TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 19, 2020

Weekly Wants: Home Styling

Since we're spending more time indoors, now is the perfect opportunity to turn our homes into the ultimate happy place.

This week, we’re focusing on styling our humble abodes and breathing new life into our interiors with a smattering of new cushions, Summer tones and all the boho vibes. Since we’re spending more time indoors, now is the perfect opportunity to turn our homes into the ultimate happy place.

Here’s a few bits we’ll be adding to our baskets asap!

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TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 18, 2020

How Team Zoella Are Spending Their Weekends

As we all continue to stay home during lockdown, our weekends look a little quieter than they once did but we’re still intent on making the most of this slow pace and simpler way of living.

We’re all finding little ways to eat up our time indoors – if you haven’t baked a banana loaf, done a family quiz on Zoom, panic-bought watercolour paint and lego and done a face mask, were you even in lockdown?

Some weekends we get our daily exercise in, clean the house top to bottom, learn how to macramé, cut our S.O’s hair and squeeze every last ounce of productivity out of our days off.

Other times, we sit for an unprecedented amount of time creating our own virtual paradise on Animal Crossing. We rebuild our social lives, furnish our homes, interact with cute animal villagers and spend Nook miles instead of air miles.

Before we know it, 9am becomes 9pm and all we have to show for it is a collection of bugs, fish, fossils and paintings. And you know what? We’re not even mad about it. Life is hard, sometimes you just need to escape and hang out with cartoon animals for a while to get by. Ya know?

From lazy days on the sofa to finally completing that 1000 piece puzzle, here’s what our weekends on lockdown look like right now!


Lareese says…

Apart from cleaning absolutely anything and everything in sight, I’ve found reading to be the best form of escapism right now, so I’m making a dent in my reading pile and packing in as many books as I can at the weekends and in the evenings. Since we don’t have a garden, I’ve also taken to sitting on my doorstep soaking up the sun with a glass of rose like the little old lady that I am!

I’m usually terrible at sitting still and using the weekends to recharge, so spending all this time at home has actually made me slow down for once and embrace the jomo! I’ve also been taking loads of photos in my makeshift bedroom studio, doing face masks, overdoing it on the banana bread and running every evening. The weather in Brighton has been bloody lovely which has made getting out for that daily exercise even more of a treat!

Darcey says…

I’ve found my weekends in lockdown have been a mix of Netflix bingeing and staying busy doing activities. I’ve enjoyed doing some crafty bits I normally wouldn’t have made the time for, like bleaching half of my jeans (jumping on the TikTok trend). I also repotted some of my house plants which were needing some new homes! Lots of baking too of course. I have been drinking a LOT of iced coffees and matcha lattes, sitting in my garden in the sun, which has been really nice. Going for dog walks in this weather has been lovely too!

Me and my friends have been doing a quiz every Saturday evening on Zoom which is now probably the highlight of my week, we are so lucky we have all this technology! Lots of face masks have occurred, even foot peeling masks (so satisfying if you like that kinda thing), new skincare routines etc. I’ve been trying to keep up with at home workouts, Joe Wicks and MadFit on Youtube are so good! Also loving Sinead Trains lives on Instagram. But, of course, I am also spending hours watching Netflix. I have nearly finished Friends, that’s right, all 10 series. Next up is Tiger King!

Charlotte Says…

I’ve got into the swing of weekends at home quite nicely so far- they’ve not been nearly as intimidating as I first thought the expanse of time without work would feel like! I’ve been mixing it up with a variety of online and offline activities, namely: doing a walking tour of my village via as many routes as possible, reading in the sunshine, baking and learning some TikTok dances with my sister, all interspersed with (virtual) catch up with friends, Netlix watching and puzzles.

I’ve done a lot of reflecting and I feel like my priorities and passions are clearer now more than ever, and I really can’t wait to get back to normal and fulfil all of my daydreams of late. For now though, my weekends are happily passing by, and I’m grateful for the quiet moments at home that keep me and my loved ones healthy.

