Letterbox Magazine - July 2020

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2020

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IN THIS ISSUE An interview with Gemma Louise How to update your rented garden Green Colour Palette The best nursery themes based on books Garden planning apps to help you overhaul your green space

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Go through the Letterbox of this stunning self build!

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IN THIS ISSUE OF

FEATURES An interview with Gemma Louise Our fool proof guide on styling your coffee table How to update your rented garden Reduce Kitchen waste - How To Green Colour Palette Invest in your work space - WFH station ideas

TRENDS The B&M furniture range that rivals Ikea 10 of the best single beds for your kids

COLOUR

Budget friendly picnic essentials

WE TELL YOU HOW YOU CAN INJECT THE GORGEOUS PEACH HUES INTO YOUR HOME.

The best nursery themes based on books Painted stairs and runners Eye Spy : Colour Blocking Garden planning apps to help you overhaul your green space

FOOD

OTHER

TOMATOE RISOTTO

Dear Letterbox - We chat your home woes

Because Tomotoes taste the best this time of the year.

Lego Art : The New kit that you want in your home!

Stamp duty holiday break - what it means for you

CHARLOTTE-NICHOLE@OUTLOOK.COM

to contact the editor

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FOLLOW US FOR WEEKLY INSPO AND ADVICE SUITABLE FOR ANY HOME

1 YEAR OF LETTERBOX Happy July to all our Letterboxers!

As you start the 12th edition of Letterbox, know that this magazine has come a huge way in the 12 short editions we've created.

Yes, our July edition marks 12 whole months of Letterbox, and I couldn't be prouder.

In the last 12 editions we have tripled in content, grown in 7000 fans, promoted some of the best independent brands and have a contributor team of over 50!

Its been a wild 12 editions but I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to personally say a huge thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, read, commented, followed and in general shown your support. It's a huge pleasure to have you and guide you in creating a real home.

I hope you enjoy our July edition!

We have so much to offer including sweet treats to try this month, and so much inspiration for your Summer abode!

Do be sure to share with us your favorite from this latest edition!

charlotte the editor

OUR

FOOL

PROOF GUIDE

TO

styling your coffee table

Your coffee table is often the centre piece of your lounge. And besides being a rest for your feet, or that place for your morning coffee, it’s also an opportunity to style.

You’re better than the odd book and scented candle, so here’s some simple yet effective styling ideas for your coffee table.

Style it with flair, and make sure it's always interesting.

Stack it Coffee table books and style magazines are perfect for any coffee table. But stack them up and place decorative objects like bowls or a vase of flowers. Small, individual stacks will ease it from looking too cluttered and more organised.

Use a Tray Coffee tables can feel huge and expansive, and cluttered if not styled correctly. Use a tray to keep things organised and helps break up the surface.

Keep it simple Why not keep it simple with a single statement piece. Display in the centre to create a real focal point in your space.

Make it seasonal Just like the rest of your lounge, switch up your coffee table as often as your cushions and throws. Simple arrangements of seasonal flowers, along with a beautifully scented candle and your favourite coffee table books are all your coffee table needs.

Go Double Tiered Just like the rest of your lounge, switch up your coffee table as often as your cushions and throws. Simple arrangements of seasonal flowers, along with a beautifully scented candle and your favourite coffee table books are all your coffee table needs.

Luxury Wallpaper - Designed, coloured and made with joy in Sussex

STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY BREAK HOW IT CAN HELP YOU? Fantastic news for those looking to buy a property in the coming months as it was revealed last week that Stamp Duty is to be scraped, with immediate effect, for any properties bought, up to the value of £500,000.

The Stamp duty ‘holiday break’ was revealed in the summer budget announcement by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and has received wide spread praise.

It is believed that 90% of those looking to move currently will save substantial amounts due to the scraping and will have an immediate and positive effect on the housing market, considering the perils it has recently received thanks to Covid19.

Whilst Stamp Duty hasn’t completely been scraped, the nexttime buyers could now save as much as

£15,000!

The Stamp Duty Holiday Break is effective immediately until March 2021 and available for all house purchases up to the property value of

£500,000.

