Carousel OF COLOUR

Colour is key to making a celebration go with a swing. Take inspiration from spring flowers – happily clashing cornflowers, marigolds, delphiniums and early sweet peas – the pretty pastels enlivened by stronger blues, oranges and hot pinks. Think of the saturated ice-cream palette of Fifties coffee bars, then add jazzy Sixties florals. Indulge in candyfloss-hued retro treats such as Battenburg, angel cake and fondant fancies. Bright paper plates and tumblers will keep the look lively and casual for children’s parties, or for an afternoon of games (rounders, croquet, badminton over a string of bunting…). And painted chairs will add extra colour – try Annie Sloan chalk paint in Henrietta (blackberries and cream), Louis Blue (pure forget-me-not) or Antibes Green (freshly cut grass).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Cuttinggarden favourites such as sweet Williams, marigolds and cosmos are worth growing specially for a party – displayed in profusion, they create joyful impact down the centre of a table; paper (not plastic) cups and straws in rainbow shades bring a fun element to the proceedings; a homemade garland of cut paper shapes and bottles strung from wire with colourful single stems makes a pretty decoration; individual handmade gifts are ideal memorable presents for guests to take home with them

LEFT Inexpensive satin-style ribbons are a jolly addition to chair backs

ABOVE An additional table can be a useful back-up for food, drinks and accessories to keep the main table clear