Flaming February

Long day, with a lot of time spent staring at a screen, punctuated by trips to the Nespresso machine for infusions of caffeine. Time for a bit of relaxation this evening, and the visual warmth of this bright fire flickering in the hearth.

It's fake, silk flames fluttering above a lamp and surrounded by an artfully arranged circle of twiggy wood. The first time I saw silk flames was in the Egyptian room at Goodwood House. They seemed mesmerisingly beautiful, so when I spotted this domestic version at my local garden centre, it was irresistible.

The animals aren't fooled though. No mog or dog stretches in front of this fire!