Latest news with #gardenparty
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
12 outdoor essentials from Dunelm that will make your garden party INSTANTLY more stylish - with prices starting at just £3
Garden party season is here, and to help make your warm-weather get-togethers even more sleek, Dunelm has released a whole host of outdoor essentials to spruce up your garden without breaking the bank. Ranging from outdoor furniture to affordable heating solutions, Dunelm's summer-ready selection has everything you need to create an oasis in your back garden. The best bit? With prices starting at just £3, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to kit out your outdoor spaces for your next garden party. One piece we've got our eye on is the Steel Chimenea, a total steal at just £75. With a classic bronze painted steel finish and ample space for burning wood, this quality chimenea is the perfect cosy centrepiece for entertaining all year round. Need some warm lighting to illuminate your outdoor set-up? The EGLO Libisa 50 LED String Lights (£21) and LED Bumblebee Outdoor String Lights (£5) will add cosy, warm light to your outdoor spaces, perfect for parties that run into the night. Looking to discover some of Dunelm's outdoor must-haves for yourself? Explore our top picks from the selection below. Elements Peacock Hanging Egg Chair Upgrade your outdoor seating set-up with this Elements Peacock Hanging Egg Chair, a steal at under £200. Beautifully designed with a strong metal structure and a modern rattan hanging chair, this weather-resistant chair comes in a striking blue hue, set to become your new favourite garden throne. £199 Shop Jaipur Indoor Outdoor Traditional Rug - 160cm x 230cm Bring colour and warmth to your outdoor settings with this on-sale Jaipur Indoor Outdoor Traditional Rug, currently on offer with 50 per cent off. Crafted from a durable polypropylene and polyester blend, this vibrant rug is easy to clean, perfect for withstanding everything your garden parties throw at it. £57.50 (save £57.50) Shop Navigate Coconut Grove Set of 4 Ombre Stacking Wine Tumblers This set of four Ombre Stacking Wine Tumblers is the perfect choice for garden sipping. With their eye-catching ombre finish and 400ml capacity, they're ideal for wine, mocktails or soft drinks, while, thanks to their compact stacking, they're easy to pack away when not in use. £15 Shop Miami 2 Seater Bistro Set Add a splash of colour to your patio with this Miami Bistro Set, the perfect choice for more intimate outdoor setups. This two-seater set includes a chic wooden-top coffee table and two comfortable chairs, while the bright and eye-catching design will look fabulous in any garden. £129 Shop EGLO Libisa 50 LED String Lights Dress up your outdoor spaces with the enchanting EGLO Libisa 50 LED String Lights - the perfect way to bring light and life to your garden. This 7.35-meter-long white cable is adorned with 50 LED light bulbs, each spaced 15cm apart, and boasting a relaxing, warm white light to create a magical atmosphere. £21 (save £9) Shop Ribbed Acrylic Jug For serving essentials on a budget, there's no beating this chic Ribbed Acrylic Jug. Available in two sleek colourways, it's perfect for serving drinks at summer BBQs, dinner parties, or casual get-togethers. £3 Shop Steel Chimenea The perfect, cosy centrepiece for all of your outdoor gatherings, this stunning Steel Chimenea is a must-have for summer hosting. With a classic bronze painted steel finish and ample space for burning wood, it'll keep you cosy and comfortable all season long. £75 Shop Spring Meadow Drink Dispenser Upgrade any outdoor party with the help of this Spring Meadow Drink Dispenser - ideal for cocktails and party drinks alike. This handy dispenser boasts a fantastic 3600ml capacity, and thanks to its shatterproof PETG plastic, it's the perfect choice for picnics or barbecues, so you don't have to worry about breaks or spills. £6 Shop Set of 4 Green Picnic Plates Complete your picnic setup with the Elements set of 4 picnic plates in a sleek shade of green. Dishwasher safe and made from high-quality plastic, these plates make outdoor eating a breeze - especially thanks to their hardy build that makes them difficult to break. £4 Shop 2m 20 LED Bumblebee Outdoor String Lights Playful and fun, these LED Bumblebee Outdoor String Lights are the perfect choice for adorning your outdoor spaces. Solar-powered for total ease, these cosy lights feature flash and static modes for whatever mood you're in, exuding a gorgeous, warm white glow. £5 Shop 2.7m Macrame Parasol Elegant and timeless, this stunning Macrame Parasol is perfect for bringing shady spaces to your outdoor oasis. The sleek parasol effortlessly opens up with the easy push-up mechanism, while the deep fringed edges dance gracefully in the gentlest breeze, creating a true haven in your garden. £79 Shop 8 Piece Garden Dining Set For entertaining larger groups, this 8 Piece Garden Dining Set is an affordable way to keep everyone seated and comfortable. It features six chairs, one table and a parasol, making it the perfect choice for garden parties, BBQs and more. £199 Shop
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
10 affordable garden buys from Dunelm to make the most of the weather before it disappears - with prices from £7.50
