I put it down and after several days, picked it up again and what do you know!! I have changed my mind (a bit…). 

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What I liked about this book was that it did have a lot of beauty in it. It showcased a lifestyle that I could not even imagine – stunning French country home, exquisite crockery and China, amazing fabrics, and a lot of ideas for mixing patterns.

 

A ‘coffee table’ sized book of around 240 pages, there will be enough opulent, highly crafted, and decorated rooms to satisfy many. I even calmed down about the shots of the author floating around her stunning garden in Dior or in a little something from her friend designer Giambattista Vali… Lots to feast your eyes on.

 

The photos are full page and matt. I spent some time thinking about matt photos and realise that I probably prefer a bit glossier. But overall, beautiful shots.

 

Broken down into seasons, the book leads us on a journey of how the author lives in the property as a year unfolds. It has well written sections, interspersed amongst photos.  It was easy to read and includes seasonal recipes that were simple and achievable. She might look like she lives quite upmarket but even I could make the Russian brioche recipe (pg. 50).

 

What stood out for me was the number of table settings demonstrated in different locations, over the seasons utilising flowers, fabrics and luxurious (Dior??) napery and China. Yum.