greentapestry : Led Astray

Monday 26 August 2013

Led Astray


We all love receiving compliments and I'm no exception. I was delighted when an email arrived in my inbox recently from DotComGiftShop to notify me that my blog had been included in their pick of '20 Gorgeous Gardening Blogs'. The nominated blogs included some familiar faces but also one or two new to me blogs. I was pleased to be in such good company. The email also extended an invitation to become a member of the company's blog network, which offers me the opportunity of occasionally receiving complimentary products to review. The company sells a wide range of gifts but I decided that I was not interested in reviewing items other than those which would tie in with the theme of this blog.

Now it just so happens that I was sent a 'Garden Roses Wooden Produce Tray' from DotComGiftShop's home and garden section to to review which was a most opportune choice. This pretty tray has given me the perfect excuse to bring out some of my small collection of china cups and saucers and to indulge in afternoon tea or in my case coffee. I've been led astray sitting supping and reading in the afternoons instead of getting on top of the weeding. Please note that only one teacake was consumed in the production of this particular post:)

The tray is made of wood, is well finished, sturdy and has well placed handles. Carrying it is most comfortable and more important the load feels secure. Its dimensions are as follows : length 48 centimetres, width 300 centimetres and depth 80 centimetres.

The same tray is also available with alternative illustrations including apples, vegetables, strawberries and raspberries. The apple design would be perfect for storing those soon to be picked apples in a suitable place whilst the others would be ideal receptacles for collecting produce. I would be wary though of putting soft fruit into them directly though without some protective covering over the wood, otherwise you could be left with some nasty permanent stains.

Although described as a garden produce tray you could use it just as effectively in the home to store craft materials etc. I'm just wondering whether my latest jigsaw would fit in it so will be checking later.

DotComGiftShop's home and garden section includes a variety of other gardening related gifts. Some of them are practical e.g. kneelers, children's gardening sets, a garden tidy whilst others are decorative e.g. paper lanterns, tealight holders and bunting. At present the company does not sell either seeds or plants. I would imagine that as with most other similar companies that the stock will change according to the seasons. The company was established in 2005 and sells a wide range of gifts other than those related to the garden. I could well be tempted to make some purchases in the future.

The only part of the experience that could have been improved was on what I considered excessive packaging. I could have made myself a dress from the layers of bubble wrap that wrapped the tray! No need for it.

Disclosure : I received the tray from DotComGiftShop for review purposes but this has not influenced my opinions on the product. I have not been paid to write this post or will be paid if readers subsequently visit the company's website and make purchases.


21 comments:

  1. You do have a gorgeous blog and that tray is also gorgeous - not that I am jealous or anything!

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    1. Thanks Helen - you are making me blush :) The tray is gorgeous too. Perhaps you will have to treat yourself to one.

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  2. A great review. As you know, I reviewed the vegetables tray, but that roses one is really pretty, I think your pretty china goes with it perfectly. All the more reason to take afternoon tea a little more often I'd say.

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    1. Thanks for your comment Jo. Yes I think that a few more leisurely afternoon teas are in order whilst it's still warm enough to sit outdoors. I like the look of the vegetable tray too :)

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  3. It's a gorgeous tray that made me dream of lovely cottages and countryside holidays :)

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  4. How flattering, Anna, and truely well deserved. Enjoy your beautiful new tray :)

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    1. Many thanks Annette. I will indeed enjoy the tray.

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  5. How nice to be chosen - your blog is "gorgeous" Anna, so Congratulations! I've actually been looking for a garden tray, but possibly a bit larger. Must take a look at the gift shop site.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment Cathy. Hope that you have had a peek at the DotComGiftShop website.

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  6. Lovely tray for afternoon tea in the garden, your china is so pretty, much nicer than a mug!

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    1. Yes isn't it just Pauline :) The china is most pretty but not sure whether it's practical because I have to get up to make myself a second cup - not quite enough in the cup to satisfy my thirst.

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  7. What an honor to be included in such good company, very well deserved indeed. I love the tray and would have wanted the PINK one myself. I think you wrote a very fair review. I think your china looks beautiful in it. Bravo!

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    1. Thanks for your comment Grace and it was indeed excellent company to be included in.

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  8. Were the other 3 teacakes consumed immediately after the production of this post, then? :)) Lovely post and great thoughtful review, Anna. Beautiful photo too!

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  9. I look forward to seeing you modelling your bubblewrap dress, Anna! Well done for being nominated a gorgeous blog, well deserved of course. Hope you get some more nice products to review!

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    1. Thought that I might be too warm in bubblewrap Cathy so it has been passed on and will be recycled :) Many thanks for your kind comment.

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  10. Ah! Snap! I've been a bit behind on my blog reading, just seen your post and only just got a blog post out myself today and I too have a lovely tray from this company! I asked for mine though to help me with my apple harvest! I LOVE your photo :) I'm over the moon to be part of the group of blogs nominated and I love their store! Nice to see the tray being used for something other than storing apples too - you're giving me some good ideas!

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  11. Isn't a great tray Anna :) I most tempted by the other designs so will be interested to see how your tray copes with a load of apples. Glad to be keeping company with you, Jo and some other lovely bloggers.

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  12. Isn't a great tray Anna :) I most tempted by the other designs so will be interested to see how your tray copes with a load of apples. Glad to be keeping company with you, Jo and some other lovely bloggers.

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All your comments are much appreciated and treasured. I wil try to reply to everyone who leaves a comment, but it may take me a few days, especially when I start spending more time in the garden and at the lottie. I know that you will understand :) I am sure that I will also visit your blog if I have not already done so. If you have any specific questions I will either reply to them here or you can email me at : thegreentapestry@gmail.com

Namasté

- Anna.