Zoe Says…

My weekends are often spent putting a lot more effort into breakfast to emulate “going out for breakfast” which I miss so much. The other weekend, I set up the table outside and cooked up a veggie breakfast as a surprise for Alfie. It was nice for us to both make a bit more effort! When we take Nala out for her daily walk, I’m making sure to try and take in all the signs of Spring that we’re not seeing on the regular. The bluebells made me so happy when I spotted them the other day. We’re also doing ALL the cooking and ALL the baking.

It’s absolutely no secret that Alfie and I love a takeaway, so with that as a very minimal option, we’ve found so much joy in cooking meals together which has been so nice. We’re also sitting out in the garden as much as we can whilst the weather is nice and face-timing friends on the regular. One thing I’ve loved doing at the weekends and evenings is playing animal crossing (sometimes in the bath not going to lie…haha). Alfie got me into it and I’m absolutely loving it, which I actually didn’t think I would at all. There’s a group of us all playing it and checking in with each other, yes, we even made a WhatsApp group to chat about it. haha!

Danielle says…

I’d love to tell you that I’ve cracked weekends in lockdown and have hugely exciting tips to pass the time but I’m pretty sure I’m a walking quarantine cliche! From Friday night quizzes to banana bread and whipped coffee I’ve tried everything I’ve seen on the gram and I’m quickly running out of trends to try. Over the Easter weekend, we managed to sort out our garden which was a beast of a task and also made pretty good exercise! Hopefully, it’s hot enough to sunbathe in the coming weekends and I can head back to normality with a tan.

I’ve been playing lots of games, our fave being monopoly deal and Uno as well as building the Friends lego set which is SO fun. MY top tip would be put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ this was it doesn’t flash up every time you get a notification and it’s been SO GOOD for trying to spend more time concentrating on what I’m doing and not mindlessly scrolling.

Maddie says…

My weekends in lockdown have been pretty much identical since week one. On Saturdays, my husband Joel and I go and see progress on our house build. We’re fortunate enough that despite everything that’s going on there are small things the builders are able to carry on doing in a safe way which has really kept our spirits up. Where our house is there are miles of fields and woodlands all around so we always combine it with a massive dog walk with Captain Bear. It was so nice to see the bluebells out last week. On Sundays we tend to do jobs around the house, any cleaning that’s been neglected in the week and I try and get on top of my laundry. We’ve being doing a few DIY jobs that needed doing and if i’ve got time i do some baking and binge watch something on netflix. Oh and of course some kind of group chat with friends that tends to involve a quiz of some sort!

How are you spending your weekends?

DANIELLE APRIL 17, 2020

A Movie To Get You Through Every Lockdown Mood

Since we’re all spending the majority of our days indoors, we’re all looking for some much-needed light relief and entertainment. And, despite what you may see on Instagram, not all of us are penning the next best-seller or learning Russian.

When you’ve examined the innards of every cupboard, organised your wardrobe, cleansed your chakras and reduced your cushion collection (cutthroat stuff), there’s really only one thing for it: couch potato.

Since we’re all spending the majority of our days indoors, we’re all looking for some much-needed light relief and entertainment. And, despite what you may see on Instagram, not all of us are penning the next best-seller or learning Russian.

It’s more than ok to be doing nada right now. Not every day has to be flanked with spiritual transformations and self-improvement, or the pursuit of a shredded post-lockdown-ready body. We’re allowed to just binge films, eat popcorn and weep our tiny hearts out at Bradley Cooper in his little hat and his p*ssy jeans.

From the feel-good flicks and cult classics to the tearjerkers, here’s a plethora of films to see you through every lockdown mood because if you’re anything like us, it changes every hour.

Movies to lift your spirits

Ratatouille

Not all heroes wear capes, some of them wear chef hats and have tails.

Remy the rat certainly knows the way to our hearts is through our stomachs and this delectable treat acts as a reminder that anyone can cook – yep, even those of us who have been known to screw up beans on toast. There’s a gourmet chef in you yet and the time to experiment with your pantry is now.