Letterbox Colour Palettes

GREEN

Every month we take a look at a different colour and how it can be brought into your home. We know adding new colour, or any colour into your home can feel daunting. There is no one size fits all when it comes to adding and using colour in your own home. But, every home does need some colour. It can boost your mood, ease anxiety and make it feel like your own.

In July, we are looking at Green! Glorious Green. If you haven’t considered Green in your home, there really is no reason why. Green is a beautiful colour to adopt into your home palette and with the right shade, can easily be paired with some stunning colours. Here’s a full guide on how you can inject Green into your home.

LET’S TALK SHADES...

Different shades of Green offer different vibes. Dark and dramatic Green is rich and moody and can often be found in period properties, or those looking to really contrast in the space. Soft and calm green can be in any space wanting a light and bright effect.

Depending on the vibe you want to emit, depends on the shade you will want to incorporate. Our 3 favourite different shades are :

For a Deep, rich Green, we love Dulux Enchanted Eden For a Bold, Moody Green, we love Dulux Highland Green.

For a soft, sultry Green tone, we love Dulux Fresh Sage.

WHERE CAN I USE GREEN? Green looks beautiful in any space in a home ( much like most colours ), but there are of course some places Green looks best in. Kitchens and bathrooms are a super popular location for Green as they often contrast well against fixtures including kitchen units, worktops, bathroom suites and tiling.

In your living spaces including your lounge and bedroom, do be considerate to your furnishings and how you use the space.

Dark, moody spaces are great for those places that you like to snuggle and relax, like your bedroom, whilst the lighter shades are best for those lively locations including your dining spaces and spare bedroom.

WHAT MATERI ALS WORK WELL WI TH GREEN? Green is a natural colour, so natural materials do work best with any Green shade.

Beautiful materials like oak, cane, and birch-wood all look stunning when contrasted against Green in general, including those soft, sultry tones. Butcherblock kitchen worktops, white painted units and bright white tiling looks absolutely stunning in your cooking space.

Alternatively, dark or light modern furnishings do look stunning against those deep, dark tones of Green. If you are a fine line furniture type, consider deep, rich Green colours against your modern white or black furnishings.

WHY SHOULD YOU ADOPT GREEN I NTO YOUR HOME? Green is a fantastic addition to any home and its colour palette.

Green works so well with every type of furniture and style, and colour too. Green withstands every new trend and style and is truly the most perfect red thread colour for your home. Pair Green with soft muted tones for a understated home, or moody and deep colours for a dramatic space.

If Green isn't in your home yet, you are doing something wrong.

Gift someone special this summer Choose from 17 different Chalk and Cheese letterbox hampers. Each gift box contains four artisan soy tea lights and six wax melts in a choice of fragrances.

Shop now https://www.chalkandcheese.biz

Eye Spy : Colour Blocking Fancy adding some colour into your space without painting the entire wall?

Or perhaps you want to add more than one colour into your space.

Colour blocking is the hottest interior trend and we know why.

It allows you to play with shapes and your colour palette in a interesting and exciting way.

Place with sizes, shapes and design to add a modern, colour twist into your home.

e s i u o L a m Gem

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Follow @gemellisx on Instagram today.

New build homes are incredibly difficult to make your own. Especially when you have a little one running around. But Gemma Louise has perfectly balanced mum life and creating a real family home for her and her little boy Ru. We catch up with her to find out her secrets in creating a beautiful, on trend home, whilst sticking to a budget.

GEMMA, YOU HAVE SUCH A GORGEOUS HOME, WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP WHEN IT COMES TO HOME STYLING? I think my top tip would be to create a home that you want to be in all of the time. When I first moved in, I didn’t have much and it had no floors so it was just a cold empty shell and I spent far more time driving back to my parents house than I did in my own new home.

I’ve spent the last 6 months changing that and making it as homely and as cosy as I possibly can, and now I never want to leave! I’ve created a home full of pieces that I adore, and now it’s become my perfect, tiny little patch on this earth.

WHEN IT COMES TO INJECTING STYLE INTO A NEW BUILD, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT? HOW HAVE YOU MADE YOURS LOOK LIKE YOUR OWN SPACE? I think for me it’s most important to give it character and colour. When you’re given a new build, everything is neutral. If you want to keep it that way, that’s fine, but for me personally I wanted to make it look more like a home that’s lived in.

