Table Manners

Oh how I love playing hostess, and not only because I get to spend time with my nearest and dearest, but because of all the fun you can have with the prep! From planning a menu to decorating the house, the enjoyment starts well before the guests arrive. Seeing as dinner parties can last long into the night, why sit at a plain, boring table when you can adorn your setting with beautiful things?

{This setting is quite wedding-y, but pink and gold are so pretty for a birthday tea party}

{So I don't have a pool, but you could still enjoy these blue hues in your kitchen for a Sunday morning breakfast}

{Why use a vase when you can enjoy your flowers in vintage jam jars? I'd hit up vintage fairs to get some, although I found these online}

{Instead of half-heartedly scattering a few tea lights around, try creating a beautiful display by lining up jam-jarred candles along the centre of your table}

{I've long been a fan of bunting (in fact I blogged about it a few weeks ago in my Dressing Rooms post) so I firmly believe it should be brought out for other occasions than just street parties and royal weddings}

All photos via Pinterest

Sequin Season

Today is the first day of November and with 53 days until Christmas (this is now bookmarked on my Google Chrome) I am officially in countdown mode. For me, the run up to Christmas means many things - shopping for others, making plans with family and friends, large consumption of mulled wine - and high up on my festive preparation list is donning a hell of a load of sequins. Sequins in April? Not so much. Sequins in June? Still not convinced. Sequins in November? Why would you not?! Here are my picks for a sequinned season.

{Zara Ballerinas, £49.99}

{Rare at ASOS Bandeau Dress, £75}

{Topshop T-Shirt, £45}

{ASOS Gold Collar, £15}

{Zara Oversized Zip Wallet, £29.99}