Up

The pinnacle of tear-jerking, fuzzy feels animation, Pixar’s Up is your ticket to an adventure way beyond the clouds.

The story centres around an old man named Carl who, after his wife’s death, sets out to keep his promise to her to travel to Paradise Falls in South America. After tying thousands of balloons to his home, he sets sail on his mission. However, he soon discovers he isn’t alone. It has humour, it has substance, it has a cantankerous but lovable old man. It’s the whole package. Watch it and try not to weep in the first 10 mins.

The Greatest Showman

Arguably the world’s most-loved musical, this movie is so much more than jazz hands and high notes. Hugh Jackman and his all-star cast will spark some serious joy in your life with their catchy earworms, brio and comradery. Will you be singing it for the rest of lockdown? Oh, 100%

13 Going on 30

Heart-warming and nostalgic, it’s one of the best and most rewatchable coming of age rom coms ever made. It’s iconic and it deserves to be watched 117 times.

Bridesmaids

If you’re seriously missing your girl gang and in need of the ultimate sh*ts and giggles kinda viewing, this is your movie.

The Lion King

A live-action remake of a Disney classic, made ever better by none other than Beyonce. The happy ending is always safe in Disney’s hands. PHEW.

Mamma Mia!

Jam-packed with all the chart-topping ABBA hits, the sing-a-long film boasts a plethora of our favourite faces including Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. The story follows a young bride-to-be, Sophie (Seyfried), who secretly invites three men from her mother’s past to her upcoming wedding, each one with the possibility of being her father.

Movies to cure the boredom

The Lord of the Rings

You might not have the chance to binge a film franchise under normal circumstances so use this time wisely. Frodo Baggins will help you curb that cabin fever.

Inception

So engaging and suspenseful that you won’t have time to think, let alone get bored.

Harry Potter

With a total running time of 19 hours and 40 minutes, back to back HP will keep you busy for an entire day. And what a productive day that would be. Your bullet journal will be shooketh.

Movies for when you need a good cry

P.S. I Love You

Love letters beyond the grave. Gerard Butler. Need we say more? This is the endearing love story we need right now.

A Star Is Born

Starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, a hard-drinking musician (Cooper) falls in love with an aspiring artist, Ally (Gaga). As her singing career goes from strength to strength, Jackson finds his alcoholism spiralling out of control. Cooper is as easy on the eye as ever, Gaga is sensational and the soundtrack will give you goosebumps on your goosebumps. It’s the best remake ever.

About Time

What the world needs now is a big Richard Curtis hug (from 6ft away) and a meet-cute.

At 21, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time and change what has happened in his own life but by doing so, he learns that his unusual ability has limitations that can’t protect his loved ones from the problems of ordinary life. About Time is a film about… time. It invites us to live fully in the present and to savour the little things that often go unnoticed. How very apt! No, you’re crying.

Me Before You

Young and quirky “Lou” Clark’s (Emilia Clarke) cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years ago. Will’s cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined. The question is, who saves who?

The Fault In Our Stars

If you read the YA novel, you’ll know this is a story aiming straight for your tear ducts. It’s cathartic stuff. That’s all we can say on the matter before the lump in our throat gets out of hand.

Movies to feed your wanderlust

Eat Pray Love

Live vicariously through Julia Roberts as she travels across Italy, India and Bali on a soul-searching journey. What we’d give to be cycling through the rice paddies in Ubud and walking the picturesque streets of Rome right now.

The Beach

Got itchy feet? Escape to the picturesque beaches of Thailand with Leonardo DiCaprio as he plays a young American backpacker searching for meaning and connection.

Midnight in Paris

Dreaming of a city break to Paris? This Woody Allen classic will transport you to the quaint streets of Montmartre and provide the perfect antidote for your pandemic worries.

What films are getting you through life on lockdown right now?

DANIELLE APRIL 16, 2020

Between You And Me: Answering Your Problems Part 3

Now, more so than ever, we all need a safe space to discuss the issues that are weighing on our minds, as we do our best to comprehend what’s going on in the world.

