Page 3: Author: Emilia Sierzynska

In the UK, it’s a well-established tradition to host outdoor street and garden parties to mark national events including coronations, weddings, and jubilees.

A street party is a perfect way to build community spirit, eat lots of treats, and have an all-around good time over the long coronation weekend. By now you’ve probably set the date and gotten the go-ahead from your local council, next up is making the final preparations and getting everything together. So, whether you’re hosting a formal street party or an informal ‘street meet’, here are some tips and inspiration for putting on a fabulous coronation celebration.

Comfort and safety

Before we get into how to decorate your street party, it is worth going over some practical tips to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable on the day. If you’ll be closing your street for the party, make sure to put up road closure barriers and signage to let drivers know that there will be lots of people in the street and access will be limited.

When it comes to setting up for your party, make sure to enlist help from neighbours to set up the tables and chairs rather than taking it upon yourself. If you and your neighbours don’t have enough outdoor seating for everyone to be comfortable, you could contact your local community centre to see if they could loan you some for the day. Also, don’t forget to set up bins and recycling areas in the street – it will save you all a lot of pain when it comes to tidying up after the party.

Preparing for any weather is another important consideration. In the event of a shower, a gazebo or marquee won’t go amiss to protect your food – after all, no one will want to tuck into soggy scones. Dash inside, grab your windproof umbrellas to keep yourself covered and let the party continue!

Decorations

Bunting is a staple at any outdoor UK celebration and for an occasion such as the King’s Coronation, bunting decorated with the Union flag is a must. But it’s also a great opportunity to get your street involved, especially kids, in making their own designs. You could even turn it into a little competition to see who can make or decorate the most interesting coronation-themed bunting.

When it comes to other party accessories such as napkins, paper plates, balloons, tablecloths etc., red, white and blue will naturally be the given colour theme. Or you could up the British picnic vibes by using gingham-patterned table covers, wicker baskets to display food in, or even set up picnic areas on grassy areas. A backdrop or photo area for all your neighbours and guests to take pictures against is another great way to make memories on the day – from red, white and blue streamers and balloon arches to life-size cut-outs of the King himself!

Food and drink

For your catering, think finger food – dishes that are quick and easy to set out and distribute.  Classics and crowd-pleasing favourites such as Victoria sponge cakes, coronation chicken sandwiches, samosas, and scones with jam and cream are a must-have. Royal head chef Mark Flanagan has also created the ‘Coronation Quiche’ to celebrate the occasion. Featuring spinach, broad beans, and tarragon, this veggie delight is perfect for sharing with your neighbours.

A street party is also the perfect opportunity to try lots of different kinds of foods – why not ask families in your street if they would like to contribute their favourites? If everyone in your street is bringing something to the spread, it’s a good idea to ask them to attach labels with the ingredients on them so that anyone with a dietary restriction can pick something suitable for them.

As for drinks, Pimm’s served with fruit is a staple for any outdoor party in the UK. Sparkling wine with strawberries is also a delicious option to celebrate with. For non-alcoholic options, you could try making fruity mocktails or a bowl of punch for everyone to enjoy, along with plenty of juice, squash, and water for the kids.

Party games and activities

You’ve got the food, all the decorations are in place, but what about entertainment? Firstly, it’s important to include activities that all ages can get involved with. For kids (and big kids), try fun party games with a royal twist, such as musical thrones or pin the crown on the king. Crafty activities are also great for keeping them occupied while you chat with your neighbours – print off and cut out paper crown templates to decorate, have art competitions, or grab lots of coloured chalk to draw pictures on the pavement with.

Classic lawn games can also bring lots of fun to your party, as long as they’re kept a good distance away from all the food! Skittles, badminton, tug-of-war, limbo – sticking to games with simple rules will make it easy for everyone to jump in and have a go.

For grown-ups, you might also wish to put on a royal-themed quiz, or perhaps a raffle to win gifts and a hamper – ticket sales can be put towards the prizes or a local charity. Or why not incorporate a bake-off into the day? It’s a chance for everyone to show off their skills and as a bonus, you’ll end up with lots of sweet treats to share amongst everybody. You might also wish to set the theme for the day with a royal dress code, wearing red, white, or blue for example, or dressing after your favourite royals.

Whatever you’re getting up to over the coronation weekend, a street party will be great fun for all your family, neighbours, and guests. So, we wish you a splendid party, and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Sources

https://www.royal.uk/the-coronation-quiche

How To Transition Your Wardrobe for Spring While Staying Warm

It’s safe to say we’re all ready to leave winter behind and get on with spring. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo just yet.

