The Royal Wedding last year reignited our love for all things British, and our national celebrations are set to continue in 2012, with both the Olympics and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee to look forward to.  Those of us old enough to remember the Silver Jubilee have fond recollections of street parties, picnics, and whole communities coming together on a day filled with laughter and joy. 

While fashions may have changed, there is still something quintessentially British about celebrating a momentous event with a Victoria sponge and a cup of tea, and it makes a lovely theme for a baby shower.  Have a look at our British Baby Shower products, and plan a shower with a difference that celebrates all that is quirky and great about our very own Great Britain.

Blog post by Sally Henderson

I had a lovely day last weekend browsing in an antique fair with an old friend.  She has recently bought a new home in the country and is embracing the theme of “shabby chic”.  This week’s mission was to start collecting beautiful old pieces of china to complement her rustic new life.  She’s less excited about hosting sophisticated dinner parties in her new home, and more about tea parties!

If you like the idea of hosting an elegant tea party, but without antique prices, have a look at our vintage baby shower range.  One of our most popular ranges, these pretty floral pieces will add the charm of a bygone era to a baby shower tea party. To add more vintage charm, perhaps a mum, or grandma, can contribute an heirloom tablecloth or lace doilies to the day to add a personal touch.  Or ask a friend who has a way with flowers to arrange a centrepiece in a china teapot or teacup.  Simply trim a piece of oasis to fit inside your cup or teapot, soak with water, and arrange your favourite cut flowers to create a stunning focal point for your table.

Fairies are the order of the day with this adorable children’s party theme! Mix lilacs, pinks, yellows and pale blue’s to create a pretty fairy garden scene at home or outside.

Our sturdy party bags filled with little wands and fairy treats will go down a storm. A party for a little fairy princess to remember.

See website for all details and prices.

Glamourous popstar Una Healy has just celebrated her baby
shower at the exclusive members club Mortons, in London’s Mayfair.  The theme of the event was “pink”, leaving guests in no doubt as to the sex of the imminent arrival, and Una’s band mates from The Saturdays were on hand to ensure that the event was both stylish and fun.

At the end of the evening Una was seen leaving with a whole car full of
pink goodies, and clutching an “It’s A Girl” balloon.

If you know the sex of your baby, an appropriate colour is a
wonderful theme for a baby shower.  You can opt to add just a few accents of pink and blue, or use the colour everywhere, from invitations and banners, to flowers, favours, and table wear.  Colour co-ordinated cupcakes make a perfect finishing touch.

Well, its been a long wait but they’re finally here – our stunning new baby shower cupcake designs. Choose from any of the designs and any colour combinations. Please follow this link to reach the webpage containing all the designs: http://www.theultimatebabyshower.co.uk/ecom-catshow/cupcakes.html

We offer personalisations with names, dates, ‘New Mummy’; ‘Baby Boy’ etc etc. Just contact us via the website or on 01992 625651 to let us know your requirements.

Postage to UK mainland only.

Well a very happy New Year to you all!! To welcome in 2012 we are offering a huge 50% reduction on our Izziwotnot wicker moses baskets!

We have 2 designs available and very low stock! When they’re gone they’re gone! Both designs have been reduced from £115 to £57.50 each with free shipping!!

Humphrey’s Lottie Fairy Princess White Wicker:

A pretty pink hooded moses basket dressing with floral trims and embroideries
of Lottie sprinkling fairy dust, on a sturdy white wicker basket.

Dressings 100% cotton excluding trimmings.

Machine washable, with wipeclean PEVA mattress.

Stand not included.

Humphrey’s Bedtime Dark Wicker Moses Basket

A luxurious neutral hooded moses basket dressing with beautiful appliques and
embroideries of Humphrey and friends, on a dark wicker basket.

Dressings 100% cotton excluding trimmings.

Machine washable, with wipeclean PEVA mattress.

Stand not included.

THE Hertfordshire Mercury recently announced the eight local businesses – including a baby shower company (that’s us!), a business that deals in bespoke woodwork and a firm specialising in energy at work – that have made the shortlist in the Local Business Accelerators competition.

The nationwide campaign, which was launched in October by regional and local newspapers across the country and backed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, will see 1,500 firms receive £15m of free advertising to help boost their businesses in 2012

The four judges were Tim Hutchings, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry; David Suckling of chartered accountants David Suckling and Co; Cariad Marketing boss Justine Perry; and Mercury editor Gary Matthews.

“The judges were impressed by the quality and quantity of the entrants from the Mercury area, reporting that they were of an extremely high standard, with enthusiastic local firms recognising the benefits that local advertising can bring.”

We are very excited and proud to have made the LBA shortlist and are due to give a presentation to the judges today! Three winners will be selected. As well as receiving top professional advice from the local business mentors, the prize also includes a substantial allocation of free advertising space in the pages of the Mercury.

In addition, Deborah Meaden will also become a mentor to one overall business, picked from the hundreds of regional winners, providing invaluable business support throughout 2012 to drive their business forward.

Mercury editor Gary Matthews said: “We are looking forward to meeting the driving forces behind these excellent local firms on Monday. I’m sure we’ll have our work cut out choosing the top three.”

The three lucky winners will be reported in the Mercury on January 12.

Wish Ally Atkins the best of luck!!

“It’s not at all easy coping with being a mum and starting your own business. You need to be realistic and think about what you can achieve with the time you’ve got. It’s no fun at all if the children suffer because your mind is on your business and you stress because you can’t get things done. Just be realistic and take it from there. If you go ahead then believe in yourself and what you can achieve because at times you may be the only one who does.”

Read my full interview with ‘Work Your Way’ here:

http://www.workyourway.co.uk/2011/12/feature-interview-with-alexandra-atkins-of-the-ultimate-baby-shower-tubs/