@ DOUGHDOUGH.COM

Love letters, being “picked up at eight”, goodbye kisses on doorsteps; why have these romantic gestures been relegated to films and distant memories of ‘how things used to be’? Our social-centric, time-short, London lives seem to allow no time for these ideal notions to be actualised. In short, it seems romance has been killed; brutally and perfunctorily murdered by SMS, blackberrys and laziness. Even The Icon - known for his thoughtfulness and romantic gestures - sends me texts to see if I am free a week on Wednesday. Where is the romance, or caring gesture in that?

I was sitting at my desk earlier this week wallowing in this depressing realisation, when I received a message via my blackberry from The Icon himself: ‘I have to go to Italy on business for four days’. No kiss, no apology, nothing. Despondency met this message. And a craving for a pack of chocolate biscuits. How depressing - a weekend with no Icon and no plans - due to money-saving attempts. I decided not to reply (which I hoped would speak volumes) and resumed my thoughts on how we could have let romantic values dwindle into extinction. I was jolted from my dismal reverie by the post: bills, takeaway flyers, more bills, a selection of invites (which admittedly were all quite exciting given that Party Season is approaching) and a little box…

I went back to my desk. Discarded all the (mostly unopened) envelopes and studied the box. I opened it. Wrapped in tissue paper was a delicious-looking chocolate brownie. There was a card. It said, ‘Come with me?’ “Oh my god,” I said aloud. My blood rushed to my face, my hands shook, I was transformed; I was beyond touched, I was elated and excited – not just at the prospect of Italy, but just by the gesture – The Icon had earned himself some serious brownie points. This was better than flowers; this required more thought, was less flashy and somehow more personal. The Icon, yet again, had excelled himself, transporting me directly from Room 101 to Cloud 9. This was a feeling I wanted to spread (after I had eaten my scrumptious brownie of course).

Doughdough.com was started by Rachel Prothero in July 2004 as an edible gift business to save the queue in the post office and take the hassle out of birthday shopping. The user-friendly website allows you to choose a gift from their tantalising selection (which now has something suitable for every occasion), add a personalised message to a cute card, and send it all off in minutes at credit-crunch-busting prices.

I went straight to their colourful website and decided to instil some romance into some of my friend’s lives; I sent boxes of jelly beans to a group of friends and used the cards to invite them to a supper party. I replied to The Icon with a box of Loveheart sweets and wrote ‘See you at the airport’ on the card, and it was FLB’s birthday, I sent her a chocolate muffin – I thought even she would not be able to resist all its chocolatey gooey-ness. And for a few friends who are having rather a tough time of it in The City, they all got little boxes of exquisite champagne truffles – it might not solve all their tribulations but would hopefully make them smile.

I thought romance was dead - a forgotten concept beyond our present day imaginations and restricted budgets - but I was wrong; dodos may be extinct but thanks to doughdough.com, romance doesn’t have to be. So see the special Doughdough.com deal below and make someone’s day.

BEST BITS.

The Long Bar is always buzzing making it an ideal place for meeting with friends whilst The Courtyard offers a more relaxing ambience.

The high tables and sharing-style food in Suka make for a simultaneously elegant and fun dining experience.

HOUSE 21.

Private members Club Home House has recently expanded. The new extension incorporates 21 Portman Square, giving this stylish venue a even more space. Members can enjoy a unique, futuristic bar, a spectacular, boutique 2 bedroom apartment and an upgraded gym and health spa. You’ll feel right at home.

House 21, 20-21 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
t: 020 7670 2000
w: www.homehouseclub.com

CORRIGAN'S MAYFAIR.

This month, acclaimed chef Richard Corrigan opens his new flagship restaurant in the heart of Mayfair. At Lindsay House his cuisine has gone from strength to strength so it seems almost certain that his next venue will be a success. Guests can expect British and Irish produce crafted into refined dishes while the venue also incorporates a 20-seat private dining room, and a stylish bar area.

Corrigan's Mayfair, 28 Upper Grosvenor St, Mayfair London
t: 020 7499 9943
w: www.corrigansmayfair.com

Place an order at www.doughdough.com using the promotional code LB08 and receive a fantastic discount of 15% meaning you can make someone’s day for just £4.24! This offer is valid until 21st of November.

t: 01480 225665
w: www.doughdough.com

To win a Chocolate Lovers Tin worth £29.99 simply send an email to ladyblonde@theessentialpartyguide.com with five email addresses of friends or colleagues who you think would enjoy Lady Blonde’s weekly emails. All emails must be received by 5pm Tuesday 11th November and please put ‘Chocolate’ in the subject line. Good luck!

Russell House, Spencer Court, 140-142 High Street, Wandsworth, London SW18 4JJ.
t: 020 8870 0968 f: 020 8875 9439 e: ladyblonde@theessentialpartyguide.com
www.theessentialpartyguide.com