Jubilee Craft Project ….

So suddenly it’s nearly time for the Jubilee party and there is no bunting around – never fear you can make your own with this kit from Not On The High Street ……

Make Your Own Range: Bunting Kit £7.50 NOTHS (see more)

These kits contain the basics to make 2.5 metres of one sided bunting in a lovely selection of colours - All you need is a sewing machine (Or patient hands and needle and thread), thread and scissors. Each pack contains: Step by step instructions, 2.5 metres of webbing, 25 small bunting pieces.

Jubilee Bits………

If you want to add some Jubilee flavour to your parties or just to have some fun then the shops are packed to the rafters with them but why not – we are having a luxurious four day weekend off so might as well raise the flag somewhere …….

Jubilee Celebration Tea Towels £25.00 House Of Holland (see more)

Limited edition Jubilee Tea Towels! 100% Cotton, 50cm x 70cm “I’m so excited I could wee It’s the Queen’s Jubilee”

Celebrate Britain Diamond Jubilee Party Bubbles, Pack of 24 £10.00 John Lewis (see more)

Celebrate the best of Britain with these fun, stylish party bubbles with integral wands. Pack of 24.

Celebrate Britain Diamond Jubilee Party £10.00 to £3.00 John Lewis (see more)

The Celebrate Britain Diamond Jubilee collection offers everything you need to host the perfect party, including buntings, confetti and trivia cards.

Diamond Jubilee Bunting £8.00 John Lewis (see more)

This brightly-coloured bunting is a fitting celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's enduring reign. It's just what you need to set the scene at your Jubilee street party- 3meters

Emma Bridgewater Union Jack Paper Napkins, Pack of 20 £3.75 John Lewis (see more)

Pack of 20 disposable napkins with a Union Jack repeat print. Made from recycled paper- 33 x 33cm

Emma Bridgewater Union Jack/Best Of British Plates, Pack of 8 £3.50 John Lewis (see more)

Designed by Emma Bridgewater, this pack contains 8 paper plates, each one featuring a Union Jack design and the text 'Truly Great'.

Emma Bridgewater Union Jack/Best Of British Cups, Pack of 8 £3.50 John Lewis (see more)

A pack of 8 paper cups, each one decked in a fun Union Jack design.

Celebrate Britain Diamond Jubilee Mini Flag Cupcake Picks, Pack of 10 £3.00 John Lewis (see more)

Pop these vibrantly-coloured flags into your sandwiches to brighten up your party.

Jubilee Party Time..

It’s time to get ready to celebrate the Jubilee and our two days holiday – most towns have organised a party and where we live there is a big street party on one of the days and we are having our own at home with friends and family so we have been making plans for the outside fingers crossed for the weather and I have been and bought some supplies from John Lewis ……

John Lewis Wine Glass Plate Clips £6.00 John Lewis (see more)

These ingenious clips attach to the side of your plate, giving you somewhere to rest your drink in the absence of a table; ideal for parties and barbecues.

Acrylic Picnicware, Clear £4.00 - £12.00 John Lewis (see more)

Made from sturdy acrylic, this range comprises dishes, bowls, glasses and more. These versatile pieces have the classy, transparent look of glass, with the outdoor-friendly durability of plastic. A clear choice for a picnic or party.

l Boschetto The BBQ Kit Box £12.00 John Lewis (see more)

Enjoy the flavours of Italy with this barbecue gift kit. It includes:

Extra virgin olive oil, 55ml

Black pepper peposo, 13g

Chilli pepper piccante, 10g

1 x bag sea salt and spices grigliata

Barbecue tongs

Bright Spots Wipe Clean Tablecloth £20.00 -£30.00 John Lewis (see more)

Inject colour into your table with this range of wipe clean tablecloths featuring vibrantly multi-coloured dots on a white background. Made from a high quality mix of 52% cotton and 48% polyester- sized L180 x W140cm to L280 x W160cm

John Lewis Clear Drinks Dispenser £18.00 John Lewis (see more)

Made from durable, clear acrylic, this versatile dispenser offers carefree outdoor use; ideal for picnics, barbecues, street parties and more- H41cm- 12L

Pitcher £8.00 John Lewis (see more)

A simple and stylish acrylic pitcher to add to your collection of drinkware at home!

Bright Drinks Straws with Container, 100 pcs, Multi £6.00 John Lewis (see more)

These handy drinking straws are decorated in an assortment orf bright, vibrant colours and presented in a classy lidded dispenser that can be refilled and reused when empty.

3 ply Napkins, Pack of 20, Jade £1.75 John Lewis (see more)

Pack of 20 napkins, made from 3 ply paper for durability and superior absorbency. Available in an assortment of colours, they're perfect for indoor and outdoor parties- L33cm

Let’s Sit Outside ….

