Wedding dos and don'ts: Nine tips to hold the perfect wedding reception
Hamish Shephard, founder of Bridebrook and owner of wedding venue Hedsor House, shares his expert tips how to ensure your wedding reception goes with a bang.
Style & Fashion
The luxury pages of Country Life feature some of the most exlusive clothes and accessories for men and women – not many publications cater to both. In addition, every week online we find some of the most beautiful things to buy for yourself, or a loved one. Often made by some of the oldest, and most loved British brands, these pieces are the best we can find, whether it’s a classic trench coat or a Christmas party dress.
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Curious Questions: Why do brides throw their bouquets? And wear white? And wear something old, new, borrowed and blue?
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The Utterly Inessential Wedding Shopping List: From beautiful bouquets to romantic getaways
As the excitement of last night begins to fade into memory, we hold dear in our hearts those who are about to embark on months and months of careful planning, menu tasting and reckless spending. Alexandra Fraser presents to you everything you (may or may not) need to get through the wedding planning season and your special day.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: A bag good enough to ride, a golden fountain pen and a doghouse to die for
There's nothing quite as good as something you absolutely don't need, but still want anyway. Because really, assuming you have food, water and a safe place to sleep, what really is essential? Alexandra Fraser takes her regular look at some of life's little luxuries.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Gifts to make him fall at your feet, a delightful decanter and all the Valentine's experiences a happy heart could hope for
The chill of February is ill-fated to be accompanied by a day dedicated to those lucky few among us who succeeded in surviving the stress of the festive season. It is for this group of people that we present a collection of utterly inessential products and experiences with which to say "I love you". For the rest of you, we recommend gin.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Scarves aplenty, whisky candles and some charitable cushions
In a world infested with 'must-have', 'don't miss' and 'buy now', one list stands alone as the voice of reason: this list, where everything is both entirely marvellous and completely unnecessary. Welcome, dear friends, to Utterly Inessential.
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The Utterly Inessential Shopping List: Step back in time with nightshirts, port and good old fashioned dice games
In a world plagued by 'must-have's and 'buy now's, one list and one list alone strives to bring you the 'must-never-have's and 'please lord never buy this's. Welcome, dear friends, to Utterly Inessential.
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The utterly inessential shopping list: A toaster you'll want to drive, the world's smartest cardigan and a £2,700 bedside lamp
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The utterly inessential shopping list: A pair of swim trunks with your name on them, the chair fit for a yeti and a very special sausage roll
A new year, a new you and a new list of utterly inessentials to purchase. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.
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The utterly inessential shopping list: 16 last-minute Christmas presents
What's that? You haven't done your Christmas shopping yet? Alexandra Fraser will help you put that right.
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The utterly inessential shopping list: Christmas jumpers for two, and a rare chance to witness the £210 pencil sharpener
Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.
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Christmas gift ideas for around the house and garden
For the newly married couple, decor enthusiast or the person who has just about everything else, here is a collection of wonderful gifts for the whole household to enjoy.
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
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Christmas gift ideas for ladies
From mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these 12 gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.
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Christmas gift ideas for men
Christmas gift ideas for all the men in your life, from fathers to husbands to boyfriends to brothers
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The utterly inessential shopping list: Cheese, chocolate, champs and chutney…it’s Christmas hamper time
Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.
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The barometer-maker: ‘The oldest one we’ve worked on here was dated 1705 – well before the internet or TV weather forecasts.'
Edward Allen has persevered through the potential banning of barometers and a steady decline in the industry, intent on repairing existing products to the highest possible standard and producing new ones for those who still see the unique beauty in barometers.
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The Gentleman's Life Party 2018: Best photographs from Country Life's celebration of the annual guide to fine living
Country Life celebrated the launch of the annual Gentleman's Life supplement with a party held at Huntsman Savile Row – here are some of the best images from the evening.
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The utterly royal shopping list, from beautiful winter flowers to hand-made suits that defy disposable culture
For one week only we've transformed our regular utterly inessential shopping list into an utterly royal shopping list, to coincide with the Prince of Wales guest editing Country Life.
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The utterly inessential shopping list: The illustrious party sporran, a penny farthing for your thoughts and two liquors for the price of fun
Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.