I think it’s still quite neutral but it has it's pops of colour and I add so many accessories that I’ve created a really personal space. I like to have things on display rather than hidden away in storage (I save that for the boring bits) so I’ve added lots of shelving and side tables that I fill with all of my favourite things.

WHAT STYLE DO YOU LOVE BEST WHEN IT COMES TO THE HOME? WHERE DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST PLACE TO SHOP NEW HOME TRENDS? I am definitely a huge fan of the bohemian style, I just love a home that’s filled with all the little bits and looks really characteristic and personal. I think it gives off such a homely vibe.

I absolutely love Homesense for all things home, every week they have in different things and it’s always on trend, so if you’re a new home owner this is the place to be!

GEMMA, YOU HAVE CREATED A TRULY GORGEOUS ROOM FOR YOUR LITTLE BOY RU. TELL US WHERE YOU LIKE TO SHOP CHILDRENS DÉCOR. I’m still working on his room but it is pretty cute so far isn’t it?! I don’t even really know how I managed it -

mainly Pinterest inspiration!

I get most of his décor from shops like Homesense,

Amazon & eBay. I do everything on a budget, so if I see something I love on Pinterest, I’ll get straight on eBay or Amazon to hunt down something similar. You can find some absolutely gorgeous finds for not much at all.

H&M home and Zara Home have beautiful children's bedroom things too, so its worth checking them out.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT WHEN STYLING AND CREATING A SPACE FOR RU? I think the most important thing is to make it colourful and to enhance his imagination. I’ve filled his with clouds, rainbows, animals and books amongst other things so that he’s constantly surrounded by things that will spark his creative play.

He rarely went in his room for the first few months that we lived here, but since I kitted it out with all of the little things, he loves playing in there and is in there all the time.

CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU BALANCE A BEAUTIFULLY STYLED HOME, ALONG WITH PRACTICALITY WITH HAVING A YOUNG CHILD? WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO PARENTS? It’s a hard one that’s for sure! I am lucky in that I have a pretty well behaved toddler, he is messy like most young children but I make him his own little corners so that he can play mainly in those and do all of his messy things without getting it all over my beautiful furniture and rugs!

I went for all laminate floors in my house and I’m so glad I did as it makes life with young children a breeze, so that’s a huge recommendation from me.

Follow @gemellisx on Instagram today.

Modern , Country Classic home pieces.

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PAINTED STAIRS & RUNNERS THE PERFECT HALLWAY PAIRING Carpet on your stairs used to be a given – no one really entertained any other idea. And yet recently, our homes have started to adopt the bare stair, bold colour and possibly a subtle runner to soften the descent.

Painted stairs and runners have become a huge interior statement and here at Letterbox, we love it!

Modern classic interiors that often include crisp paneling and neutral tones lend so well for painted stairs. And since so many of us seem to be opting for those other classic touches, you will want to finish it off with a classic stair.

Are you thinking of ripping up your tired carpet? Here’s some gorgeous painted stairs and runner ideas that will get you ripping it up in no time.

Black and White A black and white painted staircase is a perfect palette for any home. With so many colour ways, using both black and white on your staircase can provide real grandeur to your space. Be sure to prime your staircase and banisters by gently sanding the surface before painting. Don’t scrimp on the primer neither, especially if covering dark wood.

Hessian stair runners Natural, Hessian stair runners are perfect for a black and white staircase. They are super durable and always on trend making them the perfect investment that will cope with high traffic. Plus, they are a fantastic contrast to the classic black and white palette.

Colourful and Bold Your stairs don’t have to be boring, so what not opt for a bold and colourful palette. Play with colour and contrast by choosing a shade that works within the space. Draw attention to your staircase by adopting a striking contrast colour to work against your wall paint. Better yet, if you feel really bold, why not go rainbow and paint different steps different colours.

Patterned Stair Runner Colourful stairs often look better without a stair runner. But if you fancy a little cushion on the stairs, choosing a patterned print looks stunning in contrast to the colour. A simple black and white geometric print is all it needs.

Plain White Some hallways can be dark and small, so a bold or dark palette may not be the best option. Keeping it plain and white can open up the space and ensure its light and bright.

