Historically known as the Paris of the Middle East for its vibrant culture, unfettered glamour and strong links to several European cities, Lebanon’s capital Beirut is emerging from its war-torn past into a creative fashion hub, spawning a new wave of designers.

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‘Optimism and protean creativity also runs through the work of Syrian designer Nabil Nayal, whose story features Aleppo, Elizabethan plumes and Karl Lagerfeld.’ Click here for the full article

‘For years it has been confined to the concrete jungle, fuelling mob-like flash sales, lofty fashion house’s egos and mass brands’ social caché. But the collaboration bug is fast spreading into rural Britain, a sartorial rendition of this magazine’s namesake that affords traditional country wears a generous puff of high fashion fairy dust’

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From a burgeoning sustainability movement out at sea to exploratory vessels used by the Blue Planet team available for charter, Rosalyn Wikeley cruises readers through the dizzying world of superyachts.

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‘Conrad’s relentless quest for a spicy edge over its Maldivian rivals (the first to launch an underwater restaurant Ithaa some 14 years ago) reached its climax this year with the launch of THE MURAKA, a once-in-a-lifetime butlered residence and affront to tired ideals on luxury, submerged five meters under the Indian Ocean with Bond villain panache. Guests are privy to a near-psychedelic flush of marine life from their sumptuous bed, shower, walk-in-wardrobe, even loo.’

Editing Country & Town House’s 2019 Bridal Guide, a 25 page internal supplement teeming with wedding inspiration, bridal gowns, jewels, off-grid honeymoons and undiscovered venues.

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With one foot rooted in the past, and the other striding out into the future, Athens is breathing life into its classical heritage and Greek traditions with high-octane culture, conscious brands and blossoming creative scene. 

Thoughts of Athens are likely to elicit images of crumbling classical edifices, unrelenting traffic and financial turmoil. Yet a decade on from the Greek government-debt crisis, the city has undergone something of a renaissance. Today a potent blend of earthy, high-octane culture, conscious brands and hip restaurants has risen from Athens’ economic ashes, attracting a multicultural creative crowd that has breathed new life into the urban landscape.

Pearls are back with a baroque vengeance. Rosalyn Wikeley offers up a rugged few pearls of wisdom

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The heart-racing allure of South America’s Iguazu Falls is usually served up with throngs of tourists, selfie-sticks, and toucan memorabilia. What’s more, the Argentine side of the falls has for some time been lacking in a five-star launchpad (the Brazilian side boasting the lavish Belmond). But as the authorities were forced to peel back the local city, Puerto Iguazu, further still from the attraction to safeguard its lucrative magic, Chilean based luxury hotel group, Awasi, saw an exotic opportunity, says Rosalyn Wikeley...

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Curb your consumerism, says Rosalyn Wikeley

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COVERING SOUTH WEST FOR THE TELEGRAPH’S HOTEL GUIDE

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Luke Edward Hall’s whimsical, romantic aesthetic not only applies
to the products he designs but how he lives too, says Rosalyn Wikeley

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How Empress Michiko used fashion to become Japan's answer to Jackie Kennedy

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Courmayeur, Verbier to Megève; wherever you’re planning to ski this year there’s a cutting-edge new chalet that warrants a visit.

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Get down with upcycled accessories, says Rosalyn Wikeley

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At times eclipsed by Buenos Aires’ old-world splendor and Lima’s gastronomic panache, Santiago is starting to realize its own cultural potential as one of South America’s most alluring places to live

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Welcome To Utopia

As renowned for its healthy, utopian lifestyle as it is for its beautiful archipelago setting, Stockholm is as such a feast for the eyes as it is a marvel for the mind. Built on fourteen islands on the banks to an archipelago where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, this city’s summers are made of golden afternoons and winters of hibernation, candlelight and good coffee. While its minimalist aesthetic makes it a mecca for the design-inclined and its hearty Nordic cuisine pulls in gastronomes world over, scratch behind the hygge reputation ascribed by a global Scandi infatuation peaking a few years ago and Stockholm has a rather grand (and at times dark) history well worth exploring. Rosalyn Wikeley reports.

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Writing and subbing website content and product description with an erudite, compelling and playful tone.

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 Rosalyn Wikeley sieves through the cocktail selfies to pick out ten extraordinary travel Insta-tsars helping hordes of followers mentally escape. 

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The very nature of la Dolce Vita makes fast-tracking it a challenge, but where there’s a will (and many an Aperol)….there’s a way. Rosalyn Wikeley reports…

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Strap in and lace up, says Rosalyn Wikeley

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THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE TRADITIONAL LUXURY HOTEL IS OVER REPORTS ROSALYN WIKELEY

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Inhale the cleanest air in the world and stay at some fabulous hotels while doing so in Tasmania, a wild, rugged island tucked away at the bottom of the map. By Rosalyn Wikeley

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Rosalyn Wikeley finds out how to navigate the glamorous, often enigmatic world of superyachts from conception to ocean…

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Miles Aldridge has been invited to New York by Time magazine to shoot the cover for their ‘100 most influential people’ issue. Rosalyn Wikeley catches the British fashion photographer and artist while he’s taking a breather from the Big Apple’s ‘machine’…

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Thinking about popping the question and looking for a unique engagement ring designed especially for your other half? A bespoke engagement ring is just the ticket. Country and Town House ask four industry experts from De Beers, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tessa Packard London and Hattie Rickards London for their advice on buying a bespoke engagement ring… 

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Caroline Issa is a career plate-spinner extraordinaire. How does she manage to keep them all up in the air? Rosalyn Wikeley finds out…

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Rosalyn Wikeley tracks down this year’s freshest fragrances, along with a few beloved numbers

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THE 5 SENSES OF HOSTING

– 26 Nov. 2018 –

“You have to have great food and wine, but for me, it’s more about people, atmosphere and all the senses – and when the senses take over you’re done!” Tim Oulton

With the season of hosting upon us, we invited Country & Town House magazine’s Rosalyn Wikeley, Retail Editor, and Carole Annett, Interiors Editor, to celebrate the 5 senses of hosting with a special reader event at our Bluebird flagship gallery. Around 120 guests arrived at our new home on London’s King’s Road for an evening of good company, fine wine and storied design – the perfect backdrop for a memorable hosted experience.

Celebrating the best of British living and luxury, Country & Town House focuses on ‘double lifers’ who enjoy the very best of country and city living, so whether you’re entertaining from your sleek urban apartment or rustic rural cottage, here are Rosalyn and Carole’s top tips on how to wow your guests through the power of sight, smell, sound, touch and taste.

SIGHT

Take inspiration from the Scandinavians

Create a sophisticated, cosy atmosphere through mood lighting. Avoid bright lights and use candles, lamps and dimmers instead, particularly in the darker months. Timothy Oulton’s Rock Crystal Rain pendant is the perfect product for this: when you turn off the lights in the room, the crystals over each light glow and create the effect of rain falling.

Light is the biggest mood changer

Use mirrors to reflect and magnify the soft flicker of candles or the amber hues of lamps, creating the illusion of more space. Your guests will feel more comfortable when the lights are dimmed.

Be creative with what you put on the table

Use colourful linen and make guests feel welcome with personalised place cards. Use your china rather than saving it for special occasions, and mix and match china with glassware.

Embrace the space you have

You can do a lot with small spaces – try hanging up fairy lights in a tiny corner.

SMELL

Get spicy

A warm, spicy smell at a winter drinks event is always well-received. But be careful not to overdo it – an overpowering smell can hinder the taste of food and wine. Try Timothy Oulton’s Winter and Tinsel candles for a festive aroma. 

Let it settle

It’s a good idea to spray any diffusers the morning or the night before your party, instead of just before.

An aromatic table

Add basil and rosemary to your table decorations.

Be crystal clear

If you’re using formal flowers, ensure they don’t obscure people’s conversations. Crystals can be a nice alternative to flowers.

SOUND

Get the right balance in terms of music volume

If you have Sonos around the house, ensure you don’t drown people out, and if you’re doing something impromptu put your phone in a hurricane vase or jar to amplify the sound.

The perfect playlist

Do some trial runs with your playlist ahead of the party – you could save time by opting for one of Spotify’s curated mood playlists.

TOUCH

Add some personal touches to the evening

These don’t have to be expensive – leave a fresh, fluffy towel on a warm radiator in the bathroom or choose canapes that pair neatly with the wine being served. It’s important to show attention to detail.

Somewhere to shake up a storm

Have a drinks station or an area which you can use to make cocktails. For the ultimate home bar, Timothy Oulton’s Hudson sideboard and Monaco bar cabinet make a beautiful addition to your entertaining space.

Keep your guests feeling toasty

Don’t forget about al fresco eating. If it’s cold, buy guests hot water bottles – it makes you look like a generous host.

Make the non-drinkers feel special

Guests who aren’t drinking are often given much less elaborate glasses than those who are drinking, which can create a divide and make non-drinkers feel unwelcome. Jazz up mocktails with similar glasses to those on the real deal, avoiding that all-too-familiar ‘not drinking?’ trope and ensuring everyone has a good time.

TASTE

Serve nibbles in style

Leave bowls around the house for those who have missed the canape trail, or those who are just too polite to ask for more food! Snacks can be anything from mixed nuts to dusted truffles, and it can be fun to put them in objects of curiosity such as marble boxes and leather trays.

The final personal touch

Make little goodie bags for guests to take home – people always love a little treat for the journey back.

For more ideas on hosting a great night, visit our pages dedicated to the lost art of hosting.