maggie smith

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Angove Shiraz Carignan 2014 - A medium-bodied Australian red that smells of bramble, black pepper and vanilla and offers a taste of 'strapping' blackberry and spice. It was like drinking a cup of cosy - really warming and instantly relaxing.

REMOTE

Downton Abbey. Admittedly, I only started watching this period drama at the beginning of 2015. I completely missed the Downton boat when it first came out - I think it was on TV at the same time as Spookswhich L and I love, so we opted for spies over silverware. I've now caught up and can't recommend it enough. Following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, it's filled to the brim with drama, mystery and incredible fashion (and don't get me started on the HOUSE). My brother-in-law is one of the biggest fans I know - which is one of the reasons I really love Julian Fellowes: his ability to write for everyone. With that in mind, here's an ode to his unrivalled ability to weave comedy into a stiff upper lip: His character the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the marvellous Maggie Smith:

If you love beautiful film and TV sets like Downton Abbey, check out ScreenStyle, where I shop the looks of my favourite on-screen homes.