There are many words to describe the UK weather, but predictable is not one of them. Luckily, it's set to be hotting up over the next fortnight (according to the weather app, I take no responsibility if it doesn't), and we've found the best affordable buys for your garden so you can make the most of time spent outside. From ornamental accessories that will certainly wow guests at your next alfresco soiree, to seating options and fire pits that are a must-have for BBQ season, Dunelm has you covered - and in even better news, most of our top picks are available at purse-friendly prices. We don't need to tell you that summer in the UK can be a fleeting occasion, so to make the most of the warm weather, you'll want to add these to cart ASAP. And don't forget to wear your SPF! Dunelm White Festoon Lights 20 Bulbs Planning your next garden party? Set the atmosphere with these string lights, which will bask your garden in a warm light - perfect for evening soirees. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the lights are mains-operated for a reliable power source, and add the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor space. £7.50 Shop Dunelm Shell Citronella Multi Wick Outdoor Candle Perhaps one of the only negatives about the summer season is the annoying mosquitoes and other insects that the warm weather brings with it. Acting as a natural insect repellant. the citrus scent will help dispel any unwanted guests, while the adorable shell design will bring a coastal feel into your outdoor space. Win win! £8 Shop Dunelm Sun Embellished Multicolour Outdoor Square Colour Cushion A must-have on my summer wishlist, this cushion looks far more expensive than it is, and adds a touch of colour and whimsy to any outdoor space. The ideal accessory for your outdoor seating, the embroidered sun design adds charm to your outdoor seating, patio or balcony, plus, the design is splash-proof for easy maintenance. £14 Shop Dunelm Verona 60cm Fire Basket Make like the Love Islanders and gather round the firepit with this pocket-friendly fire basket, which is an excellent addition to any garden (and a must-have for cooler evenings). Hand-crafted from durable steel ensuring your new addition will stand the test of time, the bowl can be used as both a heat and light source (to keep the party going way beyond sunset), or even a grill - the choice is yours. £52 Shop Dunelm Windsor 4 Seater Conversation Set Make the most out of WFH days and weekends with this stylish and comfortable seat and coffee table set, consisting of a two-seater sofa, two chairs and steel table. Crafted from weather-resistant materials for excellent durability, the attractive set makes for memorable conversations or a great space for alfresco 'working', and the sleek, contrasting design adds an elevated feel to any garden. £399 Shop Dunelm Verdi Drinks Trolley A great addition for summer soirees, this drinks trolley ensures you have everything you need on hand for the perfect cocktail without going back and forth to the kitchen. Made from 100 per cent Eucalyptus wood for a vintage yet luxury feel, the trolley boasts two levels of storage space for your favourite liqueurs, garnishes and glasses. We love! £103.20 Shop Dunelm Artificial Lavender in Wall Mounted Planter If, no matter how hard you try, plants end up less than perfect under your supervision, it might be time to call in some artificial assistance. This artificial lavender planter has a realistic look to it, and can be mounted on to exterior walls to create an enchanting display that you'll actually want to take credit for. Plus, its robust materials will help to protect it from any unexpected spells of rain, too. £12 Shop Dunelm furn. Psyc Jungle Pink Washable Indoor Outdoor Rug Add a playful touch to your outdoor space with this fuchsia, tropical print rug that has been expertly crafted to withstand the elements. Both lightweight and foldable, the rug can be used both indoors and outdoors and is lightweight enough that it can be easily moved, and customers have noted they have received 'many compliments' on the design. £48 Shop Dunelm Country Arched Window Indoor Outdoor Wall Mirror If you're looking to achieve a contemporary feel with your outdoor space, this mirror will help you do just that. The timeless, window-effect design can be mounted to exterior walls thanks to the keyhole hook, and customers have even noted that it makes their garden 'look bigger' and 'opens up outdoor spaces'. £44 Shop Dunelm Fallen Fruits Fly Agaric Bird Feeder For nature lovers who want to welcome new guests into their outdoor space, this is a must-have. With a whimsical mushroom-inspired design that instantly adds a touch of charm, the feeder has been created specifically for peanut feeding, and is sure to make your garden the garden of choice for a number of winged friends. £9 Shop
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I found the perfect dress for the races from New Look – it looks like a Rixo outfit, for £350 less
