Orchids, roses, swans and leopard print shoes.

With bleary eyes, and high heeled shoes The Mother Hen and I arrived at the historic Burghley House at 7a.m. Negotiating several stairs and cobbles we unloaded the van and car and arranged les fleurs in a fancy manner.





Country meadow style pails of flowers and herbs

Buttonholes bound in my favourite sage green grosgrain.

Candelabras swagged in opulent vintage roses, and one of Dartmouth swans filled with the popular palette of dusky pinks.

Silver urn filled with orchids, so much nicer than one of those stiff triangular arrangements that you see all too often. you know the ones I mean, they resemble a flamingo standing on one black cast iron leg.

We had a wonderful day, met some lovely brides, bumped into old school chums, and managed to stand in the leopard print kitten heels for all but the last 15 minutes. The George Hotel were our neighbours, huge thanks to Emma and Katie who kept me in pralines for the day. We were flanked on our left by Tony and Javier from By appointment, a wonderful pair who live in a house of gilded walls and create the most beautiful events. I shall take The Hound to see Father Christmas at their grotto. Judging by the amount of enquiries we have had by email today, we will be very busy with weddings next year.

In case you were pondering on his whereabouts, The Hound stayed at home and was looked after by The Other Miss Pickering, her attempts to get him star jumping and performing situps fell on deaf ears. It seems there is a new form of canine Big Brother, and it is all I can do to tear him away from the laptop, not normally a fan of reality TV - this is highly addictive.

Huge thanks to The Captain, who provided us with a gastronomic feast and a gin - treats indeed.