A Bonfire Night party doesn’t have to revolve around charred baked potatoes, burnt sausages and discomfort – here are our top 10 picks for creating a November 5th celebration with a little flair.
1. Honey Tree: Personalised invitations
Let everyone know from the start that this is going to be a party with a difference. These stunning invitations are printed on high quality card and can be personalised with your choice of illustration, wording and font. Prices start at £1.95 per card from www.honeytreepublishing.com, minimum order eight cards.
2. Hunkydory Home: Bangers and mash cushion
This cushion makes us smile, with its bold, unequivocal declaration of love for British food. It’s perfect for giving your sitting room a bonfire night feel once the cold air has chased your guests indoors. Designed by Liz Foster and available from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk, priced at £52.
3. Baker and Bell: Dutch oven
If you want your bonfire night fare to have that authentic outdoor flavour, what about this cast iron Dutch oven from glamping specialists Baker and Bell? You can use it directly on the fire, or suspend it with a tripod and chain. Priced at £82 for the oven and £37 for the tripod, it’s sure to see plenty of use after November 5th as well.
4. Alexander & Pearl: Metal stacking stool
The secret to a great party is making sure there are enough seats to go round! Solve a temporary seating crisis with these stylish metal stacking stools – they’re sturdy and waterproof for outdoor use, and when you’ve finished with them they can be stacked neatly away. £60 each from Alexander & Pearl.
5. Prezzybox: Mulled wine warmer
Combat the British weather on November 5th with this mulled wine warmer. Handing freezing guests a mugful on arrival will help any party get off to a good start, and the tealight under the stoneware jar will keep any remaining contents hot until required. Available from Prezzybox, priced £27.95
6. Broste: Danish handleless mugs
These handleless mugs are a Scandinavian design, created in Denmark. They’re specially designed so that you can wrap your hands round them and warm yourself up, so they’re perfect for serving mulled wine. Available from Very Nice Things, £4.50 each.
7. Just Slate: Blackstone platter
Made from natural materials, this stylish platter is the perfect way to hand round your party food, from baked potatoes to parkin. Complete with servers, it’s priced at £60 from Just Slate, Britain’s largest slate homeware producer.
8. Tinderbox: Baker and Bell
We’re really excited about this tinderbox, which is the stuff of fairy tales. So much more stylish than a box of matches, the kit contains everything you need to light your bonfire including a steel and flintstone. Do practice with it before November 5th, though, as striking the spark takes a little practice! Priced at £29 from Baker and Bell.
9. Annabel James: Picnic Blanket
This ‘kissing stags’ picnic blanket, with its striking modern design, is extremely versatile with its waterproof backing. Use it for table protection, as an extra impromptu seating area or just to wrap round yourself for extra warmth. Available from Annabel James, priced £35.95.
10. Lily and Lime: Lantern
When it’s time for your guests to leave and negotiate a dark garden path, this bargain miners’-style lantern will be invaluable in helping them get to the gate safely. Several lanterns dotted around the garden will also help illuminate eating and seating areas, and add a little extra ambiance. Available in a range of colours, priced at £10 from Lily and Lime.
By Sara Walker
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