Making the most of your space - Outdoor Dining

Summer is truly upon us, with July celebrating National Picnic Month, giving us yet another reason to get outside.

Being outside is one of the quickest ways to give our mood a boost. Spending time outside or bringing nature into your everyday life benefits our mental and physical wellbeing. In fact, according to a 2019 report, spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being. Benefits you can expect include better breathing, improved sleep, reduced depression symptoms, more motivation to exercise, mental restoration, boosted immune function, protection from shortsightedness, and improved emotional wellbeing. Personally, at Madder Cutch & Co., we can’t think of a better reason to be outside than spending time enjoying good food with good friends.

Outdoor dining, in one form or another, has been around for ages. The earliest known record of picnics by people is the outdoor meals served to medieval royal hunters. The 19th century cemented the picnic as a light meal in cultures everywhere. We can attribute the modern version of picnics to the French. The revolutionaries opened up royal parks to the public after the French Revolution, and picnicking became a popular activity for the newly freed citizens. Even the word ‘picnic’ is likely of French origin, coming from the French verb ‘piquer,’ which means to ‘pick’ or ‘peck’, and ‘nique,’ meaning ‘thing of little importance.’

The charm of eating meals outdoors grew by leaps and bounds in proportion to the growth of busier lifestyles. People needed a dedicated reason to relax, so much so that a Picnic Society was even formed in London. Members met at the Pantheon, a popular public entertainment space in Oxford Street, and they would share entertainment and refreshments.

How to make the most of your space:

1) Take the time to create a setting that draws you outside—think fairy lights, place settings—the sky is the limit.

2) Use the furnishings and tableware you have when creating your outdoor dining space—why not take your linen napkins outside? A scattering of cushions creates a far more welcoming environment than a chair or the ground! Subscribe to our newsletter this month to recieve a bonus 25% off our cushions AND free postage and packaging!

3) If you’re planning to be outside in the evening, why not invest in a citronella candle to ensure your meal remains bug-free?

4) Choose food that can either be prepared in advance or requires minimal prep. The goal is to spend time outside with your loved ones rather than slave away in the kitchen! Again, our newsletter this month is packed full of recipes for tasty treats that are both seasonal and quick to prepare!

So, what are you waiting for? Invite some friends over and host a picnic or meal in your outdoor space! It is July afterall…

Operation Golden Orb

Whilst the royals may have been planning Charle’s coronation for years, operating under the code name Operation Golden Orb, we haven’t been quite as prepared when planning our own celebrations. Now is the time however, to decide how you’ll be commemorating this once in a lifetime event with your friends and family.

Charles and Camilla have declared a quiche as the official coronation dish, with the aim for it to be cooked at home as part of a nationwide feast: the coronation big lunch. Why not celebrate with friends, family or neighbours and have go at making the official recipe?

Coronation Quiche Recipe:

x 1 20cm flan dish, serves 6

Ingredients

Pastry

  • 125g plain flour

  • Pinch of salt

  • 25g cold butter, diced

  • 25g lard

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • Or 1 x 250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry

 

Filling

  • 125ml milk

  • 175ml double cream

  • 2 medium eggs

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, 

  • Salt and pepper

  • 100g grated cheddar cheese,

  • 180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped

  • 60g cooked broad beans or soya beans

Method

  1. To make the pastry…

    1. Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl; add the fats and rub the mixture together using your finger tips until you get a sandy, breadcrumb like texture.

    2. Add the milk a little at a time and bring the ingredients together into a dough.

    3. Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes

  2. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the pastry to a circle a little larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick.

  3. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to have any holes or the mixture could leak. Cover and rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge.

  4. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

  5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, add baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, before removing the greaseproof paper and baking beans.

  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C.

  7. Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, herbs and seasoning.

  8. Scatter 1/2 of the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, top with the chopped spinach and beans and herbs, then pour over the liquid mixture.

  9. If required gently give the mixture a delicate stir to ensure the filling is evenly dispersed but be careful not to damage the pastry case.

  10. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.

