Month: October 2023

  • Eight Simple Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

    Eight Simple Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

    Gift giving is one of the best parts of christmas for many people, but it also can mean financial stress at a time of year when you should be enjoying yourself. Handmade gifts can take some of the financial burden of gift-giving, and add a personalised, thoughtful touch. Here are eight ideas for handmade gifts…

  • Cheese Expert: 10 must-know Spanish cheeses

    Cheese Expert: 10 must-know Spanish cheeses

    Introduction If you think of Spanish food you might be thinking of salty jamon, spicy chorizo and juicy oranges but if you’re not also thinking of cheese, you are missing out. Spain’s most famous cheese is undoubtedly the fresh manchego but there are more than 20 DOP cheeses produced in Spain’s regions. Admittedly, Spanish cheeses…

  • Where to buy prints to frame in the UK

    Where to buy prints to frame in the UK

    When it comes to adding personality and visual interest to your living space, few things are as effective as well-curated wall art. Whether you’re a fan of vibrant paintings, abstract prints, or minimalist photography, framing artwork can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room. If you’re in the UK and seeking inspiration for where…

  • 7 Best Pork-Free Cheeseboard Ideas

    7 Best Pork-Free Cheeseboard Ideas

    Charcuterie platters and cheese boards are super popular appetisers, especially when hosting. There’s often a strong emphasis on charcuterie or deli meats, in which pork features heavily. But many people don’t eat pork for religious or personal reasons. If you or your guests are pork-free, it can seem like a cheese board or charcuterie platter…

  • 9 simple ideas for interactive dinner parties that aren’t board games

    9 simple ideas for interactive dinner parties that aren’t board games

    Interactive dinner parties are a refreshing twist to the usual get-togethers. They are a fabulous way to breathe life into regular gatherings and make the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable. If you’re craving a change of pace from the standard ‘how have you been’ chat (as wonderful as that can be), consider hosting a…

  • What is charcuterie and how should you serve it?

    What is charcuterie and how should you serve it?

    Charcuterie, pronounced “shahr-koo-tuh-ree,” is a culinary tradition with roots that extend deep into the heart of European gastronomy. Charcuterie comes from the French words chair and cuite, translating to ‘cooked flesh’. This centuries-old practice involves the craft of preserving and enhancing meats through various techniques, including curing, smoking, and ageing.  However, in recent years charcuterie…

  • 9 great ideas for a vegetarian cheese board

    9 great ideas for a vegetarian cheese board

    If you want to make a cheese board but you, or someone you’re serving is vegetarian it can be hard to figure out where to start, given that meat or charcuterie often take centre stage. But with a dash of creativity it’s very possible to make a vegetarian cheese board. It is important to know…

  • Cheese expert series: 10 most popular british cheeses

    Cheese expert series: 10 most popular british cheeses

    Welcome to our first post on Cheese Expertise, where we introduce cheeses around the world and how to use them. First up is Britain and the United Kingdom. Britain is known for its cheese, and it is estimated there are over 500 kinds of cheese produced around the country. The most popular cheeses are easily…

  • Our 6 top tips to upgrade your cocktails. Easy and simple!

    Our 6 top tips to upgrade your cocktails. Easy and simple!

    If we’re anything here at A Lovley Affair, we’re cocktail girlies. Nothing like a tasty drink in my hand makes all my problems seem a little bit smaller. Cocktails, for me, are all about the experience and they are to be savoured not guzzled. Gone are the years of pouring whatever liquor I could afford…

  • Where to buy sheets in the UK from affordable to luxury

    Where to buy sheets in the UK from affordable to luxury

    A good bed is essential to a good night’s rest, and sheets are essential to a good bed (after the mattress of course!) If you’re in the United Kingdom and on the hunt for sheets that cater to your preferences and budget, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options…