RACES season is coming up and it can be hard to know what to wear to fancy summer events. One New Look fan showed how she found the perfect elegant dress for her upcoming occasions. 5 TikTok user @kalliope_the_muse looked sensational as she showed off New Look's Off White Polka Dot Cowl Neck Chiffon Midi Dress. The showstopping dress has a halter neckline and staggered ruffles for added glamour. She wore the dress with heels, and stylish sunglasses for the ultimate bombshell look. The maxi-length garment costs £47 and looks very similar to a pricey dress by Rixo which costs a whopping £415. For £350 less than the Rixo version, it could be a steal for any garden-party style soirees. Viewers seemed to love the high street find, with one commenting under the video: 'Diva vibes everywhere.' Another impressed shopper added: 'Wow.' It's not the only New Look item causing a stir lately. The high street retailer is selling a pair of trousers in a denim material, but are comfy and stretchy for summer. Their Light Blue Drawstring Waist Denim Trousers cost £26.99 and there are two colour options to choose from. You can either pick it up in a light blue shade or a slightly darker shade, and both come in a range of sizes to suit different body types. The wide leg trousers have a mid-rise waist and an elasticated drawstring waist for maximum comfort in hot weather. The New Look listing states: 'Comfy trousers but in denim, this light blue pair assure maximum comfort with their roomy wide legs and drawstring waist.' Shoppers have raced to snap up the jeans, with some sizes currently being out of stock. Those lucky enough to have snapped up a pair have left rave five-star reviews. One said: 'Great light weight trousers, perfect for the summer.' Another added: 'Great trousers for the transition from Spring to Summer. 'Love the wide leg and leg length is just right. I really like the light denim colour and the movement of the fabric.' And a third commented: 'Lovely soft comfortable jeans, look great and so comfortable.' The retailer also just dropped the perfect straw handbag for summer — and it's almost identical to the iconic Chloé basket bag. The designer arm candy would set shoppers back by £590, but the high street dupe costs just £27.99. New Look's Woven Basket Tote Bag already has fashion fans rushing to pick it up ready for the hot weather. It features a woven design, with stylish cream handles and an open top. The handbag is the perfect accessory for summer holidays, and it would pair with everything from beachwear to floral maxi dresses. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous. It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate welcomes grieving parents of teen photographer Liz Hatton who died of cancer aged 17 at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
The Princess of Wales oozed glamour as she arrived at a garden party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon alongside Prince William. Kate, 43, donned a yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead and a hat by Phillip Treacy as she stood on the terrace for the National Anthem in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, looking elegant as ever. It marks her first appearance at a garden party since 2023 - having skipped last year while she was having cancer treatment. The couple have invited two other young members of the Royal Family to join them - cousins Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall. Other royals in attendance are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, wearing a dress by Beulah and hat by Jane Taylor, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Although the King wasn't present, the party in the palace grounds is still known as The King's Garden Party and held on his behalf. This year, as the Prince and Princess of Wales host special guests from around the nation, they are welcoming some very special guests to the grounds of Buckingham Palace - the family of Liz Hatton. Cancer campaigner and photography prodigy Liz, from Harrogate, passed away at the age of 17 in November 2024 from a rare and largely untreatable cancer, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. She was diagnosed with the aggressive disease just 10 months before she passed away - but certainly made her mark on the nation before her death. The teen was determined to pack as much as she could in to her remaining time and devised a 'bucket list' of assignments to capture with the help of her family - mother Vicky Robayna, father Aaron and brother Mateo. After the Prince of Wales got to hear about it, he invited Liz into Windsor Castle in October to photograph an investiture he was holding. Much to the family's surprise he then invited them for tea afterwards, with wife Kate - who has undergone her own cancer battle this year - joining them. A photograph of her hugging Liz went viral and offers from organisations to help her fulfil the remaining items on her list - as well as dozens of others - flooded in, including an assignment at the Daily Mail. Kate, 43, donned a yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead and a hat by Phillip Treacy as she stood on the terrace for the National Anthem It was a family affair as they were joined by royals including Zara Tindall for the event Like the prince and princess, the public were deeply moved by Liz's strength, maturity and determination to face her tragically inevitable death head on. She had hoped to make Christmas, and the family had even tried to bring forward their own celebrations early so that she could spent it with her adored younger brother, Mateo. Sadly she passed away quietly in the early hours of November 27 before that could happen. Liz made the incredibly mature decision to donate her body to medical science after her death in the hope that studies of her condition might help prevent another family from being separated in the