Now, I am a Mary Berry STAN. I love her. I love her recipes, I love seeing her on TV and I stopped watching Bake Off when she left because, truly, what’s the point?
Take, for example, the tomato soup that I found in there today. It’s a ‘summer’ tomato soup which means it’s eaten cold and not cooked but also… there are… no actual tomatoes that need to be chopped for this recipe?
I swear, I had to keep re-reading because I thought I’d missed a step but apparently I didn’t and neither did Mary herself because this is still an entire soup.
I can only put it down to the 70s being a little weird.
Mary Berry’s Tomato-Less Tomato Soup Recipe
So. If you’re feeling like a yoghurty gazpacho is on your bucket list, you may want to try this vintage recipe. It’s not for me personally but as Mary says in the recipe itself, “it’s very much a sophisticated taste” and what can I say? I’m an uncultured buffoon.
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So, for this alternative tomato soup recipe, you’ll need:
500ml of natural yoghurt
500ml of tomato juice
The juice and grated rind of a lemon
1/2 cucumber, cut into 5cm cubes
Salt
Ground black pepper
Worcester sauce
Cucumber slices for garnish
… Told you! No tomatoes! Juice tomato juice!
Then you simply:
Whisk together yoghurt and tomato juice
Stir in lemon juice, grated lemon rind and cucumber
Season well and add Worcester sauce
Serve chilled and garnished with thin slices of cucumber
This comes from a vintage cookbook of Mary’s from 1975: Beating The Cost Of Cooking and while I likely wouldn’t choose this meal, I’ll cherish this throwback cookbook forever.
You don’t need to open an app or switch on your TV to know that it’s, to use a technical term, bloody freezing right now.
And it’s probably not escaped your attention that the ice and frost that can build up on your car, roads, and gardens can sometimes be seriously disruptive.
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In fact, sporting events have already been cancelled under the current snowy conditions ― drivers have been warned of roads becoming ’ice rinks.’
So, shovelling snow might become a part of your morning routine over the next couple of days. But it turns out that there’s a simple, cheap trick to keep your shovel blade smooth ― simply spray some cooking oil onto the base.
Why?
In short, it’s a simple case of lubrication.
Oil freezes at a much lower temperature than water, so it won’t seize up in cold weather ― unlike water-based alternatives.
So, using cooking spray, vegetable oil, or wax on your spade before you start shovelling snow can help it to slide through the snow and ice faster than it would otherwise, without running the risk of getting stuck.
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“If the snow begins to stick to the shovel, it is time to reapply the spray or oil. It is best to apply it before every use,” AccuWeather adds.
Any other tips?
Yes! Wearing thick socks over your shows can provide extra grip, meaning you’re less likely to slip and slide on ice and snow.
And while we’re speaking about footwear, stuffing your shoes with newspaper after heavy snow exposure can help them to dry out faster and maintain their shape.
We’ve written before about how rubbing a cut potato over your windshield the night freezing temps take hold can lead to condensation-free glass in the morning (yes, really).
Most of all though, stay as warm and as safe as possible during the cold blast (ah, UK weather…).
Can we call it “winter” now? I mean, I know it’s just turned November ― but the sun’s down before 5pm, my extra-thick coat has come out of its vacuum-packed home, and my garden’s autumn bounty has officially faded away.
We’re not the only species to feel the shift, either. Birds, bats, hedgehogs, and bees are starting to struggle in the less-plentiful season ― but it turns out that digging a teeny-tiny hole in your garden could help.
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“Combined, our gardens provide a space for wildlife larger than all our National Nature Reserves, so by gardening in a wildlife-friendly way, we can help our spiky companions move around safely and find a home,” The National Wildlife Trusts shared.
But unless the critters have a way into your garden, all of that land is practically useless to animals.
Why does digging a hole help?
“Hedgehogs must feed intensively and be in great condition before hibernating if they are to have enough reserves to last the winter,” Wild About Gardens says.
