After a series of (relatively) successful autumn sourdoughs emerged from my oven, it was time to return to old tricks as winter approached.

It was good to share ideas again with my Edinburgh salvage buddy of old. We happened upon this delightful Cotswold cottage and hastily booked in for a long weekend. Surely no better place exists in the cosmos for Annis-Calvert getaway.The old Aga; Cornishware; french monogrammed linen scatter cushions; Thomas Crapper-style temperamental toilet; antique curtains; reclaimed treasures in every corner. I could go on, but Hollyhock’s description captures the rest…

My latest local discovery has been the monthly Drill Hall Flea Market. 50 stalls of well selected, reasonably priced vintage goodies for the discerning customer. I’ve been 3 times now, and each visit has resulted in a handful of tasty treats. This weekend I took my latest vintage compadre and colleague. It was busy from doors open, but nothing could stop us from landing a few pre-Christmas bargains.

1. Copious meters of vintage silk ribbon, £5

2. More coronation mugs, £1; another unnecessary “Everhot’ teapot, £3; and my favourite item of the lot, this wicker tray, £3. It reminds me of one of my antique heros, Elizabeth Harty, who had an enormous version and I’ve been looking for one for years. I’ll think of her fondly each time i use it.

3. Enamel roasting pot for the turkey this year, £3. Came up brand new with a touch of bleach (don’t tell anyone); enamel bowl £14. Wicker picnic basket, £3

My October visit to the market was equally successful, proffering up the following lovely items.

1. Retro sugar shaker, 50p2. Set of Poole servers, £53. This Worcester ware tea tin had the words “CAKE DECORATION’ scrawled on in red marker. For some reason i still paid £3 for it. After trying every cleaning agent i could think of, i realised it was written in nail varnish. It came up trumps in the end with a little acetone!4. Irish linen vintage Christmas tea towel, 50p5. Picquotware vintage teapot, £5. Hey, i know, how many teapots can one person own. My nanny had this one, and since Ryan now uses it for engine oil in his garage (sacrilege) i thought a little reminder of her would be in order with this purchase. Christmas is nearly here and I’m getting into the spirit with some festive foliage. Plenty more creative crafts coming up this month….