Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Pep up a party
Thursday 22nd December 2011, 11:00AM GMT.
Christmas Bottle Tops, £1, Poundland
Whether you’re throwing a decadent dinner or some pre-party drinks, those all-important finishing touches can be picked up on the high street at the last minute.
If your soiree doesn’t have a theme, set the tone by choosing a coherent colour scheme, then accessorise with a few witty finds designed to get your guests talking.
Serve cocktails with cheap but cheerful fruit-topped stirrers and dress bottles of beer with quirky hats to add a touch of fun.
When it comes to setting your table, choose pretty but inexpensive paper plates rather than crockery to helpfully side step the dreaded washing up. And for larger parties, opt for pre-cut cotton napkins on a roll. They will add a touch of class to your table top, but at minimal cost.
A smattering of fairy lights and some pretty garlands also add charm. So don’t delay, hit the shops today!
- Hamlyn: 200 Cocktails book, £3.79, Waterstones (www.waterstones.com/0845 217 2920)
- Cocktail stirrers, £4 for a pack of eight, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com/0845 604 9049)
- Christmas Bottle Tops, £1, Poundland (www.poundland.co.uk/0121 568 7000)
- Vacu Vin Party People Glass Markers, £5, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com/0845 604 9049)
- Christmas Ice Cube Tray, £9, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com/0845 604 9049)
- Festive Red Tablecloth, £1, Poundland (www.poundland.co.uk/0121 568 7000)
- My Drap Pre-cut Cotton Napkins, £9.99 for a roll of 20, Zara Home (www.zarahome.com/0800 026 0091)
- Kate Napkin Ring, £17.99 for a set of four, Zara Home (www.zarahome.com/0800 026 0091)
- Social Soiree Butterfly Placecards, £12 for a set of eight, Paperchase (www.paperchase.co.uk/020 7467 1782)
- Colourama Bowls, £1.99 each, Homebase (www.homebase.co.uk/0845 0778 888)
- Christmas Bird Paper Plates, £3.50 for a pack of eight, Cath Kidston (www.cathkidston.co.uk/0845 026 2440)
- Social Soiree Strike A Pose comes with disguises and props for up to 14 guests, £12, Paperchase (www.paperchase.co.uk/020 7467 1782)
- Bird Paper Garland Decoration, £5, Cath Kidston (www.cathkidston.co.uk/0845 026 2440)
For budget homeware ideas and advice on interior trends which won’t break the bank, visit www.homesandbargains.co.uk
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