Latest news with #SueJones
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Dartford warblers on the Dorset oilfields
When working as a librarian in a scientific research station for the gas industry, I was used to obscure demands for information. Among these were regular requests from the biologists about wildlife, flora and fauna on the Dorset oilfields. The Dartford warbler (Country diary, 30 June) was largely conserved due to the diligence of our scientists, anxious to ensure the drilling did not have an adverse effect on the natural habitat. Susan BaillieWeymouth, Dorset I was very pleased to see that your Wimbledon article mentioned next week's high court review of the approval of the All England Lawn Tennis Club's project to build '39 new tennis courts' (What to watch out for at Wimbledon 2025: no line judges and more expensive strawberries, 27 June). A shame that it did not add 'and an 8,000-seater stadium'.Sue JonesLondon I hate to sound crusty, but anyone concerned about the thickness of sliced bread (Letters, 1 July) should use their loaf and consider buying unsliced, or baking their own, and slicing it to BarnardWivenhoe, Essex Surely Daisy Buchanan, the author of your article (Choose comfort, ditch boring and prioritise pleasure – how to find the perfect beach read, 2 July), should read The Great GidlowFaversham, Kent A cautionary sign seen on a Scotrail train: 'Stay out: Bagpipe practice room' (Letters, 1 July).John CaskenWooler, Northumberland All these sayings are very annoying, but we are where we are (Letters, 2 July).Alison McIntoshEdinburgh Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
A Guide To A Beautiful Summer With Sue Jones Of Oka
OKA Swanmore Garden Living oka The warmer weather is here, and so is alfresco dining, garden parties, and summer soirée. It also means it's time to get the outdoor living space in an orderly fashion for all that entertaining, and to impart her guide is expert Sue Jones, the co-founder of British homewares brand, OKA — loved for it's stylish interiors and equally chic approach to outdoor living. Sue says, 'Much as we plan for the entertaining season in winter, I always do the same for the summer, making sure my outdoor space is just as comfortable and practical as my indoor living and dining spaces. Here are my top tips for a fabulous summer with friends and family enjoyed outside.' OKA Shorwell Garden Living oka When we entertain in our homes, we often begin in the living room with an aperitif, move through to the dining room for lunch or supper, and end up back in the living room or snug for a post-meal coffee, which I think creates a nice sense of occasion. If you have the space, try creating similar areas for elevated outdoor entertaining, it not only adds interest to your garden but is exciting for your guests. It can be as simple as surrounding a small bistro set with tall plants or trees in ceramic and glazed planters to cocoon the area and tactfully placing a modular garden sofa to section off another space. Try layering in an indoor/outdoor rug to your chosen lounge or dining area, you'll find it does a great job of anchoring the zone as well as providing a soft touch underfoot. OKA Shorwell Garden Dining oka Make sure to think functionally when creating your different areas, for example, I'd advise keeping the dining area close to your indoor or outdoor kitchen, you don't want to be carting plates of food too far away. A lounge area often works well further down the garden, away from any barbecue smoke, or positioned to make the most of a picturesque view while curled up on a squishy garden sofa. Having a few different areas is also very handy for bigger occasions, I find. Do consider lighting when planning your outdoor zones too, you may want to utilise outdoor lighting on exterior walls for cooking areas, or a tree decorated with fairy lights creates a lovely backdrop for a cosy garden sofa set-up post-dinner. OKA Viticcio Garden Dining oka A lot of garden furniture and accessories tend to be fairly neutral in colour, which works well as a base alongside nature's backdrop, and is a perfect opportunity to layer in vibrant colours, patterns and textures. I love bringing in floral or botanical prints in the form of soft furnishings, a tropical palm print really brings a touch of summer, even when the British weather doesn't. Think beyond using the usual greens and browns, for example, consider adding sunset oranges and don't forget about the unexpected red theory, it works outside too with pieces like red striped stools, candle holders or wireless lighting in pops of red to give a warm glow, these are my summer essentials! If your space already has a lot of wood textures, try swapping out a wooden coffee table for an indoor/outdoor floor cushion or two, which will bring in a softer silhouette and texture, and is perfect for placing a tray of drinks on or as an extra perch for guests. OKA Garden Dining Tabletop oka
