- Places marked with a * was kindly a PR visit, but I am under no obligation to post. -
Many stately homes have decked their halls and opened up their doors over the festive period. With big beautiful trees and lots of amazing themes to marvel at; visiting a stately home at Christmas is fast becoming a yearly tradition of mine. Here are four of the latest homes I've visited that I would recommend.
Haddon Hall
I visited Haddon Hall* back in the Summer for its roses and was astounded by how beautiful the medieval Manor House was. Dating back to the 11th century, Haddon Hall is already shrouded in history with its grand Tudor hall and Elizabethan gardens. I was so happy to be back in this building for it's Christmas event this year, where they've decked the atmospheric main hall with a beautiful Christmas tree and roaring fire - you really feel like you've stepped back in history. As you wonder through the building, there's lots of other displays to look at. I would say Haddon Hall is the most 'low key' Christmas event of the bunch, but they often run Christmas markets throughout the start of December if you're looking for the full experience.
Blenheim Palace
This year was the first time I've ever been to Blenheim Palace* and after visiting for Christmas, I can't wait to go back to explore the gardens in the Spring. In 2023, they had a theme of "Sleeping Beauty" for their Christmas display. Greeted at the door with a glorious Christmas tree reaching the painted ceiling of the great hall, you meander through the various palace rooms that tell you a story as you go. The interior of Blenheim Palace is beautiful on it's own, but with the added magical elements of twinkling lights and soft golden hues, it just becomes a true feast for the eyes.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is the place that made me fall in love with visiting stately homes at Christmas time. I've already got a love for Chatsworth House as it was the setting for Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice, but it was visiting at Christmas that really cemented it in my favourites list. The entrance hall with a grand staircase is beautiful enough as it is, but as you wind your way up the stairs you'll find the Christmas tree perched at the top. It's accompanied by the most marvellous painted ceiling you'll ever see and the whole experience from first room til last is a day trip you'll never forget.
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor looks like it has been taken from a fairytale with it's round turrets and magical facade. They put on a Christmas market with delicious food and presents to buy others, but it's what is on inside that was truly beautiful. It was lovely to have lots of rooms decked out in different themes and each one was perfectly decorated getting you in the festive spirit.
We're officially on the countdown to Christmas! I personally enjoy the lead up to the 25th over the day itself as I love to embrace all the festivities and make sure to spread some Christmas joy throughout the month. If you're looking for things to do this festive season, then I've got just the list for you.
Bake Some Treats | I personally love to bake in the lead up to Christmas as it's a great activity to get you in the festive mood, whilst getting a delicious treat out of it too. Gingerbread, chocolate pudding tiffin, mince pies and chocolate Yule log are just a few ideas of what you can whip up in the kitchen this Christmas.
Have A Film Marathon | There's nothing I love more than spending an evening cosied up on the sofa surrounded by a cheese board and a few Christmas films lined up to watch. At the moment I've been watching the likes of The Holiday, Elf and Love Actually whilst completing a festive puzzle and having a games night - the perfect way to spend the evenings leading up the Christmas!
Visit Christmas Lights | Lots of stately homes are lit up with wonderful Christmas displays throughout the month, some with Christmas lights both inside and out with lots of different themes. They're often accompanied by a Christmas market which means there's lots of delicious food to be eaten and presents to buy. I'm lucky as I've visited quite a few recently, but it's always an activity I recommend if you're looking to get in the mood. Equally, if you want to stay local, then having a frosty evening walk around your area to see who has decorated the best this year is also a great yearly activity of mine.
Get Crafty | I always try and take up a new craft over the Christmas period as an excuse to relax and unwind in front of a Christmas film. I'm still working on improving my knitting technique, but last year I took on a needle felt project and thoroughly enjoyed it. Other ideas could include practising calligraphy, colouring in or starting some DIY Christmas presents.
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When I finally decided I wanted to do a few Christmas gift guides this year, the 'Cottage Core' instalment was top of my list. Full to the brim of presents I'd actually love to receive, it was hard to not add everything to my personal Christmas wishlist.