As the weather has heated up at last so it’s time to hit the garden and do some outdoor living and entertaining – we are always on the lookout for some great garden furniture which doesn’t break the bank but looks great and fits most spaces.

John Lewis has some great choices……

John Lewis Napoli Round Outdoor Dining Set with 4 Chairs, £180.00 John Lewis (see more)

This classic outdoor dining set is ideal for entertaining outdoors during summer months and great value. It's functional as the table and chairs fold, so it can be stored easily. The table has a parasol hole for sunny days. The set is made from FSC eucalyptus wood giving a naturally stylish finish. Includes: Folding table, H75 x dia.110cm- 4 folding chairs, H86 x W46 x D57cm

John Lewis Toronto Outdoor Bench £79.20 John Lewis (see more)

The modern mesh look of this outdoor bench combines low maintenance with style, it will feel at home in a wide variety of settings. It has a curved back and lido blue seat cushion and is made from steel with a powder coated white finish. Matching chairs and a dining set are also available to buy separately- H75 x W124 x D62.5cm

John Lewis Loft Square 2 Seater Outdoor Bistro Set, Lido £79.20 John Lewis (see more)

A great value bistro set with a square-topped table and 2 chairs. The retro design, with a contemporary interpretation, features rounded table edges, curved legs and a gently scooped seat shape. It's made from powder coated steel with a bright lido blue matt finish. No parasol hole- H72 x W60 x D60cm

John Lewis Napoli Round 2 Seater Outdoor Bistro Set £63.20 John Lewis (see more)

Classic and keenly-priced outdoor furniture made from FSC eucalyptus wood. This bistro set consists of a table and a pair of folding chairs- Table H70 x Dia.70cm. Chairs H86 x W46 x D57cm

John Lewis Soho Round 2 Seater Outdoor Bistro Set, Steel £47.20 John Lewis (see more)

This bistro set is excellent value and includes a functional folding table and two matching chairs. It's made from powder coated steel with a matt steel finish, so it's weather resistant and suitable for use all year round. A modern interpretation of classic Parisian design, it combines simplicity with functionality. No parasol hole- Table H70 x Dia.60cm. Chair H82 x W46 x D42cm

John Lewis FSC Tennis Stool, Union Jack £20.00 John Lewis (see more)

This tennis stool is made from American FSC sycamore wood and has a cheerful Union Jack polyester weave sling seat and back. It folds for easy storage- H44 x W45 x D45cm

Website Of The Week – Conran Shops..

As long as I can remember we have been going looking and buying and eating at a fabulous building in South Kensington just behind the Tube station it’s the iconic Michelin House building- which is a fabulous tiled building with a great Conran shop and the restaurant so a perfect combination.

The Conran shop is the baby of its founder the amazing Terence Conran who has brought chic , sleek design for the home to millions via his first baby Habitat which was a real ground breaker in terms of how he changed the look of people’s homes and their décor and introduced continental design aesthetics  and just gave everything a fresh edge – this company is where he has basically curated or designed the best of the best and all the products are the top of their class so to speak in design or for their iconic look.

It has been hard to pick out favourites as the place is packed with amazing product but every piece is a worthy investment.

Valentine Double Lounger With Cushions £2,499.00 Conran (see more)

The classic design of the Valentine garden lounger is reminiscent of the early 20th century conservatory style, with its hand-woven synthetic weave, resting on an elegant and robust aluminium frame. An idyllic way to while away those lazy summer afternoons, the luxury sunlounger will comfortably accommodate two. Produced in Indonesia, the Valentine loungers requires minimal upkeep, as its solid frame and use of synthetic material, mean it is resistant to all manner of weather conditions. It can be exposed to direct sunlight, water and freezing temperatures without losing its elegant colour finish, leaving you free to relax, come wind, rain or shine. Teflon-coated cushions are included, though they should be kept out of wet weather and stored indoors during winter months- sized W205 x D170 x H80 cms

Heart Cone Chair Red £2,236.00 Conran (see more)

The Danish designer, Verner Panton, celebrated for his iconic Panton chairs, brought a new wave of design to the mid-20th century, experimenting with curvilinear shapes and psychedelic colour. Following the success the Cone Chair design in 1958, the Heart Cone Chair was created, a year later. Thought to have been inspired, in part, by the classic wing chair, this contemporary re-interpretation has a dramatic heart-shaped silhouette, supported by a brushed stainless-steel cruciform base, and upholstered in a rich scarlet fabric- W103 x D62.5 x H89 cms

