Our creativity is thriving this week. So much so, we’ve taken an interest in just about everything from art appreciation to elaborate tablescaping – turns out, we’re a dab hand at the latter.
Below, Fiona Leahy shares her party-planning wisdoms, chef Steven Edwards launches a new menu at Bingham Riverhouse, and Selfridges proves to be a rather good rainy-day retreat (creative thinking at its very best, non?).
Scroll on for the lowdown in full.
ATTEND THIS Frieze London, The Regent's Park
Frieze London is back. To kick things off, we’re making a beeline for The Frieze Sculpture Park, in The Regent’s Park, which showcases artists including Anthony Caro and Isamu Noguchi. One we’ve had our fill of public art, we’ll be shifting our focus towards the main fair, with highlights including Victoria Miro’s floral-themed display and Frieze London Talks – namely, Wednesday nights’ in conversation with artists Garrett Bradley and Arthur Jafa, moderated by Mark Godfrey.
PLAN WITH THIS Notes on Entertaining, Fiona Leahy x Smythson
Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous event design agency, Fiona Leahy Design, Fiona Leahy is known for her party-throwing capabilities. Her decadent events are heralded the fashion sphere over, while her at-home tablescapes provide endless inspiration when it comes to at-home hosting. Collaborating with Smythson on her “dream notebook”, The Notes on Entertaining book shares Fiona’s tips and tricks on how to become an entertaining connoisseur. We think it’s the perfect for Christmas gifting; a festive companion like no other.
BOOK THIS Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Thames-side Bingham Riverhouse, situated in leafy Richmond, is celebrating the start of the autumn season with a lip-smacking new menu from their Executive Chef and Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards. We’re particularly impressed by the restaurant’s updated main-courses, which range from roasted duck breast, paired with beetroot and fig to butter-roasted turbot in a Nyetimber sauce and Venison loin cooked with swede and elderberry ketchup. Word to the wise: do leave room for dessert; our choice, an exquisite Valrhona chocolate delice, served with lime curd and mint ice cream. If post-meal you’re feeling a little lethargic, why not check in for the night – Baudelaire is the biggest room in the hotel, and also our personal favourite.
SHOP THIS Ceylon Colour-Block Silk-Satin Dress, Roksanda
This pink, teal-blue, burgundy, and yellow dress nods to designer Roksanda Ilinčić’s love of vivid jewel hues. A mood-lifting dress, “crafted from silk satin with a tie neckline and a nipped-in waist”, this elegant number is one you can wear just as easily to meetings as you can to upscale dinners (just add something strappy, shoe-wise). Perma fans of an asymmetric hem, we consider it the perfect attire for an exhibition preview or cocktail mixer populated by the art crowd. Sold.
VISIT THIS The Cinema At Selfridges
As the weather becomes increasingly temperamental, we’re becoming more and more creative vis à vis seeking shelter from the elements. Taking refuge at Selfridges when it pours down unannounced, the department store is the perfect rainy-day escape. Head for lunch at HIVE, located on the third floor, for a honey-infused menu spanning moreish salads to fresh fish to cheeseboards – or alternatively opt for an afternoon tea (Veuve Clicquot Champagne optional). Post-lunch (and a browse around the shoe department), head sub-terra to the plush cinema. Nab a reclining, red-velvet seat – with your pick of snacks and a glass of something red in hand, of course – and kickback with the week’s latest release.
Any Questions or Tips to add?