The chateau has the air of Miss Havisham’s wedding this afternoon as the flowers remain throughout the house, but a stillness pervades. The guests have long gone.

Sarah and Robert celebrated their vows over the weekend in great style, filling the chateau with life and style and a party atmosphere so when it came to clearing up none of us could bear to throw away the blooms. Hayley combined some gorgeous deep red velvety roses, with white heather, eucalyptus and a vintage pink ranunculus rose. The effect was very pretty, giving a seasonal tinge without allowing Christmas to take over.

I often think flowers look their best when they’re just over their peak. It would be a brave bride who went with full blown, slightly dropping roses but that’s when I think they look most lovely. (No comments here or comparisons please!)

The wedding had a definite air of a country house party with log fires, wellies and woolly jumpers. The winter months generate this atmosphere so well. The guests also raved about their St Emilion visit on Saturday which was arranged for them by the team at Vignobles et Chateaux in St Emilion, (www.vignobleschateaux.com) where Patrick also sold them some very smart wines for their wedding meal that evening. All in all it was a very smart do!