EMOTIONAL TIES

Food blogger Tess Ward on her bedside Buddha, confidence-boosting colours and flavour inspirations

with food blogger Tess Ward

This jade and gold ring was passed down from my granny to my mum and then, about seven years ago, to me. I’m not overly sentimental, but it gives me a great sense of grounding, and connects me to the things that matter – such as my family – every time I wear it.

My dad [Kit] first gave me Acqua di Parma’s Colonia fragrance for Christmas about ten years ago. I’ve worn it ever since. It’s clean and fresh and it’s only when I’ve put it on that I feel as though the day has begun.

The two chefs I’m inspired by the most are Nigel Slater, for his writing, and Yotam Ottolenghi for his flavour combinations. They’ve taught me not to be shy about expressing myself through food.

Red is my favourite colour. Putting on a piece of clothing in red, such as this Boda Skins jacket, always makes me feel confident, excited and ready for anything.

This Buddha, a gift from my mum, sits on my bedside table (alongside a photograph of the Dalai Lama). It’s a daily reminder to take a deep breath and check in with myself, as it’s so easy to get distracted by things that, perhaps, aren’t so important.

Playing music by the Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor and Rickie Lee Jones always reminds me of sunny days at home, growing up with my brother [Dashiell] and feeling happy as my mum [Kate] danced around the kitchen.

I was given this wooden pestle and mortar at the beginning of my career. After uni, unsure about what to do next, I went on a European road trip with my then boyfriend and realised that I wanted to do something with food. I enrolled on a Cordon Bleu course and started my blog, The Yes Chef, in 2012.

I love playing around with colours, particularly these Tom Ford shades, Scarlet Rouge and Casino. They make my lips look super kissable!