Monday 12 July 2010

A Golden Weekend


The countryside really comes alive during the summer and we have found ourselves to be busy virtually every weekend from now until the end of the season. Fortunately there is a slot available for me to make a quick visit to London for a cut and colour with the lovely girls at Mahogany, essential for me to maintain glossy locks. If this weekend is an example then we shall definitely need to pace ourselves. Attire will not be an issue as I have planned my wardrobe in advance to ensure there are no possibilities of being seen in the same pieces twice, except for my exquisite new sequin dress from Matthew Williamson, which deserves several outings.

Friday began with dinner at friends, which was eaten al-fresco under a gazebo from which we could gaze at the stars which all winked at us endlessly. We were fed my favourite summer treat of Gazpacho, with all the bits and bobs to accompany it, a feast of chicken and mushrooms served with a bowl of summer vegetables and all finished off with a summer pudding. Every single thing other than the bread and chicken came from our hostesses garden and all tasted so divine it could have been a banquet fit for the gods. We were introduced to yet more new people who were delightful and other than one man with metallic painted toenails (on grubby feet) all elegantly turned out for an evening of outdoor entertainment. We ate and drank until the early hours and it wasn't until I looked at my watch as I felt a sudden chill and wrapped my Zadig and Voltaire lightweight cashmere cardigan around me, that I realised it was so late, always a good sign.

Saturday morning was spent with some warmed croissants and jam together with steaming cups of tea being consumed on my terrace, with handsome husband and a charming gentleman we met recently who is a genius PR guru who had kindly dropped in to bring some historical research he had carried out on his Grandfather who had been at Pegasus Bridge during D-day, which he thought middle chap might be interested to read (his pet subject). Whilst here he told us about the fabulous Serenata Festival which during its first summer is taking place not too far away from here, and offers a luxurious event for those who love classical music. There is a palatial boutique tented hotel with butler service if required, the coolest kids clubs with babysitting from highly trained staff, and lavish food to be devoured from some of the best eateries here. We were so taken with the idea that we decided to go and check out the venue.

We took smallest and middle chap to join us on our adventure with a flask of tea and a Victorian Sandwich cake. We drove along a couple of A roads and then turned off in the direction of Kimmeridge Bay where the festival is being held. We drove through two tiny old villages and then arrived at the dazzling location of the bay itself. A large sweeping curve of ancient rocks towering above the clear sea where all kinds of amazing water species live. We walked around the curve and sat upon some rocks and I watched as the three men went off for a swim in the sea, soon coming back in for tea and cake. It was a glorious scene and I can see why it has been chosen for the Serenata Festival where we can all listen to the music overlooking the sea, just about as idyllic as one can get.

If this wasn't enough, on Sunday we had been invited to a tea party on the lawn of a magical garden, where all ages mixed together and were treated to firstly a small and impressive musical performance from a wind trio followed by a traditional Punch and Judy show and, my favourite part an enormous selection of cakes, dainty sandwiches and of course scones, clotted cream and jam. As I sat greedily eating my scone, and observing the scene which could have slightly resembled a scene from Alice in Wonderland, a grey haired tall gentleman joined me with his own scone and we chatted about a variety of topics including his time as a sub-mariner. My eldest chap came to join our conversation and he and the delightful gentleman discussed, novels, music, rugby, sailing, cricket and rowing, and spent much time on the subject of sub-marines as this is eldest chaps current area of obsession. Later on during the afternoon as I talked with our hostess, she informed me that the delightful gentleman was the father of a winner of 3 Olympic gold medals. How refreshing to meet a man who really does have something to brag about, and not mention it once, even when the opportunity arose. If this is how my weekends are to pan out then I'm glad to be in England where the tea is strong, the cakes are light, the sea is cool, the sky is clear and the White Rabbit can be seen if you look carefully, running across the green and lush countryside.


21 comments:

Style At Every Age said...

It all sounds so delightful, I need to move, we don't get invited anywhere!

Razmataz said...

That's the thing isn't it that makes someone really special. They have enough to talk about without having to stress their accomplishments or brag about those of anyone remotely close to them. He obviously was proud enough he didn't need to brag about his son's medals. It's like giving large amounts to charity and NOT telling about it. True graciousness.

Your summer schedule sounds wonderful.

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

Ah if this is the Matthew Williamson dress you mentioned in one of your previous posts, then congrats on getting it!! Always good to get a thign or two ticked off from your wish list ;-)

Sounds like a perfect countryside weekend to me (and as always, so beautifully written), although I must admit that the mention of the man with metallic toe nails scared me a bit! lol

Belle de Ville said...

What a perfect summer weekend...dinner alfresco, a drive through the country, classical music and charming people.
The Gentleman that you spoke to sound to me like the best of England, intelligent, well spoken, accomplished but not a braggert. We need more gentlmen like him in the US.

Wildernesschic said...

I see you that you are embracing life in the country. Although I think it is slightly more civilised where you are than where I am...
Actually the calendar was there to RSVP to. but we have declined most invitations this year due to our mess ... its hard to function when your home is upside down. I do however feel a tad flat and sometimes wish we were socialising more... and then other times I am glad we are hermits xx
Ps what great and interesting neighbours you have.. I have too, I just need to make the effort and invite them over when we are finished xx

Emily Daley said...

Oh it all sounds devine! What a lovely summer to be having, a great excuse for a new Matthew Williamson dress! Look forward to hearing more. e xx

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Sounds like you are having a fantastic summer. So happy for you!

Love,

SB

Couture Carrie said...

How wonderful, darling!

xoxox,
CC

TheOnlineStylist said...

Wow...what a wonderful time you had. It all sounds fantastic and so eloquently written too. I could almost taste the sponge cake.. yummy! xx

Tights Lover said...

What a great weekend! It all sounds lovely!

love home|life|style said...

hello my published friend!

This sounds so idyllic, I was just talking about warm croissants and jam with my hubby just today. It seems I only do these when on holiday which is crazy.

Note to self: make time for croissants!

Metropolitan Mum said...

You sound like an upmarket version of Country Living. Sounds like you are enjoying your summer in the country side. x MM

beachvintage.com said...

I love the sound of a tea party on Sunday. I just love that tablecloth in the picture.

Chic Mama said...

Only a week later to the party....sorry.
It sounds so idyllic.....it's good to get invites, then you have an excuse to really relax and enjoy yourself. X

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

That sounds perfectly delightful! all the joys of summer!

joei ♥ said...

sounds like a lovely day! and true, it's a rare opportunity to meet a man who does not brag about something when the opportunity arises ;)

☆ definitely, maybe ☆

Ashley said...

That sounds like the perfect weekend! And now I want to hold a tea party, or be invited to one, lol!

-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com

Betty Manousos said...

What a delightful summer weekend!
And what a lovely photo!

Hope you have a great day!
Betty xx

Anonymous said...

What an utterly adorable blog.

Anonymous said...

How utterly civilised....wish I'd been there!

parTea lady said...

I've enjoyed reading your interesting posts of your busy life in the country. Sadly, it has been forty years since my last trip to England.

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