Now the food’s sorted, our minds can wander to the decor…

Madder Cutch & Co are always in favour of natural and sustainable decorations which can be reused or repurposed. You can’t go wrong with red, white and blue. If you’re feeling crafty, why not whip up some bunting using some of our lovely linen quarters, available in packs of greys and blues, reds and pinks or mixed. Or make use of our linen napkins in madder red pinecone or slate foliage to set off your tablescape whilst keeping to the colour scheme!

lovely linen quarters
lovely linen quarters
from £55.00

Floral decorations always look beautiful and can be dried as a keepsake or decoration for future use. Why not play a game with your guests of creating a floral display whilst trying to guess what the chosen flowers will be for the coronation?

Our guess? Charles has previously revealed that his favourite bloom is the delphinium, stating, "For me, the magnificent, gloriously appareled delphinium, with its impeccable bearing and massed in platoons, holds pride of place in my botanical affections.”, so this could feature. Another possibility is that the King might opt for flowers to represent the UK. Perhaps a rose for England, thistle for Scotland, daffodil for Wales and shamrock or flax for Northern Island.

King Charles III has been a longstanding advocate for environmental issues so it only seems fitting to plan a greener Coronation celebration. Opt for local and seasonal ingredients when planning your feast, avoid single use plastics for cutlery and plates and decorate using reusable or biodegradable options. Consider potted plants or flowers that can be planted afterwards.

Want to go one step further? Celebrate the King’s ethical values and plant a tree to mark the occasion, making sure to use the #GreenerCoronation on social media to share your Greener Coronation ideas and help inspire others.

The pup behind the print...

Introducing… Ernie!

Ernie - the pup behind the print

or the curtain anyway…

The eagle-eyed amongst you will surely have spotted this rather handsome face in many of MadderCutch&Co’s images. As April is active dog month what better time to introduce you to the fabulous Ernie? Ernie lives a lovely life filled with long walks accompanied by his owner and MadderCutch&Co’s founder Nicola and afternoons spent snoozing on gorgeous screen-prints!

Ernie is a Parson Russell Terrier and truly lives up to the breed’s characteristic - he is fearless, brave and loveable! He is a clever and playful pup and is confident enough to put other dogs in their place! Ernie is 6 years old and will be 7 on September 24th. He is still very active but has calmed down since puppyhood! Ernie is a pedigree pooch but with his energy, we believe he was meant to be on a working farm! He was originally bought as a puppy near Scunthorpe.

Dogs truly are the best companions and fortunately the things that make them happiest are pretty good for us too. Making sure they are physically active is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy. The amount of exercise required will vary from breed to breed and will also depend on their age. Younger dogs (especially puppies) tend to have short bursts of energy whilst the more mature pooch will prefer a slow stroll through town.

So, how can you get active with your dog this month?

The weather is starting to get brighter and the mornings and evenings lighter which is good news for dog walkers everywhere. However, there are more ways to engage with your dog than simply taking them for a walk. Why not entice them into a game of hide and seek? Make sure you have their attention and then run away whilst calling their name. Praise them when they successfully find you. Slowly begin choosing more difficult hiding places or involving other family members to increase the difficulty!

If the weather cuts your walk short, why not create an obstacle course for your dog? Hunt in the garage for odds and ends such as old tires or boxes which can be used to build the course. Get as creative as you can and see how quickly your dog can complete the course.

Another option is to wake up your dog’s brain by teaching them a new trick- this is something Ernie loves doing! Start by reinforcing the basics before teaching them a new party piece. If you don’t know where to start, Youtube is a fantastic place to get ideas and methods to help.

Did someone say walkies?

You can follow Ernie’s escapades on his own instagram: @erniecliffedog

If the weather (fingers crossed) falls in your favour, a dog is a great excuse - and reason - is get outside and get active. When the sun is shining, why not take the time to explore a new trail or footpath? Meet up with fellow dog walkers or friends to add some interest to your usual stroll. With the weather warming up, swimming is also a great form of exercise for your four-legged friend. It’s a low-impact form of exercise which will allow them to cool down whilst also being easy on their joints. Ernie loves swimming and has found some good places for a quick dunk on hid favourite walk near Stamford meadows. For the bravest amongst you, why not try out open-water swimming yourself and bob along with a friendly face!?

