Check it out: gingham goodness

Though I'm a massive fan of a good sailor stripe and I'm absolutely dotty about spots, gingham has got to be up there as a great pattern for this time of year: it reminds me of checked dresses for summer school uniform, drinking Orangina while sat at a check-bedecked French cafe table, and lots of lovely lazy picnics.

Picnics you say? These Thomas Paul dessert plates from Supernice are the perfect check mates. They not only look very pretty but are made of melamine and therefore ideal for such a task. You get four different colours in a set for £26.

Those French cafes I mentioned? Replicate some of their continental flair with this tablecloth from Dollydagger. I especially like that beautiful house-patterned lacing around its edge. Make your cheque out for £45 to bag this beauty.

Last on my check list, you can buy this charming tea towel from genuine French shop La Cerise sur le gateau for 14 euros. The design is perfect for ladies who like to sit down and enjoy a proper meal. The table cloth above could be the table cloth in this photo. That lady printed on the tea towel could be the lady wearing the tea towel. The lady is stabbing a rabbit in the eye. It's all terribly confusing but also très chic.

Or should that be très check?