When choosing white, make sure you prep your surface well to ensure your paint grips to the surface and covers any dark wood you might be trying to cover.

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B&M BARGA IN

THE B&M FURNITURE RANGE THAT RIVALS AN IKEA FAVORITE And beats it on price too!!!

Every home has a piece of Ikea, and why the hell not. Their versatile, budget friendly furniture helps organise any space, and offer comfort and easy living.

But what if we told you one of their most popular ranges has been duped by one of the high streets hottest stores?

Yes Sir. Your trusty B&M has duped the infamous Ikea range with their very own- and beating them on price too!

The B&M Lokken, 1-2-3 shelving unit is just

£25

and available in stores only!

The 6-storage cube unit is a little smaller than the Ikea version, but features that step design and in a gorgeous Grey colour. Get in quick though, there is little difference in design, but big difference in price.

The Ikea EKET cabinet is available online and will set you back

£95.00.

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Invest in your office space WORKING FROM HOME DESK SETUPS THAT WILL COMPLIMENT YOUR HOME

Many of us could be looking at a long time yet to work from home.

Whilst much of the country returns to some normality, working in close contact office is still a far way off, meaning many of us will be at our make shift desks for some time to come.

Bad posture, inadequate light and feeling in the way can really impact productivity and mental health. So, if you’re looking at many more months of working from your own home, setting up a more permanent working space is vital.

We’ve got the best collection of home desk setups that can be squeezed into your home, to make sure you always have a place to work, comfortably.

The Ladder Desk Ladder desks are the perfect work station for small spaces and desks you needn't want to intrude in your home.

Their slim line design make them super easy to nestle in a quiet corner and blend into the background when not being used as a workstation.

Style with books, faux plants and decoration pieces for a desk that will look great in any space.

SHOP IT

£65.00

£250.00

Plenty of storage Option Since working from home, we all have found we have plenty of paperwork, documents and general work gear that we would much prefer to stow away after a hard day's work. Perhaps a desk with plenty of storage is the option for you.

Snug draws either side of the desk make it easy to hide the paperwork, and easier to reach for the stapler too.

If you’d rather plenty of leg room, install shelving above your desk area. Hang mesh racking to pin paperwork, your calendar and your to-do list. Ikea is the perfect place to make your own storage friendly desk. Plus, you can create a truly unique set up that works best with the space you have.

SHOP IT

£85.00

£8.00

Plain and simple Just having somewhere to sit down and focus is just what you need, so keeping things plain and simple might be the best option. Hairpin desks offer simplicity and ample space. Their sleek design means they can be placed in any room and designed to suit your style too. Leave the clutter for elsewhere, meaning it can be a lovely side table when you’re not busy working.

If you want a more bespoke simple space, go DIY by installing a slim desk top. This is a fantastic option for those awkward spaces!

SHOP IT

£169.95

£35.00

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DEAR LETTERBOX We take a look at some of your home problems and offer you the best advice.

MY KITCHEN IS SO DARK, WHAT'S THE BEST LIGHTING IDEAS? Kitchen's are a pretty vital place to have adequate lighting, especially when you're making those midnight snacks! There are lots of kitchen lighting ideas though and I'm sure there's something that will work in yours.

A great way too add some mood lighting is in the kick boards. You'll need to get someone to install them, but spot lights that are installed in the kick boards can instantly update and lighten your kitchen space.

Alternatively, over hanging lighting from your kitchen cupboards can cast light down into your space, including your counters. Perhaps nipping down to your nearest kitchen retailer to see some of these ideas in action to give you an idea for your space.

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD I PUT IN MY GREY HOME? Grey homes are super popular but they can be a little bland. The great news is, pretty much any colour goes with Grey. If you want a more serine space, consider soft greens, blues and yellows. If you want to add drama, opt for deep and bold burgandy and mustards colours.

DO YOU NEED SOME HOME ADVICE? DROP US AN EMAIL TODAY FOR FREE HOME INTERIOR ADVICE.

LEGO ART Lego launch a brand-new line of Art

Whilst it may seem costly, a create your own,

£100 is a

sets that recreates iconic artwork –

ever changing art piece for just over

and it will look simply stunning in your

bargain! Build your favourite Beatle member, A

home! Lego has certainly been targeting the adults of the world and

classic Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe colour way, or even a star wars baddie.

