According to the latest news from one of our favourite magazines, AD (Architectural Digest), Daphne's restaurant in London's Chelsea has recently undergone a change of decoration to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Taking on gardenesque elements, the new Daphne's is a pretty, witty, bright and bold, garden-inspired space created by designer Martin Brudnizki. Seating includes delightful cane chairs with cheery yellow cushions, an elegant pink marble bar topped with table lamps, and an elegant conservatory that can be opened for summer-style dining during warmer months. One of Diana's favourite restaurants, Daphne's was our Garden Tour's choice for our final Farewell Dinner last year, and the restaurant really looked after us, with customised menus and beautiful service. We loved it, and the new-look Daphne's may just become a staple on future tours.  112 Draycott Avenue, London; daphnes-restaurant.co.uk

OTHER FAVOURITE GARDEN-INSPIRED DINING SPACES...
• NUMBER SIXTEEN HOTEL, LONDON Number Sixteen's breakfast Room is set inside a charming conservatory (pictured left), which looks out to an equally charming garden. The former is a lovely way to start a day of sightseeing while the latter is a relaxing haven of greenery to return to and rest your weary legs afterwards.
• THE MONDRIAN RESTAURANT, NEW YORK The Mondrian Hotel's conservatory-style restaurant in downtown SoHo, New York (pictured below), is a surprising sanctuary of foliage, planters and fully grown trees, and offers a cool respite when you're traipsing New York during the summer months. Lunch here is always a delightful respite.
• THE ORANGERIE, KENSINGTON GARDENS, LONDON Another endearing hideaway adored by garden lovers, the beautiful, baroque Orangerie was commissioned by Queen Anne in 1704 to protect her citrus trees from winter. She also suspected it would make for a lovely place to entertain friends. Today, it's still a delightful distraction, and a gorgeous spot to grab a coffee or even high tea after wandering through Kensington Gardens

If you haven't yet seen the astounding Dries van Noten ' Inspiration' Exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in Paris, try to catch it before it closes in November 2014. 

Dries has always stood a little apart from the fashion pack, and this show is a spectacular look at his designs over the years – including his costumes for the film The Piano. The displays showcase not only his superb creations but also his inspirations – ranging from Cecil Beaton to Schiaparelli and spring gardens. 

If you can't make it to Paris, there is also a wonderful book available called simply Dries van Noten. (Publisher: Lannoo) It delves a little deeper into the designer's life and style, and includes many images of his now-famous house and garden – just as beautiful as the designs he puts onto the catwalk. Horticulture and haute couture have always made stunning partners but in Dries' hands, they really are elevated to another level of exquisite sophistication.

India Hicks, Anouska Hempel,  Anna Spiro, Kate Spade, Jeff Leatham (Parisian florist to the stars – and the creative soul behind the famous arrangements at the Four Seasons Paris), Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, and other design titles on New York and Paris... Here a a few beautiful tomes to put on your To Buy list for this Christmas and the New Year. (Note: Some are published in early 2015.)