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AB FAB DARLING!
Fans of Absolutely Fabulous will doubtless remember Edina and Patsy’s visit to Morocco, where Saffy, Edina’s dismal daughter, finally learnt how to have fun.
Saturday 10th April saw the birth of a very different Safi, similar only in name, and in its Moroccan influence, and certainly far from dismal in content.
Safi Direct is the inspiration of Deborah Lamplugh, who has a passion for all things beautiful, and it’s that passion which has led her to create her new luxury home accessories and furnishings business, along with her business partner, Jane Eastell.
Much of her collection is from Morocco, and so if the exotic and unusual appeals, then this collection is for you.
Imagine serving mint tea out of exquisite silver ‘tortoise’ teapots in delicate tea glasses on a silver and glass tray. Or having friends around for some fine dining, serving up gastronomic delights on fossil plates and platters, each one as unique as the fossils they are made from. With their galactic patterns, ‘starbursts’, ‘meteor showers’ and ‘rockets’, created from the depths of history, each and every one is a fascinating work of natural art. Interestingly it was the men who seemed especially drawn to these, and we all know how difficult men are to buy for!
Add to these, delicate silver leaf-shaped servers and napkin rings, and spiral-stemmed cheese knives, and already your guests will be suitably wowed. Water (or wine) bottle holders, and ‘photophore’ candle lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, complete the range and give extra visual impact to your table. And if you decide to splash out on a pair of stunning floor lanterns as well, you can create an even more special ambience.
I particularly loved the tajines – larger ones for nuts, nibbles or chocolates, and silver-plated miniature salt and pepper tajines - especially useful for keeping your snacks and condiments dry on those balmy evenings when eating al fresco.
Other al fresco delights were on offer - sets of vibrantly coloured coconut bowls, light as a feather, larger for salad with matching servers, or smaller for other nibbles, along with colourful bar trays and bar boards. Made from organically grown bamboo, these would put the fun into any outdoor party before the guests even arrive.
Nests of wicker baskets in complimentary colours would be perfect for storing jewellery or any other nick-nacks that clutter up your surfaces. Or add them to your table and pop your bread in them.
Woven leather chairs with decorative brass fittings and intricate legwork are heavier on the pocket, but they ooze luxury, both in appearance and comfort, and echo an elegance of times gone by. If I had enough room in my house I’d have lightened my pocket like a shot! Or if the bedroom scene is more your thing, then why not consider one of the voluptuous patchwork bedspreads, reminiscent of a starscape above the Atlas mountains.
The Safi collection is for anyone hunting for an original gift for a special occasion, whether it be a wedding, a landmark birthday, or simply something a little bit different to the norm. All products are handmade, and thus unique, and all are of the highest quality. So go on, why not spoil someone you love? Better still – spoil yourself!
When Patsy asked Edina what she was going to sell in her shop, she replied “Oh, just gorgeous things, you know.” Well all I can say is Deborah and Jane have re-defined the term “gorgeous.” I’m sure everyone who attended the Safi launch party would agree, and would join me in a resounding “Ab Fab Darling!”
Bryony Hedley
April 2010
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