The English country style of home interiors is characterized by a dark color palette, with wood floors, patterned wallpapered walls, and dark mahogany or cherry wood furniture. Floral patterns of wallpaper, rugs, and upholstery fabrics are common. More antiqued-looking brass hardware prevails over American nickels and chromes. Furniture is comfortable and informal, usually having a large-scale, more filled out look. English homes are accessorized with details: books, picture frames, china pieces, and collectibles. Fabrics are mixed in upholstery, throws, accent pillows, and drapery.
English properties are often known for their gardens. Those with a green thumb and a willingness to capitalize on what plants thrive where they live can turn a plain grass space into a seasonal oasis of color and blooms. Patio spaces decked out in stone and brick work and trellises pick up on English influences.
A staple of English cuisine is breakfast, which creates a prime opportunity for hostesses to share quite the spread with their own “B&B” guests. A traditional breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, toast, and tea makes up a great morning menu. Add in grilled tomatoes and fried mushrooms for some English authenticity.
Tea is also a staple of English tradition. Afternoon tea, or “low tea,” as it’s called, is a light meal between 3 and 5 pm with brewed tea with milk and sugar, along with mini sandwiches of cucumber, egg, ham, or salmon, plus scones and other small cakes or pastries. Your own version of an occasional afternoon tea could be a memorable tradition to start with young children, complete with cloth napkins and a real tea set and special tiered serving platters.
Other British traditions to partake of could be themed dinners of a casual night of “fish and chips” take-away, which is battered fish and slab-cut French fries, or a traditional Sunday meal of pot roast, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Any ideas you can take from the English influence and incorporate into your home or dinner table spread provide the opportunity to raise more than a stereotypical pinky; you could raise a glass or even a few cheers.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 12th.
