Our own Mister Steve is out and about in the Far East looking at new ideas, factories and suppliers. Passing through an airport he came across this silhouette painting on a wall. It seems he/she was rather pleased to see our Head of Creation! More japes to follow…

This photo made us chortle. And it also reminded us how important it is for us to continue improving our packaging and wood sourcing in 2012. Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone: health and happiness to the lot of you. x

"Get in line boys, we're here to save the trees!"

Going for a stroll yesterday in Notting Hill we saw this sign on a neighbours door. Could it be that the Crazy Dog otherwise known as Philippe Starke is living there?

"Chien Lunatique!"

A few of us spent last week down in an utterly gorgeous part of East Sussex shooting our new April 2012 collection. We’re a bit battered  (Charlie said he’d done his back in on the first day – the woose!), but we got some wicked shots we’re more than proud of. And we’ve got to hand it to our Mister Steve, the new wardrobes, sofabeds and chairs are quite superb. Respect to you!

Taking photographs in late November is always interesting as there’s so little daylight. But somehow we pulled it off and got the best out of the lovely Karen’s beautiful home.

"Eh up lad, is this the Hovis ad?"

"One does enjoy a good chin-wag by the Aga, what?"

After 15 years of trying, we finally had a bit of a breakthrough at home last night. No, we didn’t get more than 3 questions right watching University Challenge. But we did finally make a 100% perfect tuna meatball pasta. It’s so damn good that you need to dig in quickly. Don’t bother with chit chat or any light conversation. Just attack that pasta. In fact after one mouthful the thought of anyone trying to communicate is just plain rude.

"Am I bovvered?": Minna, our Head of Snores in background

The thing about tuna meatballs is that you have to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. A few seconds too long and you’ve blown it. And then there are all sorts of rules in most Italian regions about how you shouldn’t put cheese with fish, shouldn’t put Asian ingredients in pasta, should only wear tan shoes with a blue suit. It’s a minefield. But we’ve taken the plunge and can assure you that, like Spag Bol, this just works. So here goes our recipe for Missy’s Tuna Carbonara:

-Mix together: chopped fresh tuna, a bit of chopped basil & parsley, some fish sauce and soy sauce, fresh chopped tomato, salt, pepper, fresh red chilli, dash of olive oil to bind it together

-Form smallish meatballs -about the size of one of those large marbles. Put in the fridge for at least half an hour so they hold their shape

-Get your pasta on the boil

-Heat some olive oil in a separate pan and brown the meatballs and then take off the heat. NB This must take no more than 30 seconds as you don’t want to cook the insides at all

-Drain the pasta when ready

-Whisk two eggs. Throw this into the pasta along with some grated parmesan. Mix it up

-Put the meatballs into the pasta making sure they are covered by the pasta so they take on the heat. Put a lid on and leave for 3 minutes

-Tuck in

And there you have it. It only took us 15 years. Let us know if any of you give this a go. It’s an absolute belter. x

We recently galloped round an expo in Paris called Maison et Objet where the furniture industry show off their wares. It’s a good chance to check out what’s new and who all the movers and shakers.

One thing that caught our eye were these particularly garish pillow cases – very Versace!

Disco bedlinen, what the person who's got everything hasn't got.

It’s a bit of a squeeze for all of us in our current offices as we’re growing all the time. So we were recently out looking at new locations to situate a big new showroom. Along the way we came across some interesting things!

Anyone up for a good old-fashioned jail break at Wormwood Scrubs?

Our own "Mister Steve" hoping some of this camper van's cool will rub off onto him - sadly his dreams came to nothing.

A nice rainbow leading us towards north London gold.

We have just spotted our Antoinette bed in the new trailer for the film One Day!

Our bed is at 2.12 minutes (the bit where there’s a bit of slap ‘n’ tickle).

Coming up with a good name for products is always a fun challenge. Especially for the international market. We’re not sure though that this little gem quite cuts the mustard even for the most ardent of dog lovers.

"A round of Pet Sweat, anyone?

We just got a wicked email from Emma M who’s very chuffed with her new bed and bedside table delivery.

"Gorgeous rug. Yum!"

We reckon it all looks “phenarmenal”. Thanks for sending in the pic -you’ve got great taste! x