Share how you’re keeping active with your dog this April using the #ActiveDogMonth #ActiveDog and don’t forget to tag us @maddercutchandco so we can see what you’re up to! We will also be sharing a discount code for Madder Cutch & Co’s handmade Ernie dogs in our newsletter so make sure you’re subscribed (you can sign up on our homepage).

Add a touch of Cupid to your February

The year is flying by and February has already begun. Valentines day can all too easily sneak up on us, but here at Madder Cutch & Co, we think that an excuse to spread a little love is one we should fully embrace.

First up, why not show your home a little love?

Lighting a candle can change the atmosphere of a entire room, adding ambient lighting and an inviting fragrance. If candles aren’t your thing, why not consider a reed diffuser to add a burst of fragrance to your interior. Making use of lamps, fairy lights and other low level lighting forms offer a much warmer, cosier lighting scene compared to using the overhead lights.

special edition hand turned table lamps
special edition hand turned table lamps
from £120.00

Adding a pop of red or pink to your home can also help it to feel ready for Valentines. Why not choose one of Madder Cutch & Co’s cushions in madder red or flamingo?

achillea hay & slate scotgate red duck egg 4O2A6549.jpg
rectangular cushion
£60.00

This rectangular shaped cushion (48cm x 28cm) is the perfect size for any chair. The cushion front is hand screen printed using our natural dye colours on to 100% linen. The envelope back is in natural linen with a strip of printed fabric to finish it off.  

Quality feather pad included.

design:
colour:
Quantity:
Add To Cart

Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with loved ones. But why stop at the traditional romantic love? Invite some friends or family you’ve been meaning to see over for canapés and drinks or perhaps a dinner party. Madder Cutch & Co are here to help you create the perfect table. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a magical backdrop to your evening.

The colour scheme of your tablescape is up to you but we recommend pairing pretty pastels with simple white table linen and ware to really set off your pared-back palette. To add a touch of cupid to your setting, why not fold some linen napkins in the shape of hearts? This is really simple to do and lasts even longer if you iron your napkins between each stage.

1 Fold your napkin in half towards you, and then half again. With the second fold, you want to leave a 2-3 cm gap at the bottom- you should have a long rectangle-shaped napkin.

2 Bring both the top outside corners down to the centre (past the bottom part of your rectangle) to create the point of your heart- you should be left with a house-shaped napkin.

3 Finally, turn your napkin over and then create the top part of the heart by simply folding the two corners’ inwards on both sides. Voila!

Cupid’s touches

Simple yet cute, the perfect addition to your table.


The beauty lies in the detail when laying a table, why not create handwritten name tags for your guests? Repurposing old sheet music to write on can create a unique and classy background to your place settings. Make sure to use fresh flowers when decorating your table, using a mixture of colours and textures to add interest. One fun valentines idea could be to go foraging for fresh flowers and foliage in the morning whilst enjoying a romantic stroll. Then, either cook together or choose food which can be prepped in advance so you can make the most of your time together.


We would love to see the tablescapes your design, so why not share the love and give a little inspiration to others by showcasing your finished product on our socials? Make sure you tag @maddercutchandco so we can see your creation!

Welcome to the Magentaverse...

Pantone’s unveiling of this year’s colour of the year, has inspired us all to incorporate a hint of magenta into our own interiors.

But first, a little background. Pantone announce the colour of the forthcoming year in December. The colour chosen is a trend prediction of a shade or tone that will be favoured by designers. The Pantone Colour Institute studies colour trends throughout the year, considering fashion, marketing, social media, and even politics before choosing the next colour of the year. The chosen hue is then celebrated by designers, trend setters and consumers alike!

Madder Cutch & Co are very on board with this year’s selection of magenta as it draws us back to nature in a world brimming with technology. Magenta is derived from the red family based on the natural dye cochineal used in many of Madder Cutch & Co’s dyes and pigments. 

Whilst magenta can seem a bold choice for interior design, the effect can be as striking or as subtle as you choose to make it. Use subtle touches to create playful accents a la Van Gogh. The saturation he achieves in his piece, The Bedroom, with just a single spot of bright red brings the whole composition to life. 

