Take a cue from the divinely run (not to mention decorated) Soniat House in New Orleans, where Nicky and I have just finished our delicious breakfast…

And keep a hot stone in the bottom of your biscuit basket…works a treat! Proprietor Frances Smith tells me keeping them in the oven makes the biscuits rise to their VERY best…

Just back from a delicious lunch at Richard Carings new restaurant ‘34’…where Nicky and I were delighted to see the chicest toothpicks imaginable.

Wrapped in New Mown Green paper, these gems are individually wrapped, and the ends are colour dipped to match!!!! Whoo hoo!!!

And even better, they are available at www.kokeshe.com

How dare you greet your guests with anything less than the red carpet….take cue from Rebecca Singley who we just visited in New Orleans (her husband Patrick owns the trendiest restaurant in town, Gautreau’s). Much to Nicky’s delight we were given the full red carpet treatment. He thought it rather a good idea to include one in your carry on luggage….just sayin’.!! You can have one too from Kitson Los Angeles (now that I’ve ordered mine…)