These 'Cottage Core' themed presents are great for creatives, nature lovers and those who love unique presents. Personally, I think the Complete Book of the Flower Fairies would be a great gift if you know anyone that is nostalgic for the flower fairy poems and illustrations. If you've been inspired by poetry, I would recommend also gifting the A Poem For Every Night of The Year Book as I think it would be a thoughtful present and one that can be used and read outside of the Christmas period.
If you'd like to put some time into your Christmas present, I would recommend creating a hamper using a beautiful wicker basket (so that it can be re-used!). Hand select their favourite beauty products, a candle and a book for a simple, yet thoughtful gift.
- This post is a paid collaboration with Very.co.uk. -
It'll come as no surprise that Autumn is one of my favourite seasons when it comes to styling. The bundles of layers, the brown hues and plaid prints just set my Autumn loving heart on fire. I've been scrolling through Very.co.uk a lot at the moment on the hunt to find new pieces for my Autumn wardrobe, so today I wanted to share some of my recent finds.
Looking for a dress for all Autumn occasions? From pumpkin picking to walks in the countryside - I think I've found a strong contender. Very have lots to offer in terms of Denim Dresses and this Barbour Aster Tiered Dress is perfect if you're looking for a dress that can be dressed up and down this season. It's got a slightly smocked fit which means it's comfortable, but the thicker material means it still looks put together and smart.
My wardrobe is rather varied in the Autumn and Winter months, I love long flowing maxi dresses that can be worn with wool coats, but I also love cosy knits that easily be worn with a bobble hat and gloves. I've been checking out the Jumpsuits for Women as I personally love them in the warmer seasons, but also think they'd work well in the colder months too especially when I want to be comfortable.
Brown boots are my latest Autumn obsession, they're great when you want to add a softer touch than your usual black boots. They can be worn with leggings, under dresses or with a skirt and tights. The V by Very Brown Chelsea Boots have so far been fantastic as they keep their shape well which means they look smart, but the sock style ankle fit means they're comfortable and durable.
Now my Sunday's are accompanied with a walk and a trip to a quaint pub with a roaring fire, I like an outfit that is practical, but looks put together at the same time. I appreciate soft knits now more than ever and this Superdry Slouch Pattern Knit Jumper is perfect as the fair isle design can be worn throughout Autumn and Winter and it feels super snuggly on the skin. I pair this with knee high boots (or wellies!) and leggings for a comfortable fit.
On top of this outfit, I like to wear Barbour Olive Beadnell Jacket, a piece I've been lusting after for some time as I felt like it would fit perfectly in my countryside wardrobe. Due to the oversized fit, I can comfortably fit several layers underneath and a scarf on top for an extra cosy touch. It's a classic jacket for a reason and I think the hard wearing exterior and timeless cut will mean it'll be in my wardrobe for many Autumn seasons to come.
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Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, you'll find the the Wriggly Tin Huts at Wallops Wood, the perfect place to unwind and unplug. I first caught wind of these beautifully decorated shepherds huts from Rosie Londoner many moons ago, but I finally got the visit and I am absolutely smitten with the set up. With minimal signal and no electricity, you'll be relying on the soft glow of the hurricane lamps and spending the night underneath the stars.
I stayed in the 'Old Winchester' hut at Wallops Wood, their shepherd's hut that is hidden away in a clearing in the woods which I've heard also gets bluebells in the Spring. As I visited in the Autumn, the blossoming flowers were replaced with falling leaves, but it was magical nevertheless. The reason why I chose the Old Winchester was because of the wood fired hot tub, which was the perfect way to warm up as the evenings got chillier. With bellies full of campfire food (and s'mores!), there were many hours spent in the steaming hot tub with only the sound of hooting owls to accompany us.
I was a little hesitant at first about the concept of having no lighting, but the hurricane lamps supplied for us made it extra cosy in the evenings as there were lamp hooks situated throughout the site meaning you were always illuminated with a golden glow. The Old Winchester was kitted out with a wood fired stove, meaning it kept the hut rather toasty all night long. With plush pillows and a warm duvet, I never felt the chill once when nestled inside the hut.