Our Between You And Me series is back and this month, we’re dealing with a real mixed bag of topics including anxiety surrounding the coronavirus, how to stay motivated when you’re working from home, bereavement, toxic friends and manipulative relationships.

Now, more so than ever, we all need a safe space to discuss the issues that are weighing on our minds, as we do our best to comprehend what’s going on in the world. We hope we can provide exactly that for you guys during these uncertain times.

Let’s get to it!

DANIELLE APRIL 15, 2020

Team Zoella’s Best Biographies

One place we can all look to find a bit of solace and escapism right now is in-between the pages of a good book, amiright?

As much as we all adore fiction, you can’t deny the emotional and lasting impact of reading a very real and raw account of someone else’s life. A palette cleanser, if you will!

Lose yourself in the captivating stories of some of the world’s most interesting people and gain access to their innermost thoughts and the events that shaped them. From rock stars to political powerhouses, these are some of the most inspiring, hilarious, heartbreaking and engrossing biographies, memoirs and life stories we’ve ever read.

Maddie

Heavier than heaven, the biography of Kurt Cobain

This will tell you a little bit about my teen years, i was a huge Nirvana fan and became a little bit obsessed with Kurt Cobain after reading this book. It’s a really heartbreaking read, he was so incredibly talented yet his demons never let him truly enjoy life or his success. You know the ending before opening the first page so it’s of course incredibly tragic but despite his short life his music remains absolutely iconic and will outlive generations.

Becoming – Michelle Obama

We chose this book for the Zoella book club last summer but I would have definitely picked it up anyway. Michelle is an incredible woman and has had a really fascinating life. I laughed, I cried and I felt hugely inspired by her, she is an absolute superwoman.

Zoe

I’m not usually one to grab a biography, however, any that I have read, I’ve enjoyed (moral of the story, buy more biographies) I absolutely love learning about people and their lives.

Lily Allen – My Thoughts Exactly

One of the best biographies I’ve read. I’ve always loved Lily and have followed her career journey since she was just a page on Myspace. This book is so raw and real and I love her “not giving a shit” attitude when it comes to telling her story exactly how it is. I pretty much read it in one sitting!

Lily Collins – Unfiltered

Another Lily! This biography feels so poignant and if I had read this as a teenager I think it would have been the very thing I needed in order to feel confident in myself. So many things Lily writes about from her own experiences are so relatable and interesting! Would highly recommend!

Lareeese

Dolly Alderton Everything I Know About Love

I loved this coming of age memoir and inhaled it within a few days of picking it up. Dolly’s writing sparkles with relatable anecdotes, humour and heart as she recounts falling in love, getting pissed and learning to navigate the trials and triumphs of being a grown-up. It’s like sitting down with a friend and having a glass of wine, getting loose-lipped and then gesticulating how grateful you are for one another.

Danielle

Jenna Jameson – How to make love like a pornstar.
Ok, bear with me! I have no idea how I came about reading this and it was released in 2004 so it was far too long ago to remember but boy is it a captivating read. Jenna’s life is non stop drama filled with drugs, strippers and dodgy business deals, suffice to say nothing I’ve personally experienced which made it super interesting. I’m sure it’s probably a much spicier version of how the sex worker industry plays out but it gives you a good through the keyhole look into what goes down. Highly recommend!

The Books of Albion: The Collected Writings of Peter Doherty.
I like most indie teens had a brief obsession with Pete Doherty and loved this book. Throughout his colourful career, he kept diaries, so many diaries, and this book is a collection of some of his musings, drawings, pictures and poems, it really is quite beautiful and would make a great coffee table book gift for any Libertines fans.

Darcey

I’ll have to be truly honest here, I have only ever read two biographies, both Justin Bieber’s unofficial ones, at the age of 14. So, I’m no real biography expert (unless of course, you are wanting to read JB’s), however, with all the extra time we now have I am wanting to read more.