We’ve already experienced snow in March, and not knowing whether you’re going to need sandals or snow boots the next day can make transitioning your wardrobe for spring less than simple. So, here are our top style tips to keep you warm in the coming season.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our birdcage umbrellas now or check out our blog for other fashion, travel, and lifestyle tips to help you enjoy the soon-to-be warmer weather.

 1. Put your winter wardrobe away

It’s always a good idea to regularly spring-clean your wardrobe. It gives you the chance to rediscover garments that you may have forgotten or let go of something you haven’t worn in years. When you’re transitioning your wardrobe for spring, start by putting away all the pieces that can’t be transitioned – it will give an instant refresh and help you mentally say goodbye to winter.

2. Layer up

It might be time to put away the puffy, fluffy winter coats in favour of lighter and brighter coats and jackets. Ones that are more suited to the warmer weather, like denim, leather, or bomber jackets. Don’t forget to also keep one of our designer umbrellas handy for when those spring showers come pouring in .

Make sure to stay warm by layering pieces – it’s probably the most useful way to dress when the temperature outside is Baltic one minute and balmy the next. For example, instead of wearing a chunky knit, try wearing a lighter jumper or cardigan with a vest, shirt or blouse underneath. Focus on lighter pieces that can easily be swapped out or cast off depending on the forecast.

3. Add spring accessories 

Now’s also the time to think about swapping out some of your accessories for spring-appropriate versions.

If you’re not quite ready to let go of the cosy, enveloping winter scarfs but want a change, switch to a cotton or chiffon number. Lighter, flowy scarves can keep off the chill whilst also being more breathable than those thick, winter scarves. Your trusty bobble hat may then become a beanie or a beret to keep your head warm without making your look too wintery.

When it comes to footwear, the weather might not be quite good enough for flats, trainers or pumps – after all the last thing you want is to get cold or wet feet throughout your day! In this case, try pairing your spring dresses or skirts with ankle or calf boots to get the best of both worlds. Don’t be afraid to bring out your sunglasses on those brighter days either. They’ll give your eyes a break whilst instantly making your outfit a touch more summery.

And of course, don’t forget to keep yourself prepared for any weather with an umbrella.
For springtime, we love our birdcage umbrellas . Whether you’re looking for fresh florals or bright, block-coloured borders, we’ve got a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from to help you feel ready for the new season.

4. Switch to spring colours and patterns 

In the cold, dark winter months it’s easy to stick to darker and richer colours or neutrals that help you feel warm and cosy. There’s also room for the occasional sparkle for all those seasonal parties.

As spring approaches, it’s time to ditch these in favour of a lighter, fresher colour palette.
Greens, yellows and blues give off feelings of shooting bulbs, daffodils, sunshine, and clear skies – perfect for the changing season. In a similar vein, try adding patterns inspired by the natural world, like animal prints, florals, and foliage to capture that feeling of renewal and reawakening. If you want a more vibrant outfit, try out the bolder shades of crimson, peach and orange that were seen at London Fashion Week.

Your accessories are a great way to add pops of colour or patterns to your overall look. And bringing in lighter colours whilst following the styling tips listed above will help you feel brighter and ready for spring’s sunny days as well as the occasional spells of bad weather.

How you dress in general greatly affects how you feel and what image you project to others. This is no different for the workplace. But where dressing professionally used to mean simple suits and skirts, rules now tend to be a lot more relaxed. There is much more room to be bold and personal with your style in a way that helps you make a good impression whilst expressing yourself and feeling confident – something that a lot of us will struggle with during our careers.

In a recent survey by YouGov, almost 60% of respondents admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome in the workplace. This is when you experience feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness – in other words, feeling like an imposter in your role. The same survey also revealed that women were twice as likely to be affected.

With that being said, how can your attire help bolster your professional confidence? Here we’ll go through some of our top tips for doing just that.

1. Dress for you 

Before we get into specific cuts and styles, it’s important to first remember to dress for yourself, rather than in a way that makes you feel like another person entirely. Stretching your usual boundaries and trying something completely new is a great way to discover fresh aspects of your style, but you probably won’t feel as confident in clothes that make you totally uncomfortable.

When you’re out searching for your professional attire, remember to take a moment to decide how you feel wearing it. Does it make you feel good? Would you purposefully reach for it in your wardrobe? Do you think you’ll wear it more than once?

2. Tailoring 

When dressing powerfully, taking some of the staples of power dressing is a good place to take a few cues from. While the huge shoulder pads and sharp suits of the ‘70s and ‘80s might move in and out of fashion, choosing fitted or tailored cuts is always a good option to start with.