In fact, the average hedgehog roams 2km a night. To get into prime resting state, they need access to food ― and somewhere to hibernate in the first place.
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We’ve written before about how helpful it can be to pile your dead leaves into a leaf bay or heap rather than removing them entirely (this helps to provide insects and shelter for hedgehogs and other beasts).
We’ve also shared how meat-based cat and dog foods can nourish hedgehogs when left out in your garden ― but without a hedgehog hole to access these, your efforts might be futile.
How can I create a hedgehog highway?
Cutting a small hole in your fence panel with a coping saw, and digging under your pence, removing bricks from walls all work, the RSPCA says. “Hedgehogs can travel through gaps as small as 13x13cm, so these gaps don’t need to be large,” they add.
Of course, you’ll want to get your neighbour’s permission before creating the hole ― especially if you want to create a multi-garden hedgehog highway all down your street with the help of your neighbours.
“Keep an eye out for neighbours doing work on their gardens, or using fencing contractors ― this is the perfect opportunity to get a hedgehog hole put in,” The Wildlife Trust suggests.
I don’t know about your household, but mine faces the same debate on repeat: should you rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, or not?
I’d always thought both sides made a valid point ― until I heard from Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at Domestic & General, about the topic.
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“One of the biggest dishwasher myths is that you need to rinse items before loading them,” he shared via email.
Here’s his reasons against pre-rinsing, as well as some other dishwasher tips from the pros.
Why shouldn’t you rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher?
Palmer-Smith says that, in short, the practice is just a bit useless: “Pre-rinsing plates is a bit like hand washing your car before taking it to the car wash.”
Then, there’s the added boiler costs of using extra hot water (which, though likely not a huge percentage of your bill, are best avoided if not needed).
“In reality, [rinsing before dishwasher use] uses extra unnecessary hot water and typically won’t improve the results. Modern dishwashers use high temperatures designed to break down stubborn stains with little trouble,” he says.
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Of course, that’s not to say you should just lob a loaded plate into your appliance, he adds. Scraping is the way forward, Palmer-Smith says, as too much gunk can clog your machine.
He concedes, however: “If you have a pan with some burnt-on food residue it can be a good idea to give it a soak beforehand.”
Still, it’s bad news for the rinsing regiment.
Dishwashers are more energy-efficient than you might think
In case you think I’m escaping the Dish Debate scot-free, you’re wrong; I’m usually a proponent of hand washing, because I always thought dishwashers used way too much energy.
But according to Palmer-Smith, I’m in the wrong.
“Even without pre-rinsing, dishwashers generally use less hot water than hand washing,” he says (that is, of course, if you have a dishwasher already).
“On average, a dishwasher uses water four times more efficiently than washing by hand so if you are running a load when the appliance is full, this can actually ease your energy bills more than most think,” the appliance pro adds ― and it turns out that science agrees.
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Well, that’s a load of stress (literally) off my hands…
October is an interesting month for gardeners. The bounties of autumn are starting to fade away into the barer beauty of winter; bats, birds, and bugs are starting to struggle to find food.
It’s a good time to prepare your garden for a period of low, or no, growth, fallen leaves, and hard, cold soil. So, we thought we’d share the jobs you should get going on ASAP this month (before cold weather hits):
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1) Plant some veg
Lucy Rhead, gardening enthusiast at Gtech, shared that it’s a great time to plant onions and shallots, which require little space; spinach (regular harvesting will keep your spinach cropping into spring); lettuce, which you can pretty much grow throughout the whole year, and asparagus, as planting your crowns in warm autumn soil can give them a head start blossoming over winter.
2) Get growing with some flowers, too
It’s a good idea to get some spring bulbs, like crocuses, fritillaries, and daffodils, in the ground now before the soil becomes too hard to dig.
3) Move delicate plants to a greenhouse or conservatory
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises moving tender, young, or cold-sensitive plants to a sheltered area in anticipation of harsher climes. This is called overwintering; prime candidates include perennials, palms, tree ferns, and more.