There are actually two biographies on my to-read list, firstly is ‘Becoming Michelle Obama’. I’ve wanted to read this for a while now and have just never got round to it. Secondly, I want to read ‘How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned from Things Going Wrong’ by Elizabeth Day, where she looks at how failure in her own life has taught her so many lessons and why we need to all fail to ultimately grow.

Charlotte

I’ve not read many biographies, but the one book that stands out from this genre and that I’ve read multiple times is The Diary of Anne Frank. I first read this book when I was much younger, and then again after visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam which was such a moving experience and stark reminder of all that Anne, her family, and millions of others went through in that time. Anne’s words not only inspire you to feel gratitude and appreciation for all that you have but also offer huge perspective on the issues we face today and the ways in which we can face them, together. She was an intelligent, kind and selfless young woman and I think we can all learn so much from her strength and poignant words.

TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 12, 2020

Weekly Wants: Styling The Denim Jacket

Need to layer up your floral dress? Denim jacket. Want something to throw on over your hoodie? Denim jacket. A casual Summer cool-girl vibe? You got it. Denim. Jacket.

Need to layer up your floral dress? Denim jacket. Want something to throw on over your hoodie? Denim jacket. A casual Summer cool-girl vibe? You got it. Denim. Jacket.

Whether you’re into the classic vintage blue variety, light wash, refined black or a modern stonewash jean jacket, there’s no doubt this wardrobe classic will elevate any outfit.

Flick through our gallery to see how we’re styling ours this season!

TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 10, 2020

Making The Most of Easter In Lockdown

Despite the circumstances, we can still make this Easter count. We can use this time to find little glimmers of gratitude and joy in the ordinary; in the comfort and safety of our homes, the slower pace and the excitable video calls with loved ones, technical difficulties 'n' all.

Admittedly, Easter is going to look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t put on our best bonnets and celebrate the holiday from home (albeit with a unique quarantine twist).

The current situation won’t put a dampener on our spirits, not when there are hot cross buns and egg-shaped chocolate to be had.

Despite the circumstances, we can still make this Easter count. We can use this time to find little glimmers of gratitude and joy in the ordinary; in the comfort and safety of our homes, the slower pace and the excitable video calls with loved ones, technical difficulties ‘n’ all.

We are living in a weird world right now, quite different from the one we’re used to but these familiar calendar dates can serve as a comforting reminder that each day is a day closer to normality. The world keeps spinning.

We will embrace our mums again, sit on the beach with our friends, do the school run, sunbathe in parks with fruit cider and salty crisps, and all of those once habitual things we did before will be extraordinary this time.

As we continue to stay home and help control the spread of Corona Virus, here are a few ideas of things you can do indoors to celebrate and make the most of this lovely time of year.

From the team here at Zoella, we wish you a happy and healthy Easter!

Put on a Sunday roast

Even if you’re eating alone this Easter, why not embrace all of Easter’s traditional fare. Any excuse to gobble up a roast and all the trimmings.

Home-baked goods

There’s something soothing about carefully measuring out ingredients, cracking eggs into a bed of flour and following a recipe.

Baking is a great way to relive stress and channel your energy into something creative

Just look at how the humble banana bread has become the emblem of lockdown life with many of us spending more time in our kitchens, seeking ways to relax and pass the time.

If you can’t get hold of any sweet treats at your supermarket, roll up your sleeves and create your own baked goods from home. Check out our delicious Easter biscuit recipe here.

Time to DIY

With Easter being a time for renewal, you could start tackling some of those odd jobs around the house you’ve been putting off. Upcycle a piece of furniture, paint a room or tidy up the garden. Now’s the perfect time to reinvent your indoor space and breathe new life into your home.

Set your table

You know how everyone’s telling us to put on our good clothes when we’re working from home so we feel vaguely normal and ready for the day? Well, the same rule of thumb can apply to our homes.