One of my favourite rituals of the staycation was making a delicious breakfast when the fog was descending on the campsite. It took a lot longer to cook breakfast on a campfire, but the process was rather therapeutic. Once the hot drinks were made, my attention turned to making scrambled eggs on toast and setting us up for the day.
Bundled up in our boots and coats, there was lots to offer around the area. If you're not looking to venture far, then they've got lots of walks for you to take straight from the campsite. Old Winchester Hill is not far and as it was our shepherds hut namesake, I just had to take a walk there. The warm October sun meant that layers were stripped off in no time, but the views of the rolling hills were spectacular. I also took a trip to the neighbouring New Forest, wandered around the beautiful villages of Hampshire and then ventured to Winchester itself all within a few days stay.
Back at Wallops Wood, there are nine shepherds hut to choose from, ranging from ones that sleep a two up to one that sleeps five alongside a separate hut you can also hire out if you have children. There's something for everyone. If you're looking for a digital detox, to explore the Hampshire countryside or if you're simply just looking for a new glamping experience, I couldn't recommend it more and will certainly be making a trip back soon.
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When Autumn rolls around, I tend to focus mainly on spooky books to read around Halloween. This year, I knew I wanted a few more cosy Autumnal reads for the new season, perfect for when the wind is howling outside and the rain is hitting the window. Here are five of my recommendations:
The Ex Hex | Set in Graves Glen, a town reminiscent of Stars Hollow and Salem, this witchy rom-com book will get to in the Halloween spirit. Although it's got witchcraft and paranormal themes, I would say this is a great pick for Autumn as it mainly focuses on the lead up to the 31st and has some seriously cosy vibes. I loved it so much that I immediately bought the second book, The Kiss Curse and I would say that the second instalment may be even better than the first!
When The Crow's Away | This is the second book in the 'Evenfall Witches B&B' series and I got my hands on this after failing to find the first book, In The Company of Witches. It has everything you need for a cosy Autumn read - witches, a murder mystery and a ghost! It's fun, it has loveable characters and you're taken on a journey as we try and work out who killed Mort Sweet, the local sweet shop owner who has been conversing with resident witch, Brynn Warren. Need I say more!
Murder At The Pumpkin Pageant | Cosy murder mysteries is a genre I could do a whole post about as I absolutely love them. They've often got an engaging plot with twists and turns, whilst having a comforting atmosphere and set in a small town or village. Murder At The Pumpkin Pageant ticks all of these boxes, being set in a bakery surrounded by delicious Autumn treats and is set in the lead up to October 31st and the weeks that follow. The way the Autumn season is described in this book is the reason why it's made it's way to this list, it's so descriptive and you really feel immersed in the season.
The Haunting of Aveline Jones | Middle grade books through Autumn and Halloween are my favourite genre of books to pick up. They're shorter than your average novel and offer up some seriously spooky tales. The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a book I've recommend before and it's cemented itself in my 'to re-read list' in Autumn. Although recommended for 9-11 year olds, it's actually the scariest book of the bunch, but still sets an cosy scene that is perfect for cuddling up with.
The Secret Society of Irregular Witches | I feel like this book sums up everything I want from a cosy November read, so whilst I'm a little premature I do think you should add it to your late Autumn to-read list. It's got both Autumn leaves and Wintery scenes, snow and a budding romance. You follow Mika Moon, a secret witch who has spent a lot of time on her own, who has been offered a job at a mysterious House. I absolutely loved all the characters and felt like I went on a true adventure with this book.
What cosy books would you recommend to read this Autumn?
Cinnamon is one of my go-to flavours when Autumn rolls around - the warming spice fills the house with a deliciously moorish scent. If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls then you'll absolutely love these muffins. With a slight crunch on top, but moist in the centre, it'll be hard to share these around with friends.
This recipe has been adapted from the Sally's Baking Addiction recipe. Personally, I've found such a difference in switching out butter for vegetable oil when it comes to muffin recipes as the crumb is a lot lighter and I get a better rise. Usually muffin recipes call for buttermilk, sour cream or any other additional ingredient that you may not have in your kitchen, so these are super simple and a great option if you need to whip something delicious up quickly.
