 December. This will apply all day, and includes the Christmas specials at Covent Garden only. Book here.

Pastaio – children eat free at half term, plus £25/head menu on Thursdays

And a tip that every half term Pastaio offer free pasta and ice cream for children (under 12) during half term. The only ‘catch’ is that any accompanying adults have to order off the normal menu.  They are also currently offering unlimited plates of pasta and an aperol spritz for £25/head on Thursdays. Open for lunch and supper at Westfield and in Soho. Book here.

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The Sette’s Guide to setting the table

The Sette launches tomorrow with kitchen and tableware made by French, British and Austrian artisans. Here we asked the founders of the new online shop, Sophie Elliott and Cloe Bueso to give us a sneak peek, as well as some of their style rules for setting an autumn table:

1. Keep things as relaxed as possible. Less is definitely more.

2. Having a really great quality tablecloth makes a big difference and we love when they drape down from the table and touch the floor. Our French linens are very oversized. The same goes for napkins, the bigger the better.

Linen napkins: from £18

3. Don’t worry too much about where to place cutlery, glassware, plates and napkins, as long as you feel it looks good, that’s all that matters.

4. Combine different shapes and styles on the same table, avoiding anything too matchy-matchy. For example, we like to use our white scallop dinner and starter plates with spiked edge porcelain plates on the side for bread – the contrasting shapes make a big difference.

5. Don’t get too caught up with having various sets of cutlery and glassware for the same dinner – in France they usually make you keep the same set of cutlery for your starter and main. Our vegetable cutlery rests are perfect for you to place your cutlery on between courses.

Vegetable cutlery rests (handmade and painted): £75 for a box of 6

6. Candles definitely help set the tone and seasonal flowers in bud vases always look great. At the moment sage green/teal/midnight blue Hydrangeas add a low key wow factor.

7. Try and have something more quirky on the table, for example at breakfast use our porcelain croissant box for butter or jam.

Porcelain croissant: £180

The Sette’s online shop launches Friday 23 October, and you can follow on Instagram @the.sette

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A play that will make you laugh

We are all in need of a dose of laughter wherever we can get it at the moment. With nearly of all Sonia Friedman’s West End shows closed we’re leaping at the chance to book The Comeback, a new play that will run for just 3 and a half weeks this Christmas. The premise is two comedy acts in last chance saloon. They’re set to play to a sparse crowd but then it’s revealed a Hollywood director is in the audience and all hell breaks loose as they battle to impress. Written by and starring The Pin’s Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen it’s endorsed by James Corden, and strikes a tone between Noises Off and Morecambe and Wise. Tickets from £10, book now – the show will play to a socially-distanced audience. Full details of restrictions and Covid-19 measures here.

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London Shell Co’s Murder Mystery

We love the sound of London Shell Co’s new Murder Mystery Cruises that launch this November. Dress up in character and step aboard The Prince Regent prepared to crack the clues and uncover the killer of Admiral John Dory as the evening progresses. Everyone aboard is a suspect, and each guest is vital to the story having been provided with a character profile and script the week before in order to arrive with their game face on. Could it be the friendly lady at the next-door table or even the smiling sommelier? Expect the Shell Co’s wonderful cruise along Regents Canal through the Maida Hill Tunnel past London Zoo and Regents Park too, as well as a delicious 5-course seafood menu as follows:

Battered Cod & Angel Hair Fries 
Lambton & Jackson Smoked Salmon, Chopped Egg, Parsley Salad
Fish Soup, Rouille, & Croutons
Smoked Haddock, Potato Dauphinoise, Bitter Leaf & Pickled Walnut Salad
Death by Chocolate in Eau de Vie

The Murder Mystery Cruises cost £65 per person – and can be booked in parties of 2 to 6, leaving from Paddington at 6pm and returning at 9.30pm every Thursday and Friday in November.

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Good Vibes Under £35

For anyone who’s been feeling a bit blue this week, channel some positive energy with these uplifters – all under £35:

The season for scented narcissi has started. Order a box from the Scilly Isles now – and a tip to place orders ahead for Christmas as they sell out. £26 for 50 stems from The Blue Box Flower Company

Luce London candles are hand-poured in London and all 5 scents have great names like Power Up, Dreamy and Buzzed that correspond to the aromatherapy essential oils they contain. Each has a person in mind – Lucky Me is especially good for Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and for burning in autumn at sunset, whilst Power Up is for Earth Signs and gives energy at sunrise. Good Vibes works for everyone and contains rosemary to relieve fatigue, rose geranium for balancing and Cedarwood to reduce anxiety. £33 each from Luce London

Soft 100% cotton pyjamas in sizes 8-22. These come in lots of patterns and now have pockets and matching eye-masks. The White Flower Market print is new, available from 30 October. £30 from Their Nibs

Papier have just launched a new line of Wellness Journals so you can keep a track of things like Nutrition, Activity, Mind and Self Care as well as make Gratitude Lists and Wish Lists. £24.99 from Papier

Handmade in Italy, these HAPPY glasses are dishwasher-safe. £29 from Daylesford

A beautifully illustrated new cookbook from the co-founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School to re-ignite your energy in the kitchen.  The Joy of Food, A Celebration of Good Things to Eat by Rory O’Connell, £16.99 from amazon.co.uk

Boost your immune system for the winter ahead with this Elderberry and Echinacea tea, £3 from Pukka

The Vampires Wife x H&M launches today, with lace minidresses, capes, jewellery and this T-shirt, £12.99 from H&M

Finally, a smile to wear on your wrist, £20 from Cardi Bead

It’s goodbye for now…

The team at A Little Bird are taking a break to recharge and make some exciting changes behind-the-scenes. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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