The four sets aren’t due to launch until 1

this new collection of infamous art

August, but you can already order them from

pieces is no different.

the Lego website!

A single set contains a canvas and a whole lot of tiny coloured Lego bricks, which can be put together to create different images. Although in typical Lego style they can be rebuilt in multiple different ways or customised according to your own preferences. So far, 4 sets have been announced all costing

£114.99 each!

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switch it

10 Gorgeous Kitchen Handles to instantly lift your tired kitchen We all know our home can do with an update or two. And one thing that we many not think about is our handles. When it comes to your kitchen handles, making a simple switch can uplift the style and look of your entire kitchen. With that in mind, here’s 10 gorgeous kitchen handles to switch to, pronto.

SHOP IT

£7.26

£8.99

£5.44

£4.99

£6.95

£7.63

£3.49

£12.00

Reduce Kitchen Waste Regrow your vegetables

In a world where Kitchen Waste is growing, now is the time to consider how you as a household can reduce yours.

Did you know, UK households waste 4.5m tonnes of food each year!

And whilst this has dropped by 7% in the last 3 years, there is still so much individual households can do every day, to reduce their food waste.

One of the easiest places to start is by re-growing those veggie scraps. It’s easier than you think and can save you plenty of pennies on your food bill.

Get the family involved in this one, here’s some of the best food scraps you can re-grow for your own veggie supply.

Spring Onions Start at the easiest veggie you can grow in your own home, and the most popular.

Just cut an inch or two from the root, and place in a glass of water. Leave it on a windowsill and be sure to change the water weekly. Once Green roots emerge and are roughly 4 inches long, transfer to soil. Now you have your own personal supply of Spring Onions!

Celery It’s another super easy veggie to re-grow, and again will give you your own personal supply. Cut off the celery, and leave about an inch or two from the base. Place the base in a bowl of water and leave it on a windowsill with plenty of natural light. As new leaves begin to sprout from the middle, allow for it to gain thickness for about a week before transferring it into a pot of soil.

Romaine Lettuce Romaine lettuce is as easy to regrow as celery! Leave the stump of the lettuce in a bowl and fill the water halfway. And once the leaves have regrown for a few days, transfer your the stumps into soil.

Potatoes

Leeks

We have all left a Potatoe to grow in the dark, sprouting within a couple of weeks. But there are some better ways to grow your own potatoes.

Cut your potato in half, and where you see the dented “eyes” on the skin, plant the potatoes in soil with the “eyes” facing up. That’s where the plant will begin to sprout in a couple weeks.

Leeks regrow the exact same way as green onions–although they might take a little longer based on their sheer size.

Leave about two inches of leek from the bottom, and place them in a bowl of water.

Saving your food waste and re-growing your own supply of veggies can be fun and money saving. Think before you throw your Sunday roast scraps away and make some garden space!

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CLASSIC CHILDREN’S BOOKS THAT MAKE THE MOST PERFECT NURSERY THEMES Nursery themes make it oh so easy to kit out and create the most perfect nursery for your little one. But with so many everychanging trends, you may want to choose a theme that will last until toddler age.

But what will go the mile?

Searching classic children’s tales often give magical and cute themes to work with for creating a nursery. So, what should you consider if wanting a classic story style nursery?

We have gathered some of the most beautiful classic Children book nursery theme ideas.

WINNIE THE POOH Winnie The Pooh is one of the most popular gender-neutral nursery ideas, using grey tones and soft yellows. Choose from Classic Winnie the Pooh drawings or Disney imagery when decorating with decals or wallpaper.

You can inject many colours within the Winnie the Pooh theme, including yellow, green, blue and pink, offsetting with white furnishings.

SHOP IT

£39.99

£299.99

£28.00

£199.99

£14.00

JUNGLE BOOK Take your nursery to the wild side with a Jungle Book themed nursery. A jungle theme is so easy to achieve, using natural textures and materials including cane and rattan – all bang on trend! Create a feature wall of either a mural or an exotic print wallpaper.