Ingredients (Makes 6 large muffins) -
Muffins;
240g Plain Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
150g Caster Sugar
80ml Vegetable Oil
170ml Milk of Choice
1 Medium Egg
1tsp Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon Filling;
50g Light Brown Sugar
2tsp Cinnamon
Cinnamon Swirl Drizzle;
50g Icing Sugar
Water
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 180c and line a muffin tin with muffin cases.
Mix together oil, egg and milk and mix until combined. Slowly add in sugar whilst stirring. Add in the vanilla extract.
Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture and stir until combined.
Mix together your light brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl to create the cinnamon filling.
Scoop a tablespoon of cake mixture into a muffin case. Then sprinkle the cinnamon filling on top of the batter. Scoop another tablespoon of cake mixture and repeat again until full.
Bake at 180c for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Leave to completely cool on a cooling rack before icing.
Drizzle the icing on top of each muffin and leave to set - if you can wait that long. Enjoy!
On a rainy Autumn afternoon, there's nothing I love more than baking a batch of fresh cinnamon buns. As the rain hits the window, I love to cosy up with a blanket and a film, but these deliciously soft (and incredibly moorish!) cinnamon buns are just the perfect addition to round off my perfect Autumnal afternoon.
Personally I love to top my with a cream cheese frosting, but I have also used a vanilla icing glaze and they've been just as delicious - it's all down to personal preference.
Ingredients (8 cinnamon rolls) -
For the dough - 350g White Bread Flour 1 Egg + 1 Egg Yolk 180ml Milk 50g Caster Sugar 7g Yeast 55g Butter
For the cinnamon filling - 30g Butter 60g Light Soft Brown Sugar 2tbsp Cinnamon For the vanilla icing topping - 120g Icing Sugar 14g Butter 15ml Milk Vanilla Extract
Method -
Start by melting the butter. Leave to one side.
Then heat the milk until it's lukewarm and place in a bowl with the yeast. Once the yeast has dissolved, add in the sugar followed by 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk. Once stirred in, add in the melted butter too and stir again. Once combined, slowly add the flour and mix until it forms a dough. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Place in a bowl and cover with cling film. Leave it for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. After it has risen, place dough on a floured surface and lightly dust your rolling pin with flour. Roll out the dough until it's in a rectangle and then spread slightly softened butter for the filling all over. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and spread that on top of the butter too. Slice the dough into eight equal sections. You want them to be around 1 inch wide and 15 inches long. Now roll them up starting from the bottom and seal the seam with a brush of milk. Place your rolls into a lined and greased dish. You want to leave a space between each roll. Leave to rise for 60 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 170 degrees. Place the cinnamon rolls in the oven for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden brown. Leave to completely cool before icing with either cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze. Have you made a cinnamon rolls recipe?
- This post is a paid collaboration with Look Fantastic -
Beauty boxes are a great way to test out and find new products that you can add into your daily regime. In the Look Fantastic August Box there are products to pamper from head to toe, including three full size products. You can buy the Look Fantastic August box as a one off purchase for £15 or sign up for a 12 monthly subscription for £13 per month - this month's box is worth over £51!
The product I am most excited to try out is the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask as it promises to soothe dry skin and have a cooling effect on the complexion. I've heard of Peter Thomas Roth masks before and having a deluxe size feels like the perfect way to try out it out before purchasing the full size.
To go alongside my new face mask, the Look Fantastic August box also contains something that can help me along with my skincare routine. The So Eco Mask Applicator does exactly what it says on the tin. This silicone brush head is used to apply a face mask which therefore helps to get an even application of the face mask and makes it less messy overall.
I'm always excited to try out new skincare products and in this months edition of the box there is a Revolution Skincare Multi Acid AHA and BHA Serum which is used in a similar way to a traditional mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes and the AHA acid consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid and fruit acids promises to help to exfoliate away any dead skin leaving your complexion feeling smoother and looking brighter. I feel like this is something I'll need to use as the weather begins to change next month.
I feel like I've potentially found a new favourite in the Ciate Coconut Lip Oil as I've only use it a couple of times, but I can already tell the nourishing formula is a winner for me. It feels hydrating on the lips without being sticky and the glossy finish is still natural looking.