4) Get trimming
Though you should leave some plants like ivy untrimmed, others (like roses) require a good pruning. Herbaceous perennials can benefit from a little haircut around this time of year; check to see which of your plants is due a trim.
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5) Divide your perennials
It’s one of your last chances to divide perennials to keep them healthy and ready to flourish again next year. The RHS recommends lifting the plants out gently with a garden fork, making sure you don’t damage the roots.
Once removed from the soil, shake the dirt off to reveal the roots and replant your perennials either in the same spot or a different one in your garden or in a pot. Water them well. You should also divide rhubarb crowns at this time of year.
6) Get cracking on some leaf compost
Whether you intend to rake a pile of leaves into a quiet part of your garden or plan to bag and compost ’em, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can use the fallen leaves for gardening good. Just make sure not to include any infected leaves in mulches or composts.
7) Collect seeds for next year
Grab the last of the seeds from your plants, bag them, and label them in preparation for planting in spring. Some seeds, like those from astrantia, achillea, and red valerian, can be sown straight away.
8) Remove your plant pot saucers now and replace them with raisers
It’s important to keep your flowers hydrated in the dry, hot summer ― but now that the weather’s set to take a rainier turn, you’re at risk of waterlogging your plants if you don’t air them out.
Autumn is a bountiful time in your garden. From the abundance of blackberries we saw earlier in the year to the current glut of rosehips, it’s a good season for the green-fingered.
Of course, the end of those autumnal perks signal the start of stark winter’s downsides. Bats and birds begin to struggle to find food. Rough, colder weather makes new growth unlikely.
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Thankfully, there’s one simple (in)action you can take to help prevent some of these issues: keeping fallen leaves in your lawn, rather than throwing them out, is actually a pretty great move in autumn.
Eric Michels, Head of Pro at CJ Wildlife, says “One of the best things you can do with fallen leaves is to leave them for wildlife!”
“While some may consider fallen leaves a nuisance, they provide the perfect opportunity to give back to nature and create a habitat or food source for a wide variety of animals this autumn.”
So, here’s how to tackle your leaves without banishing them from your garden altogether:
Forget intense raking ― this is push-and-pile up season
A large, unraked pile-up of leaves on your lawn can cause problems, like mould. But simply shoving them into a heap in the corner of your lawn (rather than carefully clearing and disposing of them) can provide a home for wildlife, Michels says.
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“Hibernating mammals, such as hedgehogs, frogs[,] or toads, will use leaf piles to create a nest where they will stay throughout winter, while insects and invertebrates will love the dark, damp nooks and crannies that it has to offer,” he says.
“In turn, this will encourage birds such as robins and sparrows to visit your garden to forage for worms and bugs in the leaf layer.”
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) agrees, saying that “You might not be a fan of creepy crawlies in your composting materials, but they serve an important function by providing food for larger birds and other wildlife.“
Where you place your leaf pile matters
Of course, you won’t want to stick the leaves in a busy or very exposed area ― they’re more likely to get kicked apart or blown away, and it’ll probably be a less welcoming area for wildlife too.
You should “make sure it is located in a quiet corner of the garden where visitors can stay undisturbed throughout winter,” Michels says.
The RSPB adds that “where you put the logs and leaves will affect the wildlife that uses it. Try different spots in your garden, with different sized and shaped piles.”
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Got a felled log? Even better!
“If you have any logs or fallen branches, place these next to [the] leaf pile to provide additional shelter and security,” says Michels. The two make a very appealing pair for visiting wildlife.
“Gathered together, this mix can create a lovely pile of goodness to help your garden grow and encourage more birds, bees and other wildlife to visit,” the RSPB shared.
So, if you’ve got some old branches or logs (perhaps from deadheading, pruning, or simply cutting down trees), the more the merrier.
Leaf mulch makes amazing compost, too
Not sure about piling up leaves in your lawn? You can place it in a beg for mulching instead (or on top of) the heaps.
In fact, the RHS refers to bags of leaf mould as “black gold”.