211 Trunk Black £3050.00 Conran (see more)

The elegant 211 trunk by Dominique Moal is exclusive to The Conran Shop and pays homage to the days when travel was glamorous. The stylish trunk has a luxurious rosewood veneer which works beautifully with the faux crocodile skin leather that encases the exterior of the trunk providing it with a sophisticated demeanour. However this piece is not just about the look, as the trunk is extremely functional with 10 various sized drawers on the front of it offering lots of storage options. Open up the lid and a 3 piece mirror becomes accessible with storage where the mirror flips up from. Four additional storage compartments: two in the top of the trunk and two in the pull out chair, also make this chest very practical. The chair is on wheels which aids easy movement and prevents damage to the floor or the chair. Also available in cream, this is an attractive addition to a dressing room or bedroom- sized W90.5 x D79 x H50.5 cms

Iona Cheval Mirror £1,895.00 Conran (see more)

Handmade in the UK by Russell Pinch, the Iona Cheval Mirror is a full-length elliptical mirror framed in solid oak with a shaker-style joint and brass rivet detail at one side. The solid oak A-frame is finished nia matt white oil that enables the mirror to pivot, and also supports an off-white lacquered drawer compartment. The surface of the drawer also serves as a compact low dressing table- W76 x D40 x H160 cms

Saarinen Oval Dining Table Arabescato Marble Top/White Base £6,312.00 Conran (see more)

Florence Knoll was one of the great entrepreneurs of mid-century modern US design. One of her most enduring projects was this table created for Knoll by Eero Saarinen. Available in seven different sizes, the characterful white or black marble top is protectively sealed. A true 20th century classic. Still produced by Knoll, each authentic piece carries Saarinen’s signature. Designed in 1956- W244 x D137 x H73 cms

Pavilion Ladder Shelving £415.00 Conran (see more)

Designed exclusively for the Conran Shop by Sir Terence Conran, the ladder shelving unit fits perfectly into any home, and can be used equally against a wall or to stylishly divide a room. The solid walnut uprights support cleanly painted white shelves. This piece will require some assembly upon delivery- W100 x D40 x H160 cms

Oriental Influence ……

I love the oriental furniture which can transform a plain room with its decorative designs – perfect for making a feature with or just adding some interest – I have been looking for some pieces which are really different ……

Peking TV Cabinet £985.00 Oka Direct (see more)

The perfect solution to the perennial problem of where to hide the TV and electrical equipment in an otherwise beautifully designed room. The Chinoiserie design extends around three sides of the cabinet, and also inside the doors (so it looks just as good when open). An exquisite piece that will be destined to become an heirloom- sized 90 x 45 x 160 cm -Hand-made and hand-painted-Internal, low shelf, and specially made holes at the back to feed cables through.

Chinese Collection Painted Bookcase, Red £399.00 John Lewis (see more)

This vintage Chinese style bookcase will add a touch of the Orient to your home and give you lots of storage space too. It's made from poplar and has a red painted finish decorated with ornate gilded flowers- H110 x W80 x D40cm

Chinese Collection Suri Small Sideboard, Black £350.00 John Lewis (see more)

The Chinese Collection draws influences from traditional Chinese furniture, combining reclaimed poplar and plywood in a frame and panel construction. A lacquered finish and distressed edges create an authentic look. Both the drawer and the cabinet doors are edged with gold and open with metal hoop handles- H80 x W90 x D40cm

Han Cabinet £335.00 Oka Direct (see more)

This small cabinet is perfect as a bedside table. Hand-painted Chinoiserie designs and immaculate detailing give the appearance of an antique. Perfect for more dramatic or muted schemes or for where painted or wooden furniture is not appropriate- 60 x 40 x 82 cm -Hand-made and hand-painted with rubbed-off edges and a distressed finish-The design extends around the front and sides of the console-Double cupboard with a fixed shelf inside.

Chinese Collection Kyra Medium Cabinet, Blue £325.00 John Lewis (see more)

This Chinese style cabinet is full of character and boasts a beautiful butterfly print. It has 2 doors which close with a brass latch, and when opened reveal 2 wooden shelves for storage. The unit stands on small, slim legs and boasts a fabulous vintage finish throughout- H120 x W70 x D40cm

Chinese Barrel Seat £240.00 Oka Direct (see more)

A hand-painted ceramic barrel with a slightly concave top, traditionally used in China as a stool- it can be used inside or out, and will also work beautifully as a small side table- 34 x 44  cm-Hand-painted.

Chinese Painted Nest of Tables £225.00 Molloys Furnishers (see more)

A set of four graduated in size nest of tables – with black lacquered wood and gold paint detail.

Chinese Collection Shari Small Painted Cabinet, Red £149.00 John Lewis (see more)

This vintage Chinese style cabinet will add a touch of the Orient to your home. It's made from poplar and has a painted finish- Both the drawer and the cabinet doors are decorated with a butterfly motif and open with metal hoop handles- H60 x W40 x D32cm