It's not just my lips that are getting hydrated, but also my body too. This time with the Rituals The Ritual of Karma Body Cream which has a delightful scent that lingers on the body, whilst the rich, but fast absorbing texture sinks in the skin leaving it feeling supple and rejuvenated.
For the hair, Look Fantastic have put in the Bleach London Reincarnation Mask to nourish dry and damaged hair. Once again, this feels like a great size to either go away on holiday with or try out before buying the full size version.
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Whenever August rolls around, I always get a little excited about Autumn. Although I'm not quite ready to let go of the long evenings and warm, sunny days outside, I have started to look for some home decor pieces for the new season.
Picture this. The rain is pouring outside and you've got snuggled up in bed with a book or a cosy film. The perfect place to rest would be amongst a Pumpkin Duvet Cover and this one is similar to a duvet design I bought a few years back now. To match, I have been eyeing up this Pumpkin Tufted Cushion which I think is cute and lovely if you just wanted to add accents of Autumn around your house.
If you want something spookier than this then the Dunelm Ghost Tufted Duvet Cover would be a great pick, whereas if you want something more on the Autumnal theme then this Vintage Woodland Duvet would be just as great!
It always feels like I start Autumn shopping early, but honestly most of the time it's because the best stuff goes first and I don't want to miss out. TK Maxx and Homesense are my favourite places to shop for rare items and it's not well known that you can get pieces online delivered to you. I keep an eye on the new in halloween page and I'm hoping there will be more for the Halloween pieces released as we get further into the season.
Shopping for kitchen items is always one of my favourite things to do and George at Asda has this Pumpkin Shaped Mug and Pumpkin Shaped Teapot which I think so many people will want to get their hands on - how cute are those two together? Matalan is also another favourite place to visit in the Autumn season and this Pumpkin Mug would be a great addition to my kitchen as well.
- All products have been sent to me, but under no obligation to review. All links are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -
I feel like everyone has a brand that they've been lusting after for a while and for me, it's Selkie. Their beautiful dresses have a whimsical feel to them that really suits the aesthetic that I so often look for. Now there's no denying that they can be over the top, with their tulle material and puff style, but I think at the end of the day Selkie just want to have fun with their designs and I'm more than happy to act like a fairytale princess in them.
Selkie dresses have been in and out of my basket and I've spent hours scouring the secondhand apps looking for their pieces to pop up. To own one finally, feels like a dream come true. When I spotted this local daisy field, I knew that I had to shoot my new Selkie Dopamine Romance Novella Dress amongst the blooming flowers - especially at sunset when it would compliment the pastel colours perfectly.
The off the shoulder and lace detail just feel perfect for my style and in terms of photography, I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this dress over the years - frolicking in the fallen cherry blossom or running away from a castle. I know a lot of the debate about Selkie dresses are that they're occasion dresses, but I think they've still got lots on offers for more a day to day princess wear. The Selkie Day Dresses are a great example of a more wearable style and one of them is now on the top of my wishlist for wandering about English gardens in the Summer.
On the more extravagant side, I would love to one day own one of their gowns. The Head in The Clouds Cotton Ritz has been on my wishlist for some time, but it's really the Venus Ritz Gown that I think I'll one day own. The puff sleeves and detailing on the tulle fabric looks magical and although not practical for everyday wear, I think it's a piece that be shot in photos beautifully.
Tulle can often feel scratchy and once layered up can be hot to wear also. I was super happy to find out that neither were true with my first Selkie dress. Although the off the shoulder detailing called for a strapless bra, I never felt irritated by the dress and the elastic to keep the sleeves on my arms didn't feel too loose or too tight, meaning no marks and no slipping down. The back of the dress has a bow which you can use to synch in the waist further, but I tied it loosely as I just wanted to give the dress as an extra pretty detail.
Of course each dress is an investment and something to be considered when purchasing. If you're looking to splurge on a Selkie dress then you can use code #pintsized for 10% off orders.
