Cutting it fine

Silver coloured knives and forks are so 2014 (apparently). This winter, the most stylish tables across the land will be laid up with gold or copper cutlery instead.

But you don’t have to, erm, fork out millions for it. Previously only available in the chicest of boutiques for eyewatering prices, the high street has caught onto the trend and made it far more purse-friendly. For example, the ‘Midas’ cutlery at the top of this page is a bargainous £20 for a 16-piece set from George at ASDA; while the lovely copper effect set below is £32 for 16 pieces from Next:

This  ‘Glamour’ gold set from Argos is £34.99 for a generous 24 pieces:

Or, if you want to go a wee bit more upmarket, this weighty gold ‘Liberty’ set with tactile rounded handles is £75 (for 16 pieces) from Marks & Spencer:

A prickly subject

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas in my book. And top of my list for Santa this year? One of these A-MAZING cactus vases.

In gorgeous green glazed porcelain by artist Marie Michielssen, they look fantastic on their own or grouped together, and personally I don’t think you need to put flowers in them.

The smallest size costs £16.95; the medium is £34.95 and the large is £54.95 (I know, I know, not cheap – but they are things of beauty) from one of my favourite online stores, Howkapow. They’re also available – for slightly higher price tags – at the Conran Shop, Trouva and Notonthehighstreet.

They’d make a fantastic gift, so go on, grab yours while they’re still in stock. I predict a, ahem, spike in sales as soon as Christmas shopping season starts officially…

It’s party time – excellent!

How sweet is this little fella?! With his glittery feet, he’d make any cake he stood on look special. He’s part of a new range from designer Lola Beau, available on her website (Lolabeaudesign.co.uk) and at brilliant new party store Candle & Cake (Candleandcake.co.uk). He has some cute little friends too:

I’ve been reliably informed that party accessories are the next big thing – from cute hats to pretty napkins and out-of-the-ordinary balloons, partyware is becoming cool again. I can totally see why. I could spend hours browsing all the amazing stuff on the Candle & Cake website. For instance, check out these clever colour-in party cups (£3.45 for eight); Mini glitter party hats (£6.99 for eight); and Chevron party bags (25p each, available in loads of colours):

Then there are these cheeky cat napkins (£3.99 for 16), which would be great for a Hallowe’en party – or indeed, any kind of party:

And hands up who remembers tie-die balloons from the Seventies? Well, they’re back! These are £4.75 for ten. There’s more glittery fun to be had with these unicorn cake toppers £3 for six; and you can get packs of 25 funky straws for £3.49:

I also love these pink and gold geometric party cups (£3.99 for twelve – six of each design) and matching party bags with seals (£2.75 for ten), which are a billion times nicer than ones you can get on the high street:

Plus you can decorate the room as well as your tables with these honeycomb geometric decs (£8.50 for three) and tissue paper pom poms (£7.50 for seven, one of each colour):

Finally, I’m a little bit in love with this amazing Giant Rainbow Foil Balloon, £3.50 (below), which can be filled with either air or helium. Party on!