Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre chardonnay - a Chilean white with 'subtle lime notes... a lively acidity and a long persistent finish.' This bottle featured on our wedding tables and we're still enjoying a couple of leftover bottles now. Goes perfectly with a bowl of Haribo.

REMOTE

House of Cards. You'll no doubt have seen it already or heard people talk about this hugely popular, award-winning Netflix series. An adaptation of the BBC's mini series and based on the novel by Michael Dobbs, this political drama launched in 2013. Set in present-day Washington DC, the story follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) a democrat from South Carolina and House Majority Whip who ends up hatching a dark plan with his wife Claire (Robin Wright) to seize ultimate power in the White House.

It's an odd feeling truly despising a TV series' lead characters - but Frank and Claire are two of the most cold, power-hungry individuals ever to hit the silver screen. Now and again you see a glimmer of humanity start to emerge - but then you're quickly reminded it's all connected with self gain. It makes a great post-work programme as you desperately watch each episode in the hope their plan will be uncovered and justice will be served. But so far - they seem to be doing (un)fairly well...

SPOILER ALERT: Here's the trailer for the most recent series (4). If you're yet to familiarise yourself with Frank, spark up Netflix and get watching - as there's a new series already due for release in 2017.

Love political dramas? You'll love this movie starring Michael Sheen.

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

The Optimist Chardonnay Viognier 2014, Australia. A refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Viognier from winemaker Bob Berton, whose optimistic creations invariably 'come up trumps'. Its combination of citrus and spicy peach makes it enjoyable any time of year.

*Similar. The onesie I'm wearing has been discontinued (purchased in a Dorothy Perkins sale) - F&F version above has a similar pattern and looks super cosy.

REMOTE

TFI Friday - this is an entertainment show close to my heart as Channel 4 recently brought it back out of retirement. I remember watching it during the 90s with my sister S - mostly for the incredible live Britpop performances and Chris Evans's mucking-about interview style. No-one can deny what an incredible Friday night show it was - and is. It's all about having fun and good music. Evans even introduced a water slide entrance for celebrities for the comeback series. Although now finished, you can view episodes here and historic ones on YouTube. Fingers crossed the success of this revival will mean more in 2016...

Here's the first episode from 1996, with an iconic performance of 'The Riverboat Song' by Ocean Colour Scene, a band Evans regularly championed. The track was immortalised into TV history when Evans selected it as the intro to his celebrity guest entrances. This clip personifies the 90s for me. Enjoy!

There's no denying 1996 was a great year for both TV and film, as this VCR proves.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Whispering Jack Chardonnay 2014 - A medium bodied dry white from South Africa. Its crisp taste includes lime zest and tangerine notes, making it a refreshing alternative during a cosy night in if you don't fancy red.

REMOTE

Peep Show. - A TV series following the sad but brilliant lives of flatmates Mark and Jeremy. It's an all-access pass to their amusing yet disturbing minds as they bumble through life getting into awkward situations. This was our go-to box set at university for its easy watching and incredible one-liners. In 2010, it became the longest running comedy series on C4 (its first episode aired in 2003). Now in its final series, the El Dude Brothers are taking their last bow - but not before they've given us one last trip down Cringeworthy Alley. Perfect viewing if you're looking to laugh and forget about life's stresses - because no matter how bad your day might have been - you can find comfort in the knowledge that it likely couldn't have been as bad as Mark's.

(N.B. It's near to impossible to find a clip without swear words in (!) so I've found one which uses less of them...):

If you love to laugh, check out Modern Family - another iconic comedy series (which is much more family friendly than Peep Show-!).

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Albastrele Chardonnay 2013 - A 'rich and well balanced' white from Moldova.  Apple and creamy peach aromas combined with citrus and apricot tastes make this vino a wine rack regular.

REMOTE

Modern Family. - The best TV comedy series to be exported from the US since Friends. It follows three very different families, who are related via The Pritchetts - Jay and his adult children - Claire and Mitchell. Its wit and characterisation means there's no need for dramatic storylines, so you simply sit back and frequently chuckle at Phil's optimistic projects or Cam's "How could you, Mitchell!?'-s. Each episode is perfectly timed at approximately 22 mins, so it makes great viewing for short-lived weeknights (or you could just watch a whole series back-to-back at the weekend with friends, chip & dip).

Phil Dunphy (Claire's husband) is one of my favourite characters. He is always trying to be a 'cool dad' by coming up with new inventions such as the HeadScratcher, by devoting his entire weekend to making a duck farm, as well as accepting pizza delivery in his pants and socks. This one's for you Phil:

For more night-in inspiration, check out my living room Pinterest board for the best cosy throws, footstools and fairylights.