Get out your fancy plates a la Monica Geller

Whether you spruce up your garden table and take your breakfast outside or get out your fancy plates a la Monica Geller and set your dining table, decorating your space for Easter is one way to make sure you make the most of the occasion.

Check out our ideas for how you can style your table ready for Easter here.

Play games

The family gathering might be on hold for now but that doesn’t mean we can’t play silly games and humiliate our family members.

Host an Easter themed quiz with your friends and family instead.

Brush up on your general knowledge and host an Easter themed quiz with your friends and family instead. Or, if you’re not into trivia, escape to a deserted island, build your own dwelling, meet charming animal residents and create your very own paradise – anyone else living vicariously through Animal Crossing right now? That’s our Easter getaway sorted.

Put on a post-brunch movie

It’s Peter Rabbit’s time to shine! While it’s set to be a scorching Bank Holiday outside, there’s plenty of cracking TV on over the weekend to keep us entertained indoors. From Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory to Shrek and Matilda, grab your Radio Times and hunker down with your favourite telly snacks.

Find out how to make an epic Easter Sharing Board you can graze whilst you watch here.

How will you be celebrating Easter this weekend?

TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 9, 2020

How To Create An Easter Sharing Board

Easter, as we know it, may be on hold for now but if you're on lockdown with your family, housemates or your S.O, you can just as easily celebrate from your home with this sharing board complete with chocolate eggs and all the bite-sized nibbles.

Looking to up your hostess game? Not only do sharing boards look a solid 10/10 but they are easy to prepare and the perfect accompaniment to just about any occasion that calls for food and conversation.

It’s the ultimate hassle-free party piece – guests can serve themselves and go up for another round whenever they please, leaving the host to relax, mingle and graze along with everyone else.

Lockdown lunch just got interesting!

Easter, as we know it, may be on hold for now but if you’re on lockdown with your family, housemates or your S.O, you can just as easily celebrate from your home with this sharing board complete with chocolate eggs and all the bite-sized nibbles. Lockdown lunch just got interesting!

You can always save it to your Pinterest board for a later date, ready to recreate as soon as lockdown is over. It’s not a recipe just for Easter, after all, it can easily be adapted for birthdays, movie marathons and other special occasions. Check out our tips for styling the ultimate cheeseboard here!

Arranging your platter

When it comes to putting your sharing platter together, there are no hard and fast rules. As long as you assemble it in a way that makes it easy to see the selection of snacks on offer, then you’re good to go.

Place all your sweet snacks down one end and savoury at the other.

The only other thing to take into consideration is grouping food groups together to make it easy for your guests to see what they want to go for – i.e all your sweet snacks down one end and savoury at the other.

Colourful crudités

Adding in something green is always a good idea, especially when there’s an abundance of naughty snacks on offer. Pack on your veggies such as radishes, carrots, celery sticks, asparagus, red pepper and any other crunchy snacks that go down particularly well when loaded up with delicious dipping sauces and spreads. It’ll help balance out all the choc.

Dipping pots

Dips are always a crowd-pleaser aren’t they? Never trust someone who doesn’t like to plunge a carrot or a breadstick in a party dip.

Cover all the condiment bases and your guests will be very happy indeed.

From houmous and tzatziki to a bowl of melted chocolate – cover all the condiment bases and your guests will be very happy indeed.

Seasonal snacks

As this is an Easter-themed grazing board, we’ve included sweet seasonal treats like hot cross buns, Creme Eggs and mini marshmallows. If you’ve got any chocolate eggs, carefully break them in half and place them on the platter for guests to snap off a bit of chocolate when they fancy it. They also double up nicely as the perfect display bowls for your smaller confectionery.

Layer up

If you can, use one long-serving platter to make the most of the grazing table/platter concept, or simply cover your table in thick brown parcel paper. If you’re worried about the oil from dips seeping through, just decant your sauces into bowls instead of piling them straight onto the paper.

Food is the best entertainment so have fun with it!

Topple over some fresh strawberries for a pop of colour, add in some tortilla chips for extra texture (crisps are always a hit) and fill in any gaps with any leftover nibbles. Experiment – food is the best entertainment so have fun with it!

