“What if today we were just grateful for everything” – Charlie Brown, Peanuts.

Delighted to be back for chapter 2 of my column. How’s Autumn been treating you all so far? I’ve been soaking in some of the beautiful golden days we have been offered. Now – I appreciate they are somewhat few and far between but when they come its pure joy.

Did you join the spooky fun at Terror on the Thames? What a gloriously community spirited filled day that was. Amazing costumes, huge amounts of donations to the food bank, “trick or treat” being squealed with glee from visiting families in businesses across Henley and I’m delighted to have raised £270 for the Chiltern Centre with our spooky cookie stall. It was like a scene straight out of a Gilmore Girls episode – one of the highest accolades I can award.

With the clocks having just changed I find it to be a very reflective time of year. A good time to snuggle under a blanket with a cup of your favourite and look back on the year gone by. There’s certainly a lot for me and The Henley Larder to look back on and reflect. Now two months down the path of pop ups and online sales. And a journey it has been, one that I can’t say has been without its trials.

Something that has been keeping me a little sane when these blocks in the road appear is focusing on what I’m grateful for. I’m not talking about needing to start up a gratitude journal, though if that floats your boat fantastic, for me it’s about finding joy in the good parts of your day.

A friend of my Mothers signs her emails off always with the remark ‘aren’t we lucky’ – the idea that whatever the circumstance there is something to be grateful for, perhaps simply the person you are corresponding with. I think that’s wonderful.

Gratitude can come from looking at how beautiful the trees are at the moment, dreaming up the delicious dinner I plan to make tonight with mushrooms from Fungi Farmer, laughing at jokes from last nights HONK Henley comedy at The Relais, replying to an email from a customer enquiring about gift boxes for her family this Christmas or from a supplier wanting to share with me a new product they have made with so much skill and care. With each happy thought I find my shoulders a little lower and the future a little brighter.

This month in USA, among other important dates is Thanksgiving, a holiday based around some questionable historical acts but promotes the idea of citing what you’re thankful for. Also a day for eating delicious & decadent treats which is a good day in the Larders book.  

As a way of monetising Thanksgiving the term Black Friday was coined– a day of supposed discounted sales from large corporations – there’s a lot wrong with this whole idea and weirdly the UK has adopted this day despite not celebrating Thanksgiving.

So, when you’re thinking of your Christmas shopping  I implore you to think twice and think local. Help keep your local economy ticking and also get yourself something unique and wonderful, not generic and cheap.

The fabulous small business advocate Holly Tucker created the idea of Colour Friday for independent business on that day. Perfect.

And so lets get cosy.

It certainly feels like the peak time of year to enjoy a roast dinner and while many of us say our own roast is the best one we are also lucky to have some great spots to enjoy one out in and around Henley. Favourites I’ve tried so far:

The Rowbarge – classic vibes with big portions –  a super local cosy spot.

The Bottle & Glass – Two or three courses using local produce – lovely gastro pub.

The Little Angel – nice atmosphere and yummy roast – extra veggies on the house!

I’m headed to The Flower Por this weekend for the roast so will report back.

This months column is dedicated to my great friend and local boy Andy Hodgekin who passed away unexpectedly this past month. His raucous cheeky laugh will echo in all the Henley pubs for ever more. I shall miss you my dear pal and thank you for your friendship and the many great times we spent together.

Zoë xx