Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
I recently went to the launch of Josie da Bank's new picnicware range (very pretty, see it at culturelabel.com). As you'd expect from the creative director/producer of the Isle of Wight music festival Bestival, the party was gorgeously decorated – particularly the unusual bunting; its lavish garlands of different textures and shapes and dangly bits were the opposite of OTT jubilee. Josie shared her tips for good-looking outdoor festivities at home…
Flying high
"I get bunting from rubyshoesrocks.com and add to it. Sometimes we send it to a guy in Jaipur who adds garlands, printed fabric, tassels and plastic marigolds. Try Brick Lane or Southall. Then add fairy lights."
Water works
"Having a big party? Hire a hot tub! It's a really nice feature; I've got a wood-fired one at our place on the Isle of Wight and I love it."
Inside out
"I use indoor stuff outside –it's pointless buying a special garden set in this climate. I'll drag the sofa outside, rugs and cushions…"
Pitch up
"Buy colourful little teepees for children, and buy a cheap gazebo from Argos and disguise it by draping fabric around the sides, winding fairy lights up the legs and hanging bunting."
Light up
"Lanterns can transform a garden; I get lots in Chinatown in colours such as neon pink – not the traditional red and gold. They're really cheap."
Seating plan
"I hire in lots of furniture. I recommend arabiantents.com for beautiful day-beds or themed tents. They deliver, put it up – then take it away when you're done."
Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments