Lunga House October Open Weekend

What beautiful weather for Lunga's Open Weekend. The sun is shining and the earth pours forth its glories in magnificent Autumn colours; an abundance of berries this year and gorgeous hips and haws; nature's jewels. Perhaps we are going to have a cold crisp winter if folklore is to be believed. They said of old that if there was an abundance of berries to feed the birds, it suggested the need to store up for a cold winter.

As the sailing season comes to an end and boats are safely moored for the winter we decided on a nautical theme for this weekend. The end of the sailing marks the end of summer and we have now truly entered Autumn. I always associate blues with sailing so I decided to work with a monochromatic palette of blues and a touch of white.

On arriving at Lunga to prepare the flowers I was welcomed by the lovely Meg and Julie who were finishing preparing for their guests. Lunga was looking beautiful and was so welcoming with cosy crackling fires lit in all the rooms. I could have curled up beside the fire in the drawing room with a good book and whiled away the afternoon. Guests could not help but be enchanted with this lovely little castle with a very big heart. Absolutely perfect for a winter wedding or some other special occasion you might want to celebrate. You won't be disappointed and I am sure Lunga will exceed your expectations as it has for so many before.

 Irises always make me smile, there is something very uplifting about them and the colour is exquisite.

For a quirky touch I introduced some nautical bears and sunk shells into crystal gel which gives a suggestion of the sea. I love the little bubbles it creates.

Lunga has a great collection of silver which works well with the cooler tones of blue It added a vintagey twist which suits the ballroom well.

Irises, Agapanthus, Veronica, Lisianthus and Delphinium; some Snowberries to suggest Winter is approaching  and some stained glass lighthouses dotted around the vases.

Groupings of vases around a very tall candelabra 

Pebbles as place settings , names still to be written, a job for some of the children to keep them out of mischief, although I am sure not for long; so many adventures for them to enjoy . A perfect place for Hide and Seek.

Lovely old Aqua bottles interwoven with the vases.

Some seafaring fellows!

 Bear amongst a forest of Agapanthus.

Seashells and beautiful blooms.

Pretty top table .

We have a bride in 2014 who would like a highland cow to visit Lunga, so that she and her beau can have some photographs taken with him .This handsome fellow would fit the bill, don't you think?

Craobh Haven Marina within walking distance of Lunga castle, where you will find a welcoming pub with a cosy fire and good food. Perfect place to take your guests after enjoying a lovely walk amid some spectacular scenery.

All photographs in this post are copyright GEORGE JOHN STEWART 2012

Flower Recipes - Autumnal Table Centre - Portavadie Marina

Lovely sail to Portavadie last weekend ...

Loved the patterns on the water

People gathering for the Open Day ... and the sun shone !

Autumnal flower recipe:

 First of all enjoy a relaxing stroll, gathering hedgerow finds as you go.
Take one cylinder vase or vase of your choice and fill with berries and sliced apple gathered from your foraging.
Fill with water.
Take your flowers (30 stems approximately), and create into a simple hand-tie.
Tie Gladioli or other tall stems and create into a coronet to give the illusion of height and a quirky take!
 Cut short and place on top of fruit.
Very simple and not too expensive.

To complete the setting, I placed votives using felt which I made and used around tumblers from Ikea ... pennies to make, and felting is so therapeutic.

A variety of kilner jars of varying heights would work well too. Fill with different fruits and nuts, some with candles, to add a little sparkle and movement. Flowers with different colours and textures, garden finds using the last of the summer's blooms.

I have lots of beautifully coloured marigolds in my garden and some hot pink Cosmos, which is blowing gently in the wind as I type. Add interesting greenery and twigs, gathered from a walk. Make a beautiful runner and group randomly.

Now what to cook for this Autumn feast? Hmm! Ideas please. I will send a little hand knitted winter cosy (a surprise!) to the best suggested food styling for an Autumn table. Reply by end of October. Thank you in anticipation.

Relax and enjoy a cosy evening.

Best wishes , Gill x 

View from the boardwalk and marquee. Yachts and pontoons always lift my spirits and make me feel adventurous !

And it was :)

All photographs copyright Gill and George Stewart 2012