The steps are simple ― collect fallen leaves, stick ’em in a jute leaf sack, a bin bag, or an old compost bag, and simply wait for about two years for the coveted leaf mould.
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And if you’re worried about any bad smells, fear not ― “The mention of ‘rot’ may conjure thoughts of smelliness, but decomposing logs, sticks and leaves don’t have much of an aroma at all – just a faint scent of woodlands,” says the RSPB.
You can make leaf mulch even sooner than that ― just “remember to check leaf piles for any animals before moving or mulching,” Michel says.
Look, anything that means I don’t have to meticulously rake and throw out my leaves is good news to me…
We’ve written before about how much Japanese knotweed can affect the value of your property.
The invasive plant is notoriously hard to kill and can damage the foundations of your home.
In fact, Japanese knotweed can be so devastating that you can be fined thousands for knowingly spreading the plant throughout your neighbourhood or into the wild (you can even be jailed for up to two years).
So, it’s a good idea to work out how at-risk your postcode is. Luckily, Environet has taken the data from its Japanese knotweed heat map (which documents over 58,000 known infestations throughout the UK) to find the biggest hotspots for the weed in 2023.
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Here are the top ten affected locations, and some advice on what to do if you do spot the plant:
The top ten Japanese knotweed hotspots in the UK are, in order:
First of all, Nic Seal, CEO of Environet, says that vigilance is key. “Make sure you know what knotweed looks like and how it differs from other common garden weeds like ivy and bindweed, so you can keep an eye out for it in your garden and neighbourhood,” he warns.
You can email a photo of the plant to Environet’s free ID service at expert@environetuk.com if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.
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“Knotweed is easily identifiable during summer, but as we head through the autumn and into winter, the above-ground growth dies back and it becomes much harder to spot. It’s also easier to conceal, so anyone viewing a property to buy should be extra careful,” Seal adds.
Simply lifting the plant out of your soil won’t stop growth, as Japanese knotweed “can grow from a tiny fragment of root or rhizome in the soil”.
To treat the issue properly, you need to use chemical weed killers which are best administered by pros.
And because Japanese knotweed is classed as ‘controlled waste’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, you can’t just bury or burn it after you’ve tackled the issue.
You’ll have to “use a registered waste carrier and an authorised landfill site or suitable disposal site,” according to Gov.uk.
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You must also “notify the Environment Agency at least one month before you bury knotweed” (it’ll have to be at least five metres deep), make sure you only burn knotweed on the site it came from, and check with your local council to make sure it’s permitted in the first place.
For a nation of people who really seem to enjoy nature, it doesn’t seem like most Brits are getting anything like enough of it. Research from house-builders Redrow found that roughly “One in four (Brits) haven’t seen worms (27%), a butterfly (26%) or snails (24%) in the last month.”
In a way, it makes sense. “9.7 million people were estimated to live in rural areas in England in 2020, compared with 46.9 million people in urban areas,” Government figures from March 2023 show.
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It can be hard to find the space to grow a gorgeous green garden in a bustling city – and even if you have a bit of room, new build gardens can feel impossible to sow and grow in.
The shallow, compacted soil can seem hard to work with, and identical fences and smooth, flat lawns can make newer lawns look a little same-y (as well as discouraging all-important biodiversity).
HuffPost spoke to gardening expert Arthur Parkinson about the best plants to grow avoid the “cardboard box” look of new-build gardens. Here’s what he had to say:
Climbers are the secret to making new gardens look established
When most of us think about growing a flourishing garden, our minds automatically go to the ground. But Parkinson shared that when it comes to new builds, it’s important to think vertically, too.
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“Just going back to what a new build garden normally is, you’re overshadowed by other housing. And also the worst thing is just that typical cardboard box feeling of fence panels,” the gardening pro told HuffPost.
“So what one thing I would say to anyone when they’re thinking about what the first plants to plant? Always think about dressing the fences, because that’s almost like putting wallpaper around your garden.”