way they have. Within days of her death, her body was transported to Glasgow University for medical students to study. Since Liz passed away, grieving mother Vicky has repeatedly praised the Prince and Princess of Wales for their support as the family navigate their grief. Speaking at a memorial in December for her daughter, Vicky told the Mail the couple had been 'so kind, so caring' and she couldn't thank them, or their team, enough. Surrounded by her talented daughter's photographs that first brought her to William and Kate's attention, she said: 'They are so incredibly kind. They have been in touch throughout. It's been a difficult time but we have had messages from them. They and their team are often checking in. They have looked after us incredibly.' The family were also guests of honour at the Princess's Together at Christmas Carol Service held at Westminster Abbey. Speaking about their invitation, Vicky said: 'We didn't know if we would feel up to going, but I am so glad we did. It was so beautiful. They really looked after us. 'I knew it would be one of those things we would regret if we hadn't gone. It was tough as Liz had been determined to go to it and we now have so many memories associated with London. But I think we knew how cross she would be with us if we didn't go. The prince and princess made it a lot easier.' Typically, the royal family hosts four garden parties every summer; three at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. They stem from a tradition of introducing debutantes into society - but evolved into a way of rewarding and recognising outstanding public service. Among the figures invited to garden parties are nominated by state and local government departments, religious figures and official societies. Each garden party - and there are normally around three or four held each year - see up to 8,000 specially-invited guests including community stalwarts, charity campaigners and military heroes invited to take tea and enjoy the palace gardens. While the bands continue to play a selection of music, members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through 'lanes'. Each takes a different route and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to a royal before they they arrive at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. They are then are then free to eat, drink and stroll around the beautiful Palace gardens. Other notable guests include Steven Frank, a Holocaust survivor who The Princess photographed in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust. Their Royal Highnesses will also meet guests from a number of both their patronages, military affiliations and passion projects including; Homewards, Action for Children, Ty Hafan, and tenants across Duchy of Cornwall sites.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hull community champions recognised at royal garden party
Two "community champions" from Hull have been recognised for their work as they joined the royals for a garden party at Buckingham by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the event on Wednesday recognised and acknowledged contributions by those in local communities across the those attending was Emily Griffin, safeguarding lead at St Richard's Voluntary Catholic Academy, and Capt Roger Vine, supply teaching assistant at Frederick Holmes School."To be a part of the pomp and ceremony will be a memory that lasts forever," Ms Griffin said. Ms Griffin, who was nominated by her colleagues, has worked at the school for 31 years and was inspired by her grandad, who won the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his services to McEvoy, chief executive of St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Academy Trust, which runs St Richard's, said Ms Griffin had an "unwavering dedication to the children and families of her community".She said: "Emily goes above and beyond every day to ensure the safety, wellbeing and future of those she serves."She embodies what it means to be a true champion for children and families."Ms Griffin described the day as a "fabulous experience, soaking up the atmosphere of the military brass band and people dressed in their finery". Capt Vine joined the staff at Frederick Holmes in 2004 after taking a step back from the Merchant referred to the school as his "happy place", and that he had "no plans to put my feet up just yet".Posting on social media, Frederick Holmes School called him their "very own community champion"."He's received a prestigious invitation to the royal garden party, and wow, does he deserve it," the school said."Through rain or shine, Roger has been our go-to helper extraordinaire. Roger's dedication has been truly royal-worthy." Capt Vine previously told BBC Radio Humberside he almost missed the phone call inviting him to the said: "I don't take phone calls at school, so I cancelled it and later in the evening I thought 'I wonder who that was?'"So I rang the number and the lady answered. I thought 'this is a wind up'."Reflecting on the day, Capt Vine said: "It was wonderful and it was an experience I will hold dear." All those invited to the garden were involved in education and there are three held each year - two at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in are held to give the royals a chance to meet people who have made a positive impact in their community. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