Similarly, in your space, placement of the odd key piece can lift the whole room. Why not try a statement cushion or fabric storage basket? If you’re ready to take the full magenta plunge, make use of our sumptuous fabric to design a bespoke blind or curtain? 

If you need some inspiration, have a look at how we’ve incorporated magenta hues into our interiors…

Magenta accents

The cochineal hue contrasts perfectly with the natural wood of the chair

Make it stand out

A pop of colour can be all it takes to throw a nod to the magenta trend whilst also lifting the mood of your interior

Natural combinations

The combination of natural wood with magenta tones entwines the cochineal-based colour even deeper with nature.

Dressing your Table

The countdown is on, the party season is upon us and with it comes the most important meal of the year. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner for two or hosting friends, family and neighbours, taking some time to plan your festive tablescape will create the ideal atmosphere for your feast.

One of the great things about laying a Christmas table is the ability to utilise natural materials to create your consummate scene. Drawing inspiration from nature and made from plant-based dyes, Madder Cutch & Co is the perfect companion to your foraged decorations.

Keep things simple by opting for a couple of key colours when laying your table. This will prevent your finished look from becoming too busy whilst ensuring it ties together. With colours derived from nature, choosing Madder Cutch & Co will bring together the accent colours that may already be present, from seasonal fruits such as pomegranates and citrus to statement foliage creating a grounded essence to your festive celebrations.

Dressing your table Madder Cutch & Co style

Our linen napkins allow you to make impact with simplicity and can be reused again and again.

Make use of our fabric storage buckets to showcase mini pine trees or gathered pinecones. We advise putting plants in a waterproof container first. If you can’t see a design or colour you like on our website, contact us and we can make it to order, intertwine with rechargeable battery operated fairy lights to add a little festive sparkle.

Another option is to pick your fabric of choice and lay a table runner. Table runners will help make your decorations more visually appealing whilst also defining seating arrangements. A simple option for a centrepiece is to DIY some floating candles. Simply fill a glass or vase with water, place several thin twigs and/or berries at the bottom and place a floating tealight on top. Opting for simple, warm colours creates a cosy, warming ambience that will have your guests settled for hours at the table.

So, what are you waiting for, choose Madder Cutch & Co and welcome nature to your table.

The Lost Art of Christmas Cards

Yes, we know it’s a little early but there’s something a little bit fantastic about feeling smugly organised, right? Sending Christmas cards may have become a lost art in the digital age, but the feeling of receiving a handwritten card from a loved one is not something to besmirch.

It’s easy and effortless to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to a colleague or a friendly face on a dog walk or even to fire off a quick text, yet the process of sitting down, selecting gorgeous stationary, and crafting a personal message captures the true sentiment of the festive season.

Sending Christmas cards is actually an English tradition. This tradition began in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole decided he was simply too busy to write personal messages wishing his friends and family Merry Christmas (as was the norm at the time). Instead, he commissioned an artist called John Horsley to design a card. Horsley’s design was hand drawn and featured adults and children raising wine glasses in a toast. The message underneath: A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

Cole’s custom took off, partially due to the cost (cards could be sent for just a penny in 1843), and partially due to the controversial picture Horsley had created (a family, holding wine glasses and surrounded by religious symbols was considered out-there).

The creation of the Christmas card was then originally, a support of an independent designer - John Horsley. Madder Cutch & Co’s Christmas cards allow you to also support an independent designer, although, we really do recommend a personal message rather than opting for Cole’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

There’s a common school of thought that sending christmas cards is detrimental to the environment – yet another disposable item to be strewn aside. Enter: Madder Cutch & Co.

We create beautifully designed cards that are printed using sustainably sourced plant dyes and pigments. Our original designs are hand screen-printed and made from plant extracts woad, madder, cutch, weld and pigments such as charcoal. We use the latest, most environmentally friendly methods, to show off the colours at their beautiful best. These colours have been used since antiquity and have a long and interesting history - much like the Christmas card. One idea might be to send one of our cards with an empty frame so the beautiful print and memory inside are preserved.

So, what are you waiting for? Select your cards, settle down, and pen a note to your favourite few.

Join our Christmas printing workshop to make your own, sustainable, hand printed cards.