“Things like honeysuckle and climbing hydrangea, things that are very fast to grow” are a great idea for newer backyards, Parkinson stated. “It’s all about making the garden feel established in a shorter time frame as possible,” he said.
Not sure which plant in particular to go with? Parkinson especially recommends sweet-smelling honeysuckle.
“Honeysuckle is one of the best plants for pollinators – moths can smell it from miles away at nighttime,” he said. “It’s very fragrant, so it’s lovely for us as well. And it then gives a berry in the autumn for birds.”
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Whatever you do, though, Parkinson recommends you don’t neglect your fences. ”If you don’t dress the fences, no matter what you do, it will always look like a fairly new garden because those fence panels are just there, very bare-looking, like they need to be dressed,” he warns.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says that honeysuckle is surprisingly easy to grow, provided it has space, additional support from twine, lattices, or trellises, and ideally some dappled shade.
“Climbing honeysuckles can be bought and planted all year round. You’ll get the best results, however, if you plant deciduous ones in winter and evergreens in spring or autumn,” the RHS adds.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Transformer Table is one – if not the – furniture brand to have on your radar.
Best known for its namesake product, the Transformer Table is an extendable dining table perfect for anyone who loves to host, no matter how big, or small, your home space is.
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About Transformer Table
The Canadian brand first launched in 2016, but it wasn’t until a few years later the modular furniture became an internet sensation.
Just last year Instagram creator Rasha Abdel Reda put the brand, and the signature Transformer Table, on the map.
Rasha shared a video of her assembling, and dismantling, the Transformer Table, which amassed over 300 million views across numerous social media platforms, including over four million likes on Instagram alone. It has since been reported this clip was one of the most viewed videos on the online platform of all time.
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The Transformer Table is not only an internet sensation, but a top-rated product with over 1100 glowing reviews, and a sell out success, as thousands of the innovative design sold in 24 hours alone during last year’s Black Friday sale.
According to the brand, every Transformer product is constructed to save space, giving you the freedom to adjust it to any size room and any social occasion.
So, what is so unique about the Transformer Table?
The signature Transformer Table has been such a popular hit because it can expand from just 18 inches up to 10 ft long with ease.
It can become either a side table, or a coffee table with no panels, or be fully extended with five panels to make a dining table to seat 12 people comfortably.
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<img class="img-sized__img landscape" loading="lazy" alt="At its largest, the Transformer Table can fit 12 people around” width=”720″ height=”405″ src=”https://www.wellnessmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/love-hosting-but-short-on-space-this-6-in-1-transformer-table-is-the-perfect-solution-4.jpg”>
It is a sustainable creation, as the table and benches have been created using FSC-certified wood, which has been sourced from responsibly managed forests.
The heavy-duty telescopic mechanism makes it easy to extend, even on your own, and enables this sturdy design to hold up to 340kg of weight.
Shoppers can also choose to add however many panels may suit their needs or space – for example, just one panel will transform the table into a four-seater.
<img class="img-sized__img landscape" loading="lazy" alt="You can choose the number of panels to buy to increase the size” width=”720″ height=”405″ src=”https://www.wellnessmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/love-hosting-but-short-on-space-this-6-in-1-transformer-table-is-the-perfect-solution-5.jpg”>
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The best part is the table has already been fitted, so no assembly is needed. All you have to do is extend the table to your designated size, fit the panels on top, and host.
Once assembled, customers can leave as is to make a permanent feature, extend for when guests arrive, or tuck away, to create a worktop or coffee table, if you are tight for space – it really is a fuss-free, practical and stylish item of furniture, you’ll be amazed you ever lived without.
What colours does it come in?
The Transformer Table comes in five colours; a classic American Mahogany, Siberian Birch, which is a grey hue; Canadian Dark Oak that verges on a deep black; as well as lighter options, such as the Australian Acacia and Farmhouse White, perfect for those opting for a muted colour palette in the home.