What snacks would you have on your Easter sharing board?

TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 8, 2020

How To Style An Easter Table 3 Ways

This Easter might not be the traditional family get together we all had in mind but that doesn't mean we can't find new ways of celebrating the most colourful holiday of the calendar year from the comfort of our own homes.

This Easter might not be the traditional family get together we all had in mind but that doesn’t mean we can’t find new ways of celebrating the most colourful holiday of the calendar year from the comfort of our own homes.

Why not get the whole family involved and make it a virtual competition?

Since we’re all spending more time indoors, it’s good to break up our days with some much-needed light relief. For some, that might mean hosting a quiz night on Zoom, for others it might be setting and styling your Easter table to restore a little sense of normality. Why not get the whole family involved and make it a virtual competition? May the best household win!

If you’re skipping over Easter plans this year, save these Spring table styling ideas to your Pinterest board for a future feast when the whole family are back together again.

Colour clash your table linen

Dusky pinks and punchy mustards make for a dream linen combination whatever time of year but this colour pairing really comes into its own at Easter time.

Printed stoneware and a table runner help tie it all together with a nod to Easter fun. Add in some texture and visual interest with some dried flowers or fresh if you prefer – we’ve gone for the aptly named dried Bunny / Hare Tail otherwise known as Lagurus Grass and the gorgeous naturally yellow Archillea Yarrow stems.

Create an Easter grazing table

Here’s one to keep the kids entertained! Bring the outside in and go all-out Peter Rabbit Mr McGregor’s garden style with an artificial grass table runner and show-stopping Easter wreath.

You can create a homely, vintage tea party inspired table by filling a few glass cloches with classic books

If you haven’t got a wreath, you can create a homely, vintage tea party inspired table by filling a few glass cloches with classic books, flowers or other seasonal décor. Or, simply make use of your fancy cake stands and decorate your table with your desserts instead.

Scatter in some Easter-themed chick decorations, use decorative eggs instead of place cards and create a centrepiece with seasonal blooms – the brighter the better! Cheery Daffs, tulips and hyacinths look and smell lovely in the middle of a table. To finish, layer the look with charger plates and snack bowls to add symmetry and pops of colour.

Go minimal with Spring pastels

Easter doesn’t have to be excessive, you can create a minimal tablescape with soft pastel accents and fuss-free styling. Keep things simple with decorative plates, rustic wood pinch pots and serve ware, metallic cutlery and seasonal pussy willow for a laid-back setting perfect for brunch or dinner.

To make the Easter bunny napkins follow these simple steps:

  1. Place your napkin flat down in a diamond shape and fold in half from top to bottom.
  2. Take the bottom point/edge and roll it up to meet the top of the napkin.
  3. Place an egg (we’ve gone for the decorative kind) in the centre and wrap the napkin around it to create two long bunny ears at the top.
  4. Secure with ribbon or string et voila!

Who knew a napkin could be this visually-appealing! Finish off by adding a sprig of eucalyptus or rosemary on top and you’re done.

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How will you be styling your Easter table at home this year? We’d love to hear your tablescape ideas!

TEAM ZOELLA APRIL 7, 2020

13 Questions With Xanthe Berkeley

Xanthe is one of our favourite online creators and the most recent collaborator for Filmm. Find out how she got started and how she continues to create beautiful films.

First of all, how are you and how are you coping in lockdown?

I’m doing ok considering everything feels upside down and uncertain at the moment. I’ve enjoyed working from home for years now, so that hasn’t been a change for me, other than having my teenage boys around all the time. So every day does feel like Sunday. I do miss going out on shoots and hopping on the tube to events and meeting people. But staying home is so important at the moment and life will go back to normal… eventually.

Describe your channel in 3 words!

Colourful, playful and everyday beauty.

How and when did you start ‘creating’?

