‘When all the snowy hill
And the bare woods are still;
When snipes are silent in the frozen bogs,
And all the garden garth is whelmed in mire,
Lo, by the hearth, the laughter of the logs –
More fair than roses, lo, the flowers of fire!’
From Winter by Robert Louis Stevenson.
I adore this time of year. Robert Louis Stevenson said it well when he spoke of the way the natural world winds down to hibernate; a time for long walks by the loch and cosy evenings curled up by the fire.
What’s more, it means the festive season is well and truly on its way – and you know Christmas is just around the corner when it’s time to crack out the tartan and checks. I love tartan and am fiercely proud of my roots so need no excuse to dress like a walking Scottish stereotype – as soon I saw this Moon wool check pinafore in Laura Ashley’s Christmas in July previews, I knew it had to find a place in my wardrobe!
The woolly dress is the perfect combination of nature-inspired shades – it could almost be based on the heather-hued hills of the Highlands with its combination of plums, greens, browns and highlights of pink and cream. The pinafore has retro appeal with its cute, button fastening cross-back straps and side pocket details, while the midi length and A-line shape take it from girly to grown-up.
Crafted from Abraham Moon’s iconic British wool, it’s perfectly cosy for the colder months – whether paired with a cream blouse for a prim and proper look, or a ‘sixties-inspired long sleeved roll neck. I love the way the dress seems to change with each different shade worn underneath, but the matching heather top is my favourite. I couldn’t resist styling it with my vintage plum-coloured coat with faux fur collar for a stroll by St. Margaret’s Loch.
The only thing better than a walk in the great outdoors on a cold, crisp day is warming up when you get back inside! I rustled up some Scandi-inspired seasonal treats – Pebernødder, or ‘pepper nuts’ – to keep the winter chill at bay. They’re quick and easy to make, and baking them will make your house smell like Christmas! Click through to the Laura Ashley blog for the recipe to recreate them at home (best enjoyed with copious tea served in a Laura Ashley mug and side of baubles), and full recipe will be up here on Sunday. Thanks for having me again, Laura Ashley!
Dress, baubles, mug and cushion (on the Laura Ashley blog) c/o Laura Ashley, but all love of tartan and festive baking entirely my own!