News
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How To Make A Fabulous Bespoke DIY Christmas Display.
Every year I do a large display outside the front of the house. I often get asked "oh that must be so hard to make" or " I couldn't make that" and when I tell people that, yes, you most certainly CAN make this yourself they are surprised. Let me show you how with this step by step guide.... -
Spode – 85 Years of the Christmas Tree.
‘Christmas Tree’ by Spode is probably one of the most iconic and definitely the most festive of tableware to be found and has been in continuous production since the 1930s when it was designed by Harold Holdway (later to become design director), who had apparently never seen a Christmas tree! -
The Emotional Truth About Writing '70s House'.
I got into a rhythm with writing, to the expense of pretty much everything else, as soon as I was alone in the house when I had completed the school run, I would open the lap top, usually sitting under a blanket on the sofa and write from 9.30am to 2.30pm most week days. I would pick a subject, and write, just write..... -
The Tree Pipsie - and how he got his name.....
The Tree Pipsie first arrived one winters night in the late 70s, when my father bought a box of random items at auction, and in the bottom of the box, there sat a rather dusty, and dirty and motheaten pixie. His outfit shabby and faded, his head a little loose, his wire body a little twisted, but my young heart only saw his magic and beauty. He took pride of place by the tree that year and for every one of the 46 Christmases since in my parents home.... -
Quality Street - The Festive Treat?
There is something very nostalgic about lifting the tin lid of a Quality Street and getting that heady waft of chocolate which almost assaults the olfactory senses. Looking at the brightly wrapped cellophane sweets in gorgeous jewel colours, a feast for the eyes, and we haven't even started eating them yet! -
Save Trader Vics!
Have you ever been to Trader Vics London?
If you haven’t, you really should, and soon, as it is earmarked for closure on New Years Eve 2022, ending a legacy just shy of its 60th anniversary.
Plans are afoot to save the uniquely styled tropical themed restaurant and bar by a committed group of tiki enthusiasts who have lobbied to have to space independently listed and protected as a place of unique cultural interest.
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Box of Delights & 70s House Manchester Christmas Giveaway
In our home, one day that signifies the start of the Christmas festivities is not putting up the decorations, but the weekly watching of a children’s television series. In 1984 the BBC broadcast an adaptation of John Masefields Box Of Delights starting on 21st of November and culminating on Christmas Eve. -
70s House Manchester x Leopard Print Bee Jewellery Launch
This Christmas we are joining up with local Lancashire jewellery creator Kat, from Leopard Print Bee with some stunning festive offerings.
Each one has been designed in collaboration with 70s House Manchester & Kat with meaningful inspiration from the home and mind of Estelle.
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70s House - THE BOOK!
So, the big secret is out….
Ya girl has only gone and written a book, and no one is more shocked than I am, well, it’s a lot of words, you know….
The book is published by Kyle/Octopus and release date is set for 30th March 2023
How to order? Simply click on the link and it will take you directly to stockists who will be selling my first book.
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Developing Our Christmas Range
It is absolutely no secret that I love Christmas, everything from the brightly coloured tree lights to the scent of old tinsel when you take it out of the box, smelling of decades old joy.
One of my favourite products to work on is the festive selection each year, it gives me a chance to delve into my inner love of whimsy and kitsch and really indulge my inner child......
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What are the origins of Halloween, Trick or Treating and Pumpkins?
The roots of Jack Lanterns go back to the marshes of rural Ireland in the early 1600’s. Folklore states that a shadowy figure of ‘Stingy Jack’ roams the marsh land, after repeatedly tricking the Devil and losing! -
Estelle Bilson; The Bidding Room and Me.
If you’ve stumbled upon this blog, I am assuming that you may have watched an episode of the hit BBC afternoon antiques show, hosted by Nigel Havers, entitled The Bidding Room (week days 4.30pm, BBC1).
