Putting pen to paper with Alice Edwards, founder of Memo Press
Cocktails, coffee and beachside calamari are the way to this stationery designer and former jewellery editor’s heart
Now that parties are back on the cards, so are invitations – and these days, there’s no question that Memo Press is the new favourite stationer to the style set. Founded by former Sunday Times Style jewellery editor Alice Edwards, Memo Press specialises in high-quality cards personalised with calligraphed initials, delicate watercolours and hand-drawn sketches. Simplicity is key to her designs, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that Alice keeps things uncomplicated at home, too: in her fridge, you’ll always find fresh, full fat milk and, most likely, the ingredients to her favourite lockdown cocktail, a French 75. A low-key counterpoint to much of the over-the-top stationery available today, Memo Press has already worked with high-end brands like FLOWERBX and Markarian, on top of catering to virtually every event for which a card is needed: think chic, no-fuss choices for everything from birthdays to christenings. Our personal favourite for summer is the strawberry-printed card and, for a limited time, you can win a set of ten and one of The Sette’s strawberry tablecloths – just visit our Instagram at @the.sette to find out more.
The coffee machine, without question.
For me, it’s a tie between Skye McAlpine’s A Table for Friends and Yotam Ottolenghi’s SIMPLE.
Full fat milk in glass bottles from the milkman, eggs from my parents’ chickens and fizzy water.
I think everyone knows by now that it’s the white porcelain paper bag vase – not just my favourite item from The Sette, but potentially my favourite purchase of all time!
It has to be Da Laura in San Fruttuoso on my honeymoon in 2014. My husband and I ate calamari, pasta with pesto, peaches and ice-cream, and drank ice cold beer and white wine. It’s basically just a beach hut, but I had read that it was recommended by Ruth Rogers [owner of the The River Café in Hammersmith]. It was every bit as good as she promised.
Friends and food, in that order.
Something I personally would love – whether it’s Provençal Rosé, chocolates or flowers. I think if you would like it, your host probably will too.
The River Café – nowhere else even comes close.
Elderflower French 75s – I learned to make them during one of the lockdowns (frankly, I cannot remember which one!). They’re truly delicious and completely indulgent.
I’m making roasted salmon with cherry tomatoes on the vine, steamed spinach and sweet potatoes with olive oil and garlic. It takes all of ten mins to pull together, thankfully.
The South of France
I’ve recently started taking piano lessons again after a 15 year hiatus.
Sunrise, I’ve always been an early bird.
Sunshine – we’re not planning on trying to travel abroad this summer so I’m really banking on the weather improving. Please!
