Cath Kidston inspired bunting

Okay, so I'm a little late for getting this post up in time for Royal Wedding street parties, but I hope this is useful for your own weddings! For me, bunting is one of those quintessential British things, and since I moved to the South West I have enjoyed seeing a lot of it!

We decided to have bunting at our wedding as decoration for our drinks reception, and after seeing how much it costs to buy, Mum kindly offered to make it (and she did such a beautiful job!). Being a big Cath Kidston fan I chose fabrics that resembled her vintage inspired prints and colours in red, green and florals - that fitted in with our overall colour theme...and could also be used for future parties!

I bought a Cath Kidston floral pattern and red polkadot from Ebay at a good price (NB: most pieces are sold as fat quarters for quilting which is sized 18" x 21"). I also bought a metre (which goes a long way for bunting) of a green polka and a floral pattern from the Exeter Fabric Centre. They have two shops close to each other - I found the style I wanted in the Curtain/Haberdashery shop, and bunting ribbon in dress fabrics shop.

On the day after the wedding we re-used the bunting to decorate the marquee for our post-wedding afternoon cream tea party! And then again recently in our garden for our Royal Wedding tea party!

If you're thinking of making your own bunting you might find Folksy's article Tips for making bunting useful!

Handmade choccys

Sticking with the theme of handmade and British (from my Royal Wedding Party post) I couldn't resist sharing this book: Miss Hope's Chocolate Box which is selling for a special price of only £3.99 on the Book People website. Handmade choccys or cakes would make wedding favours or sweet buffets all the more special.

'Hope and Greenwood is the delightful chain of shops that celebrate the best of British confectionery. In this indulgent look at chocolate, owner Miss Hope presents fifty of her favourite recipes. From passion fruit truffles and chocolate ginger creams to sea salt caramels, there's something here to satisfy any chocoholic!'

Congrats Kate & Wills!

We had such a fun time celebrating Kate & Will's Wedding on Friday, with a garden party along with quintessentially English party food and great company! What a beauiful bride and a wonderful wedding!

Photo courtesy of The British Monarchy flickr feed

Patriotic cupcakes (I used draw-on Dr. Oetker 'Easy Writer' food colouring pens)

Any excuse to bring out the vintage china from our wedding!

Flapjack recipe by Delia.

No tea party is complete without cucumber sandwiches!

Fiona's gluten & wheat free Cherry & Almond cake.

My first attempt at scones (in basket) using Delia's guide.

Louise's Gluten free 'Earl Grey' cupcakes