Checks and stripes and all things nice for summer

In the UK these past two weeks have been disappointingly wet and cold, although it's a blessing that we are now allowed to dine indoors in restaurants, bars and eateries.  

Still we are earnestly willing the weather to improve so that it will be warm enough to be outdoors, especially to spend time with loved ones and friends in a great setting for picnics and relaxation.

Just launched in time for the British “staycation” by Heating and Plumbing London is the ultimate “Rainbow” Picnic Set that comprises a pure new wool blanket with grey waterproof backing in a rainbow pattern and yellow strap; and two matching rainbow pure new wool cushions also with waterproof backing, come supplied with a cotton keep-safe bag.  The set comes in various colours and designs, and also just launched is a new waterproof rainbow picnic blanket for kids.

And for the adults, complementing the picnic set is a Portable Champagne bucket with leather strap - Made in the UK and France, created for those summer evenings spent on the beach or in a local park calling for a nice bottle of rosé or Champagne that needs to be kept cool while enjoying the sunshine. The base of the Champagne cooler is shaped, so that the bottle is slightly tilted and can be nicely covered with ice and remain very cold. 

As we enjoy outdoor dining and activities, many check and stripe patterns have come to the forefront as a great way to brighten up our valuable time.

From Tori Murphy comes this classic Harbour Stripe Napkin set in claret (available also in other colours) made in 100% cotton.   Each napkin has been woven, made and hemmed in England.

Founded in 2012 by Royal College of Art graduate Tori Murphy, the brand was established with the simple aim to create products for the home with character and integrity, all woven and made in England.

After graduating, Tori worked in Milan designing prints for clients including DKNY, Fendi, and Christian Dior and it's here she experienced the factory floor for the first time and developed a sound understanding and love of textile production. Tori returned home and worked in English menswear manufacturing in the Midlands before combining her passions into one and focused on English textile manufacturing.

This zesty Lemon and Lime Stripe cotton tablecloth (150x230cm) from Walton &  Co  is complemented by calming sage green and ochre.

Based in North Yorkshire in the UK, Walton & Co has been owned by the Marshall family since 1991, and are creators of table linens, soft furnishings & nursery gifts, supplying to independent home & gift retailers, garden centres and department stores in the UK and Europe.  The firm commenced business in 1785 under the title of Walton, Oates & Co.  It has a history that is full of interest with archives dating back to the days of employment of hand-loom weavers. 

This delightful porcelain mug in gingham check for a modern country-style is from Wohnflair which offers a wide selection of Shabby Chic products from Scandinavian manufacturers and brands such as Au Maison, Clayre & Eef, but also Madam Stoltz, Van Deurs, Jeanne d'rc Living, GreenGate and Chic Antique.

Back in the comfort of our home, Antipodream has got a variety of designs to set us up in the bedroom, including the Society of Wanderers Lilac Check Pillowcase and Sheets in 100% French Flax Linen  and also with ruffles, such as these shown here, pre-washed and easy to care for, now available for pre-order.