I never get enough of this luscious stuff. I wouldn’t dream of limit myself to historical restoration but it’s hard not to salivate when the opportunity to decorate a period themed party arises!

When I watch the food channel, Food Network Challenge (love) etc, I’m sometimes pretty inspired by the artistry that still exists. In the 18th century dining and especially dessert amusements were delectably extreme and this dessert table engraving from Francois Massialot (1740) illustrates the point.

When we were asked to decorate a dinner for Kensington Palace I was just a bit excited (!) Nicky knew just who to call on for some serious silver loans, and I got on the phone to my dear friend ‘the Dr.’. (Dr Melanie Doderer Winkler that is) who conveniently did her PhD on Eighteenth Century entertainments (her book is in the works!) We all headed to our various bookshelves, ideas and images flying, and we all agreed that we MUST do a silver dessert display.

Now these were the rather divine windows at Dior this Christmas but its quite fun to think about this type of luscious entertaining heading into spring, when it’s more unexpected and seems extra decadent!

This is a July photo shoot for example - and it’s pretty dishy. One could make it ever more summery if you wished.

Of course my summer 18th century fete would have to have a twist of the surreal. No one does it like Cocteau, though lord knows I keep trying!

And if you missed Thom Browne show this spring, I just loved it. I’m a new fan and I thought this was SO Peter Greenaway. So irreverent. The models did get up from the table and walk around by the way.

And speaking of Greenaway…The Cook the Thief His Wife and Her Lover may not be for the faint hearted (it begins with filth, lots of naked Helen Miram, and ends with cannibalism - you have been warned) but you can’t deny those sets!! Luscious!!