I went to art college many years ago and did a graphic design degree, where I focused on analog photography and making super 8mm films and ever since then, I’ve documented my life through photos and film. Then this amazing online world of sharing our photos and videos began with Flickr and Instagram, I was ready to dive in and share how I see the world.

What are the different mediums you use to create with?

I love photography and video, I couldn’t choose between them. Different stories can be told in different ways through each medium.

What programs do you use to create your videos?

If I’m editing on a desktop using DSLR footage, I use Final Cut Pro. For years I used iMovie, as it was free.

For the past few years, I’ve got into the ease of creating videos on my iPhone, especially as the quality of video is pretty impressive now.

On iPhone, I love the Filmm App of course! It’s so creative and fun and can really enhance the aesthetic of my footage. Other video editing apps I like, are Videoleap, Adobe Rush and VLLO. I’ve written a blog post here if you’d like more of my recommendations.

How can our audience learn your skills?

I’ve been teaching online courses for 8 years now, helping people to shoot and edit videos into films of their lives. I have my own online course website and my courses run regularly throughout the year. Plus, I have lots of blogposts with tips and free lessons to learn things like Creating Stop Motions On Your Phone.

I’m loving running my Handmade Film Making course, where people make ‘Day In The Life’ videos shot and edited on their phone, during this Stay Home time because people are being super creative at home and documenting this very unique time.

Shoot video and make films resources.

A free lesson to for creating stop motions on your phone.

Tell us about your Filmm pack ‘Play’

I was so excited to be asked to create a new pack. I’ve been a big fan of Filmm from the beginning and love the variety of ways to change and improve the look and feel of my videos.

There are already so many great packs on the app, so at first, I was intimidated that I might not be able to come up with something new or different. But once I started putting my mood board together, I realised there were little ideas that I would actually like to have to play with. Download Filmm here.

What inspired some of the filters and effects in the pack?

My love of colour and the texture of Super 8mm film. Plus, I knew I like playful elements like the countdown numbers, light leaks and the pen marker scribbles. I have a secret Pinterest board and my saved tab in Instagram full of images and films that inspire me, so I pulled out parts that I thought could be transformed into interesting and unique filters, effects, frames and transitions.

The team at Filmm did an amazing job of turning my ideas into reality. It’s always been a wish of mine to create a video creator app, so this has been a dream project for me.

What are you currently working on?

During this Stay Home period, all of my commercial work has been put on hold – Usually, half of my time is creating photo, video and Stop Motion social media content for brands.

So I’m focusing on my online courses, by updating materials with ideas to inspire creating while at home and running my courses regularly to give people an opportunity to have a positive focus through making films. Plus, creating new courses that have been on my mind for ages, but I just haven’t got round to doing. Like a Creating Stop Motion On Your Phone, which will launch soon and is going to be lots of fun for all ages!

Who are your current favourite follows on the gram?

I really like following a variety of creatives on Instagram, not just photographers/bloggers/video creators like me. I’m loving what so many illustrators are doing at the moment, either designing cards with heartfelt messages for us to send to loved ones we’re missing or sharing funny and poignant messages to support us and share with others. Here are a few of my favs –

@Marloesdevee | @Veronicadearly | @Poppyspapercuts | @Jadefishercardco | @Nikkimiles_ | @Ameliaflower

It feels like there’s a big creative energy at the moment and it’s wonderful to be a part of the Instagram community, who are all doing their bit to stay hopeful through this challenging time…

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Hanging out with friends and family. Maybe a picnic on Hampstead Heath and a swim in the ladies pond. Visiting Broadway Market on Saturday for delicious food and Columbia Road market on Sunday to pick bunches of colourful flowers. And a bike ride, preferably with my family.

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

It’s difficult to choose one! Probably seafood of some sort – oysters, crab, prawns, mussels, all on a platter!

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

“Be grateful for the little things.”

Having a daily gratitude practice is life-changing. Doesn’t mean that some days and certain circumstances aren’t difficult or scary, but taking time to find 3 things to be grateful for every day, can have a massive positive impact on our daily lives.

Find Xanthe on Instagram here.