Transformer Table has heard our cries for expertly curated bundles to help us save more, and ensure we have all the essential items for our next family gathering.
The four packages include the Practical, the Host, the Gathering and The Family, which feature different seating options, from one extendable bench to two, the table and individual chairs, or a combination of both.
The fun doesn’t stop there as Transformer Table has created a modular couch, which can fetch from £899 for a single coach piece to £7,199 for a 10-piece sofa, as well as a variety of outdoor living furniture to while away the hours on with an Aperol Spritz in hand this summer.
Are there any other offers at the moment?
As part of the Transformer Table’s sale, shoppers can claim a free bench, which could save you over £1000.
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Transformer Table now offers free shopping to over 35 countries worldwide, on orders over $999 (£831).
Whether you live in a studio flat, or five-bedroom mansion, Transformer Table has something to suit every interior style, space and budget.
All that’s next is to arrange your next house party, and we think the arrival of the Transformer Table is a worthy cause for celebration.
There is no better feeling than putting freshly laundered sheets on your bed, slipping into your cosy pyjamas after a long soak in the bath, and settling down to sleep for the night after a busy week at work.
It’s all the better when those fresh sheets boast a luxe feel, and are easy on the purse strings.
Rise & Fall ticks those boxes, as the brand prides itself on luxury quality products, which have a more affordable price tag than rival brands.
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The Luxury Fitted Sheet in particular has proved to be a sell out success shoppers can’t get enough of.
Rise and Fall’s fitted sheet is currently available in two different materials; the Crisp & Cool, as well as the Soft & Smooth fitted sheet.
The Crisp & Cool variation has a 400 thread count, which is ideal for those looking for a lightweight, breathable fabric to prevent sleepers from overheating, especially in the warmer months.
Rise & Fall’s Soft & Smooth Luxury Fitted Sheet is not only silky smooth against your skin, but it is deep enough to fit shallow, deep and extra deep mattresses, so there is no more tugging at one side only for the other to frustratingly ping off.
This ultra luxurious sheet has been woven from the world’s finest extra-long staple cotton fibres using the brand’s go-to four up, one down, sateen technique, which is the secret to creating bedding that is soft to the touch.
Rise & Fall’s innovative design also features a label so you know which is the short side of the bed, to save you time when it comes to changing your bedding – a chore nobody enjoys.
The Soft & Smooth fitted sheet comes in three colours, white, warm grey and ivory chalk, which are also available in seven sizes, from single, double, to king size, and emperor, plus many more.
The Soft & Smooth fitted sheet has been recognised as one of Rise & Fall’s bestsellers, as it sold out of the popular sizes in three days, and it has garnered glowing reviews from shoppers.
Customers are head over heels for the fitted sheet, as some have hailed it a “miracle” and “gamechanger”.
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One customer gushed: “This sheet actually stays on! It’s a miracle.”
Another glowing review read: “Just perfect, the best fitted cotton sheets I’ve ever had. So soft, cool and luxurious. Great value for money.”
A separate shopper raved: “Beautiful high quality fitted sheet. Love the label to tell you what end to put the sheet, and most importantly the wide elastic that ensures it stays put without sagging.”
The good news doesn’t stop there as the retailer has teased the Fitted Sheet will be launching in new colours, although those details currently remain under wraps.
Interior fanatics, or the house proud shopper, will be pleased to learn there are plenty of other bedding options to shop from the Soft & Smooth range online, including a Luxury Flat Sheet, Luxury Pillow cases, as well as Oxford Luxury Pillow Cases and a Luxury Duvet Cover.
The retailer also has an array of duvets, pillows, throws and home scents to shop to transform your bedroom into a hotel-like suite.
The label doesn’t only stock bedding, but an array of womenswear and menswear fashion garments, and a variety of accessories, including hats and scarves, as well as a variety of bags, such as make-up pouches, washbags, handbags, tote bags, and cardholders.
Shoppers are eligible for free delivery on orders over £75, plus free 30-day returns, just in case there is any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, which we highly doubt.