STYLE, LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL INSPIRATION
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been fully updated to reflect more thoughtful, timeless Valentine’s Day gift ideas. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the people you love. They don’t have to be grand, extravagant, or overly romantic to …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway. Today’s feature explores 12 simple daily habits for a healthier life. In a world that constantly encourages us to do more, optimise harder, and strive endlessly, it’s easy to forget that wellbeing is rarely built through dramatic overhauls. More often, it’s shaped quietly — through the small, repeated choices …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Food: Letter E – Elegant Eats and Everyday Dishes. When thinking of French cuisine, elegance is definitely a word that comes to mind. It is often well thought out, refined, and has that striking quality …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about When You’re Doing Everything Right but Still Can’t Sleep. You’re not broken. You’re not failing at rest. And you’re certainly not alone. If you have a careful wind‑down routine, avoid screens at night, eat well, move your body, and still find yourself lying awake wondering …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Simple Self-Care Habits to Improve Your Quality of Life. Everyone’s talking about self-care these days. But despite what you might think, it’s not about elaborate routines or expensive retreats. Which is good news, because as life gets busier, health is often the first thing to …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our traditional French Recipes, this time we’re sharing Escalope à la crème: The Must-Try Recipe of French Cuisine. When people think of French cuisine, many things come to mind: boeuf bourguignon, ratatouille, croque-monsieur, French onion soup, escargots or even crème brûlée. But, if you’ve ever been to a …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Interior Design Tips for a Cohesive Home: Simple Ways to Create Flow and Balance. The best interior design often feels intentional yet effortless, as though every element naturally belongs where it is. But while a cohesive home looks simple, recreating that sense of balance can …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Music-Inspired Interior Design: How to Bring Your Love of Music Into Your Home. Music has a quiet way of shaping our daily lives. It plays in the background as we cook, unwind, entertain friends, or enjoy a slow Sunday at home. When music matters to …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Making Renovations Easier and Less Messy: Practical Tips for a Smoother Home Project. Taking on a renovation project can be a daunting task, especially when the thought of dust and disruption fills your mind. Whether you’re updating a single room or tackling a full house …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Plan for Retirement: Simple Steps for Long-Term Peace of Mind. Retirement is easy to consider as a distant eventuality, something far removed from your bright and vibrant life as a young professional working to make headway in their career. But, thrilling and right …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Love on the Links: 3 Reasons Why Golf is the Ultimate New Date Night. In recent years, the traditional ‘weekend getaway’ has turned into something far more sophisticated. Trendy couples are increasingly moving away from passive relaxation, opting instead for active breaks with a purpose. …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Cosy Winter Treats Guide: Comfort Food and Drinks from Europe When the frost begins to bite, and the daylight fades into a soft, amber glow, our natural instinct pulls us toward comfort. Winter invites us to slow down, swap the rush of summer for the …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about The Top National Parks to Propose In for an Unforgettable Engagement. Choosing the right place to propose is a big decision, and nature can offer some of the most stunning and intimate settings. For couples who love travel, the outdoors, or simply the idea of …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our traditional French Recipes, this time we’re sharing the famous Galette des Rois Tradition and Recipe. You may have heard of the “Galette des Rois“, the delicious pastry served each year for Epiphany when one lucky person gets the “fève“. But what exactly is it? You may know …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into Ten champagne cocktails to enjoy all year round (and especially this festive season). I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like Champagne. It’s bubbly, happy and delicious, the perfect drink for any occasion, whether you are celebrating something or not. …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Food: Letter D – Delicious Dishes and Culinary Discoveries. French cuisine is world-famous for a reason, and that is because people took the time to experiment with recipes and developed techniques to make them better …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our traditional French Recipes, this time we’re sharing the famous Duck à l’Orange: A Classic French Recipe. When people think of French cuisine, many things come to mind: boeuf bourguignon, ratatouille, croque-monsieur, French onion soup, escargots or even crème brûlée. But there is another dish that is seen …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Slow Down during the Busy Season: The Art of a Peaceful Winter. The end of the year brings with it a lot of stress and anxiety, with projects ending at work, family arriving for the holidays, presents to buy for the kids, and …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Plan Your Festive Season Like a Pro: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Stay Organised. The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but only if you plan for it. December can quickly become overwhelming between last-minute shopping, crowded …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Garage Conversion Ideas: Five creative ways to turn your garage into a useful extension of your home. Have you ever wondered why the largest room in many homes is often packed with boxes, old paint tins, and rusty tools that haven’t been touched for years? …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about 5 Simple Home Upgrades That Make Your Space More Comfortable and Connected. There’s something refreshing about walking into a home that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly functional. These days, comfort isn’t just about soft cushions or a fresh coat of paint — it’s also about …
Over the years, living in France has taught me invaluable life lessons — from approaching style and travel to embracing beauty, lifestyle, and ageing gracefully. I first came to France more than 30 years ago, fully expecting to stay for just one year. But life, as it often does, had a different plan. What was …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Black Friday: How to Prepare & Shop the Best Deals, with deals from some of my favorite brands. It’s that time of year when we start talking about and preparing the holiday season, and I am already thinking about decorating the Christmas tree and the …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How a Cozy Café Menu Creates the Perfect Hangout Spot for Friends. There’s something irresistibly comforting about stepping into a cozy café. The moment you push open the door, the scent of freshly ground beans and the soft hum of conversation invite you to slow …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Planning the Perfect Winter Proposal . Winter is magical, with the crisp air, festive cheer, and quiet beauty. It’s the perfect backdrop for an intimate and unforgettable winter proposal. It could be on a cosy evening by the fire or a breathtaking snowy escape. The atmosphere, …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Muntins: Design Inspiration and Practical Applications for Modern Homes. Windows define the spirit of any residential or commercial property, providing light, style, and connection to the outdoors. One of the most iconic yet sometimes overlooked features of traditional and modern windows is the muntin, the …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about What’s So Special About Ceremonial-Grade Matcha — and How to Drink It. Every great tea tells a story long before it fills a cup. Ceremonial-grade matcha begins its story in the quiet shade of small tea gardens in Japan. There the leaves grow slower, greener, …
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a cocktail evening, or an intimate gathering at home, these ideas will help you curate a Stylishly Spooky Halloween celebration that will amaze your guests.
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about 4 Ways to Elevate Your Dinner Party with Edible Centerpieces. Hosting a dinner party is equal parts exciting and stressful. You want the food to taste amazing, but you also want the table to look inviting. Don’t you? Well, for that, most people rely on …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about When Eating Habits Go Beyond Picky: What Parents Should Know. Children’s eating habits can be puzzling for parents. Some kids refuse certain foods, avoid textures, or insist on a limited menu, leaving caregivers frustrated and concerned. Recent surveys indicate that about 25–28% of children aged …