- All products have been sent to me, but no obligation no obligation to review. This post is not sponsored. All links are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -
Son De Flor has been a staple in my wardrobe for over a year now and since receiving my first piece, I have grown quite the collection. It's hard to believe I've never dedicated a blog post to their dresses as I wear them so often. From butterfly sleeves to button ups, from minis to midis, I have a variety of their dresses to talk about and it's hard to know where to begin.
The Classic dresses come in a short and long sleeve version, both with a button up detail and delicate collar. The short sleeve offers the option to turn them up, to reveal the white contrasting material underneath. The Brown Checkers Mini Dress is perfect for Autumn, whilst the Marsala Red Midi Dress has been worn both at Christmas as well as Springtime amongst the flowers.
The 'Sophie' silhouette has been a favourite of mine for some time, I have a forest green colour perfect for Autumn and Winter as well as a sunny yellow shade great for Springtime underneath the laburnum trees. As they have no buttons up the front, they're super comfortable and versatile too.
Whilst it's a design they no longer do, I have to give a quick mention to my Nicole Midi Dress, a green wonder that makes me feel like I've stepped out of a storybook. When I first got it I was worried it was only going to only work in Autumn, but once paired with a straw hat and matching bag, I was off to frolic by the river in the Summertime too.
On my personal wishlist, I've been looking at a 'Carmen' midi dress and come Autumn, I would love to have a black or rust brown piece in my wardrobe for all of those spooky, witchy vibes. Son De Flor have soft, comfortable linen with designs suited for a variety of outfits. I've worn them at English countryside gardens as well as hiking up hills, so to say they're versatile is an understatement.
- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -
One of my favourite places in my home at the moment is this corner of my kitchen. The open shelves, mason jars and trailing houseplants just make my heart sing. In the Summer, I love to whip up a fresh batch of bread or a colourful, delicious salad, so I wanted to make sure I had a kitchen that I felt comfortable being in.
Although I love pretty pieces in the kitchen, I like them to be practical too, so my excuse for my excessive dish collection is that it helps me when baking - that's what I like to tell myself anyway. I love switching items around depending on the season, so this Urban Outfitters Sunflower Bowl is perfect for Summer, whilst this Pumpkin Dish would be great for Autumn.
I purchased the Kilner Spice Jars a few years back now and I love the way they're displayed on my open shelves. I used a Vintage Style Label Maker to make the stickers on them and I just love that they not only look pretty, but they're practical too.
When I was younger, in my primary school days, I have a vivid memory of the local woodland having a strong wild garlic scent throughout April and May. Wild garlic, also known as Ramsons, are known to be a sign of ancient woodland and not only does it smell delicious, you can actually use it in food too.
Now, I would recommend anyone looking to pick wild garlic, to have a read up on what it looks like and where's best to forage as there are similar looking plants that can be dangerous to consume. Once you're familiar with wild garlic, then grab yourself a wicker basket and get collecting the leaves. Never dig up the actual bulbs of the garlic as they have no use in cooking and instead it'll mean the plants won't grow back the following year.
Wild garlic can be used in basil pesto, asparagus salads or it can be used inside homemade gnocchi. One of my personal favourite recipes is wild garlic butter which I'm going to share the simple and easy recipe with you today.
Ingredients
300ml Double Cream
Foraged Wild Garlic
Salt
Electric whisk or mason jar
Method
If you're using a mason jar, you need to pour your double cream inside and get shaking. You want it to separate until you have a lump of butter and buttermilk.
I personally use an electric whisk. Starting on a low setting, mix the double cream until it becomes thick. You want to continue past the 'whipped cream' Staes until it separates into a solid butter lump and buttermilk. You want to save the buttermilk for future use (in chocolate muffins or pancakes!).
In a separate bowl, add a few cubes of ice to water. Add the solid butter to the water and wash until any remaining buttermilk is washed out.
Wash and dry the foraged wild garlic leaves thoroughly. Chop them up as finely as you'd like.
In a separate bowl add your butter and then add the chopped up wild garlic alongside salt to taste.
If you're not shaping your butter then you can pop this into the fridge. If you want to give it shape, then I place it in cling film and then roll up it's in the shape I want.