If you’d prefer to keep it plain, incorporate lots of colours including Greens and yellows for a wild but neutral nursery. Style the space using interesting décor pieces including wooden rustic pieces, and faux greenery, and of course lots of exotic animals.

A Jungle Book themed nursery is a fantastic theme to incorporate if wanting a nursery that has lots of interest for your little one.

SHOP IT

£8.34

£200.00

£169.99

£15.00

£24.00

PETER RABBIT Peter Rabbit is a true classic. Many of us know the tails of Peter Rabbit and his friends, so it’s no surprise it’s still a firm favourite for children and parents' worldwide.

A combination of off white and soft blue furnishings makes the perfect base for a Peter Rabbit themed Nursery.

Since its recent animated movies, there are plenty of high street stores selling beautiful pieces that would look utterly stunning in a gender-neutral nursery.

Consider classic styled furniture, like a painted white cot and matching wardrobe and changing table. Style with themed prints, cottage style pieces and soft toys.

SHOP IT

£50.00

£399.00

£33.00

£40.00

GET DAILY MOOD-BOARDS OVER ON OUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT!

peachy vib es

10 Stylish single kids beds Making the move from a toddler bed to a big boy/girls bed is a true sign of becoming an independent little one. So you making it an exciting transition, and a bed that will hopefully get them snoozing that little bit longer – we can dream – we have gathered some of our favourite finds!

SHOP IT

£299.00

£349.00

£229.99

£199.00

£249.00

£140.00

£149.00

£154.00

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GARDEN PLANNING APPS TO HELP YOU OVERHAUL It's not too late to Y O U R G R E E N S P A C E create the perfect sun spot.

There really is an app for everything these days, and we are not complaining here at Letterbox. Sometimes it can be so hard to visualise in your own space, whether that be your spare bedroom, clunky kitchen space or your own back garden.

Since everyone else seems to have got stuck in this lock-down period creating the perfect

ISCAPE This is the must have app for those who are looking to really improve the look and feel of their garden. Unleash the inner landscape gardener by visualising the end result of your own garden.

Upload an image of your space and overlay with design elements including flowerbeds, paving and more.

This is the app for you if you want to overhaul your garden yourself this summer.

HOME DESIGN 3D OUTDOOR & GARDEN This is another fantastic app for design planning. It allows you to enter the dimensions of your space and build from there, adding everything from plants, sheds and furniture. Another app that will really help you visualise your space before getting stuck in.

outdoor space, we know it can feel like your own green space is

GARDEN PLAN PRO

well, lacking!

But have no fear, if you’re struggling with what to do in your garden in time for summer, here’s some fantastic garden design apps to help you map it out.

If you’re wanting to become a whiz at planting, growing and maintaining your own crop of vegetables, plant a herb garden or harvest your own fruit, this is the app for you. Plot your garden into the app and start planning your crops. It will even analyse the local weather and guide you on the optimum planting and harvesting dates!

BUDGET FRIENDLY PICNIC ESSENTIALS FOR THAT SOCIALDISTANCED SUMMER GET TOGETHER

Gathering with friends or family in your local park is now the new norm and frankly a great way to spend a summer afternoon. So, it’s never been a better time to invest in key picnic pieces, that are friendly on your purse.

Having the perfect picnic blanket, cool bag, hamper and cutlery make those late summer evenings enjoying scotch eggs and cocktail sausages truly sweet.

So, what should you be packing up for your distanced picnic? Check out our shopping list.

SHOP IT

£62.50

£26.99

£16.99

£37.99

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How to update your rented garden space without upsetting your landlord!

A home and garden should reflect your own personality, which can be easy when you can decorate how you wish. But for renters, there is always worry over turning the property into a home, whilst making sure you will neither compromise your deposit, or your landlord's happiness.

Last month we looked at how renters can add personality into their home and this month we are looking at the garden. So, if you’re looking to spruce up that rented garden, we have plenty of non-permanent ideas for you to look into.

Look After the space Whilst it may be owned by your landlord, this is your garden for now. Taking care of the space will go a long way in making the outdoor space looking and feeling good. Simple things like mowing the lawn and trimming bushes and overhanging branches will have a huge impact.

