Get your glad-rags ready, party season is approaching!

I know, I hear you, why talk Christmas already?! I haven't had my summer holiday, the labels are still on my swimwear and I haven't even had blisters from those gorgeous 'too high for me' sexy sandals yet! It will silently creep up and be here before we know it, whether we like it or not. The summer sales will clear (thankfully) and the shops will start showing heavier, richer items ready for the Autumn season. 

Thanks to many firms wanting to save a few quid, a lot of businesses hold their Christmas parties as early as October, so realistically the planning of your seasonal party attire isn't far away. Not just your works Christmas do, but meals with family, nights out with friends, they all require suitable outfits. 

This years party season will be all about jewels. Embellished pieces in jewel tones are exactly what you need to look for. Emerald greens, Ruby reds, Sapphire blues are just a few to mention. Men and Women will look the most regal they have done in many seasons. Fabrics should be satin, velvet, jacquard, think royalty, think heavy. 

If you don't want to buy a new outfit, a jewelled bag or stiletto would be the perfect addition to an existing ensemble or a jewel toned tie or shirt would accompany an existing suit. If your outfit is simple, then jewellery is the key to staying on trend.

The skies the limit! Earrings, think Pat Butcher, the bigger the better. Necklaces, rings, cufflinks, if it can be a jewel, let it be a jewel. Statement pieces will be extremely eye catching this party season. 

If some of this sounds too over the top for your taste, a simple brooch or decorative hair pin is an easy answer. Stylish, classy and elegant. 

Our great British high street will once again, treat us to a party worthy wardrobe ready for the seasonal festivities! 

These are just a few shiny accessories from Zara 

Play-doh Party!

Like all Mums, I make a fuss of my daughters birthday parties. I love to think of new party themes. So for Ayla's 3rd birthday I decided on a Play-doh party!
Along with 99 packets of play-doh, I bought feathers, sparkles, Pom pom's, eyes and pipe cleaners. I had various shape cutters including animals, numbers and letters, and what felt like a 1000 rolling pins.
The 15 children (and parents) made exotic animals, shiny fish, busy bees and long legged spiders! I think the Parents got just as creative as the children. It's hard to sit and not play when there's so much for the mind to play with! The imagination of all the toddlers was fabulous to see! The shapes, the colour combinations, the flare with the sparkles and feathers. It was like playing dress up but with play doh!
Along with standard party games, pass the parcel and the parachute for cat and mouse and sharks, we had prizes for 2 of the best masterpieces created (parents not in participation). Ayla was the deciding judge and chose two marvellous pieces which we named 'Monster with 5 eyes' and 'Pom Pom sailboat'.
The party bags were made up of small pots of play doh, shape cutters, a rolling pin (No way was I taking home a 1000 rolling pins!) and of course a slice of the Caterpillar cake.

I had lots of compliments on the idea which is something I love to hear. 
I would definitely recommend this type of party, the kids, parents and of course, Ayla loved it which was, as Mum, my main priority.