What a funny start to Spring it has been, one minute raining cats and dogs and the next a glorious heat wave and now it's absolutely freezing! Well I've found one way you can guarantee it feels fantastically spring like, no matter what the weather...

We've spent the last few weeks trying to make the cottage feel a bit more like home, there has been lots of painting and fixing new light fittings, but amongst it all we also found time to bring the Spring vibes inside, with the help of Wingfield Digby's wonderful collection of interior decorations.

I'm sure you will have seen Wingfield Digby's stunning stand at many of the country's shows over the last year or so, they produce a gorgeous range of luxury gifts and accessories inspired by the British countryside. If you love feathers as much as I do (and I know a lot of you do) then Wingfield Digby is for you, from delicious smelling candles, pretty placemats and beautiful photo frames all inlayed with natural feathers.

I was very lucky to have been sent a selection of their interior decorations, to help bring Spring inside our new little home, and oh my days everything was just perfect! I have a funny feeling the girls knew about my complete obsession with guinea fowl feathers...

The candle with guinea feathers is scented with grapefruit, lime and basil and is a beautifully fresh, but warming scent, just perfect for this time of year. I've been lighting it in the evenings after we're done with painting the cottage, and it's lovely and relaxing. It also looks stunning with the flame flickering behind the feathers in the glass.

In my box of goodies was also the beautifully delicate guinea feather wreath. I have chosen to hang this in our living room, but it would also make a gorgeous centre piece for a dinner party, perhaps with a vase of flowers, or candle in the middle. When we eventually have our house warming party it will definitely be making an appearance and I will be sure to share a photo with you.

You may have noticed hidden in my daffodils are the cutest little real feather birds, they are incredibly delicate and light enough to perch on the flowers without damaging them, easily attached with fine wire. I think they are a gorgeous addition to a simple spring display, I also think they look fab perched in the wreath.

Whats great about all of these pieces, is that they can be displayed all year round and add a fun touch to any table display, or window sill in my case this spring.

I've been luck enough to get an inside look at the business from Alice Wingfield-Digby herself, I wanted to know what goes in to creating such a successful country business, and what we can expect in the future...

1. Where did it all start?

With a love of feathers! I’ve always found these natural resources incredibly majestic. As a child, I remember finding a pheasant tail feather and being totally entranced by its beauty, with such intricate markings yet entirely made by nature. I try to reflect that excitement I had as a child into all of my designs. This led to lots of creative ideas for feather filled products and my vision of building a great, very British brand that celebrates a timeless feather’s unique, yet surprisingly contemporary, markings.

2. Which product has been your most popular to date? Why do you think this is?

Our real feather photo frames – particularly in Guinea Fowl. They make ideal gifts, eye-catching yet functional. People often display their wedding photos, special occasions or group shoot weekend memories in them; placing them in prominent positions in the home. This creates a talking point and naturally word spreads. I too use the Guinea Fowl Frame for my wedding pictures!

3. Who has been your biggest influence in business?

It’s a tough question as I feel I have been influenced by so many brilliant people. If I had to pick one, I would say my Grandmother, who is an entrepreneur through and through. She’s 92 now and still holds exhibitions selling her paintings.

4. What would you say has been the biggest moment for Wingfield Digby?

Probably being asked to exhibit at Clarence House at a private event by invitation only of HRH Prince Charles. Aside from being a huge honour, it was a incredible location and event to launch our brand-new, limited edition table centres.

5. If you weren’t producing these stunning pieces, what do you think you would be doing now?

I like to think I’d be running another business, I have lots of ideas and love being creative so hopefully one of them would be a runner!

6. What advice would you give to someone looking to take the leap and start their own business?

I would encourage them to go for it, get as much advice and feedback as they can, and get going. I also highly recommend the quote. “Don’t overestimate what you can do in a year and don’t underestimate what you can do in 5 years.”

7. What can we expect next from Wingfield Digby?

I am working on some much larger pieces containing spirals of feather panels, so they will hopefully have a big impact. I am also working on a range for the ladies which I am incredibly excited about.

8. If you had a motto for your company what would it be?

Focus on feathers and prosper together! This is maybe more of a team moto, but the team I work with are extremely important to me and I value them greatly. As the business grows and flourishes, I want them too to grow and flourish

So if you're looking to inject a bit of the countryside in to you home this Spring, or searching for the perfect wedding gift for Meghan and Harry, then Wingfield Digby is for you!

Have a wonderful evening!

Pip

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