Hopefully, you’ll have everything you need supplied, if not do speak to your landlord – it is in their best interest for you to take care of it after all.

Decorate with potted plants A great non-permanent way to add greenery and plants into a concrete courtyard is by using pots. Vary your pot colours, designs and sizes for an instant injection of colour and life into your rented garden. Don’t be scared to change the height either for a true variety of plants and trees.

Just bear in mind, they will be coming with you, so don’t get too ambitious!

Hanging baskets Much like your potted plants, hanging baskets are an instant inject of life in your rented outdoor space, and can look darn pretty. Hang them from your fencing, out the front of your property, or near your patio. Play with colour, or even opt for some faux flowers for an all year-round effect.

Remember your lighting In any space, indoors and outdoors, lighting is so important! Add some soft, atmospheric lighting into your rented space using string lights over your patio, or solar stake lights that can be scattered within your potted plants and flower beds.

Cover up and add privacy Garden screens are a fantastic, nonpermanent addition to your rented garden. Not only can they offer some added privacy, but hide the unsightliness' like bins! With lots of different designs to be found online, garden screens can work in any space.

h t i w l e v a tr letterbox

DURDLE DOOR

GET AWAY THIS SUMMER

GREAT UK DESTINATIONS TO BOOK NOW! It seems no one is that keen on jumping on a plane any time soon, so finding

somewhere to head in the UK is probably high on everyone’s agenda. We are all desperate for a holiday of some sort, whether it be a beach hut, remote cottage or even a city break. And the great news is, that despite we may usually head somewhere abroad for our summer adventure, there are so many places in our own country well worth holidaying in this Summer. So, here’s a quick Letterbox guide on some stunning UK Holiday destinations to enjoy – without needing a plane ticket.

ISLES OF SCILLY The isles of Scilly are the UKs answer to the Caribbean. Just sitting just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the cluster of isles have beautiful white sands, turquoise waters and even a slightly milder climate!

You really wouldn’t believe you are still in the UK!

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ISLE OF WIGHT The Isle of Wight Is a firm UK Holiday destination favourite with plenty of attractions, besides the gorgeous sandy beaches. With dinosaur history and royal summer houses to explore, this is a great summer destination for families looking for an adventure, sun, sea and sand.

THE PEAK DI STRI CT If you fancy wide open spaces and raw English countryside, The Peak District is for you. Renowned for its stunning beauty, there is plenty to enjoy including breath-taking cycle rides and walking routes.

If you fancy a little bit of thrill, head to Alton Towers for the day. Not too far away and plenty of fun for the whole family. A great all round UK location for your Summer holiday.

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HEBRIDES We head to Scotland for this recommendation. More specifically, off the west coast to the Hebrides. The diverse chain of inter-connected islands have their own way of life, with pristine white beaches, breath-taking scenery and an abundance of wildlife. There is plenty to be seen and explored on the Hebrides including ruins and castles. Once again, the stunning scenery will be unlike anything else you may have seen in the UK.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Sticking to Scotland, the Scottish Highlands has some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in the UK. Get lost amongst mountains, lochs and beaches.

Take a trip around Britain's largest national park, the Cairngorms. Be sure to enjoy the legendary Loch Ness, mighty Ben Nevis and Eilean Donan Castle whilst you’re there.

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SUSSEX Sussex is the perfect balance of beach, stately homes, countryside and even cities. Sussex has everything you could need for a good old British Holiday including the eclectic city of Brighton, beaches of the Sussex shoreline, chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and even a 1930s-themed Horsted Keynes Station, which featured in Downton.

These are just a handful of sights to be enjoyed in Sussex during the summer months.

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cook withletterbox

beautiful summer recipes to try this July

summer roast dinners

ONE-POT CHICKEN WITH DATES AND CARAMELISED LEMON

OVEN-ROASTED CHICKEN WITH SUMAC AND POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

ROASTED CHUMP OF LAMB WITH RUSTIC RATATOUILLE

MERINGUES WITH SUMMER BERRIES

EASY SUMMER PUDDING

summer sweet treats

CLASSIC SUMMER BERRY SORBET

Home Tour

letterbox JULY

2020

|Â ISSUE

NO.12

CHARLOTTE-NICHOLE@OUTLOOK.COM

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