For example, try pairing your regular white shirt with a boldly coloured pair of high-waisted tailored trousers. You also can’t go wrong with a blazer – versatile enough to be worn with many different styles but elegant enough to give almost any outfit a professional edge.

3. Colours and patterns

The colours you’re probably immediately considering for workplace attire are black and white. And it’s true that they do project a professional, authoritative confidence towards others. But you also shouldn’t be afraid to have a little fun. There isn’t really one colour associated with confidence, rather, they all have different meanings that can influence how you feel.

For instance, red is a very powerful colour that projects strength and passion, helping you feel assertive and ready for anything at work. Yellow, on the other hand, is bright, energetic, and optimistic for when you want to be bursting with enthusiasm. Choosing shades of green, meanwhile, can signify intense creativity. Or if you want to project cool confidence, blue can be a great colour for helping you feel calm and in control.

If you don’t want to wear solid blocks of eye-popping colours, patterns can go a long way to helping you tone it down. Stripes are a great way to add bold colour without it dominating your whole outfit, plus, they’re very flattering and easy to pair with other garments.

4. Accessories 

When it comes to choosing your accessories, keep balance in mind. If your outfit is minimal or simple, you might want to make it pop with a statement piece – whether that’s a brightly coloured bag, shoes, bold jewellery, or a stand-out watch. On the other hand, outfits that speak for themselves may only need some elegant gold or silver jewellery to complete them.

Wherever you’ll be working, practical accessories are also a must. A carefully chosen outfit deserves a well-crafted umbrella to protect it from those drizzly and rainy days. Our chic, designer umbrellas are perfect for almost any professional outfit. Alternatively, our classic birdcage umbrellas can add a more playful look and we’ve got plenty of colours to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the palette of your outfit.

Heels may have reigned supreme for years when it comes to women’s professional attire, but you can still project confidence, and save your feet a few aches, by pairing your outfits with knee boots, chunky loafers, or simple ballet pumps instead.

In all, it’s important to remember that ultimately, confidence comes from within. So, while you’re following all these tips and tricks listed above, keep in mind that it’s not always about choosing the ‘best’ style or the best colour, but rather what works best for you.

Why are blue spaces so important for your wellbeing?

Green spaces are well known for the benefit they can have on your wellbeing, but can the same be said for blue spaces? In short, yes.

A blue space is pretty much anywhere there is an area of water. That includes oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes – man-made blue spaces such as canals, reservoirs and fountains also count. And as it turns out, spending time around them can have a hugely positive impact on your well-being. Some evidence has even suggested that blue spaces are even more powerful than green spaces.

Usually, we’re all about keeping you sheltered from water with our umbrellas, however for this blog we’ll be diving into the power of blue spaces and the science behind the benefits.

Water facilitates exercise 

We all know how beneficial exercise is for your wellbeing. And while you can exercise pretty much anywhere, water can help facilitate all sorts of activities. From a relaxing paddleboard or swim in a calm river, to a thrilling surf through crashing waves, blue spaces provide amazing opportunities to get active.

Exercising not only has a huge impact on your physical health, but it also encourages the production of your body’s feel-good hormones which help to lift your mood and lower stress levels.

 

Strengthens your relationship with the natural world 

When it comes to spending quality time in the natural world, it’s not just about being close to nature, it’s about being in nature. The same is true for blue spaces. Whether you’re physically in the water or not, or sheltering behind one of our sturdy windproof umbrellas on a blowy afternoon, try paying attention to it. Listen to it, appreciate it. This is what can help you to build a stronger relationship between yourself and the natural environment.

Having this deeper connection has a positive impact on your wellbeing and also make you more appreciative of wild blue spaces. And if you want to protect and preserve them, it’s a wonderful idea to get involved with local charities and initiatives where you can meet new people and help look after the natural world.

It calms your mind and body

If you’re not quite in the mood for exercising, being around water also has the ability to calm and quieten your mind and body.

Imagine the slow, rhythmic sound of waves gently crashing against the shore, or the rush of a fast-flowing river. Have you ever used these sounds to help you fall asleep? Or to focus on your work? This is partly because the sound of water is an example of pink noise.

Like white noise, pink noise is a type of background ambience, but it is at a lower pitch than white noise, making it a kind of steady hum rather than higher pitched static. The lower frequencies of pink noise are what makes it have a relaxing, meditative effect on your mind. As well as listening to the sounds of a blue space, the movement of water itself with all the sways, swirls, ripples and reflections of light can also be relaxing to watch.

Being in the water, whether you’re swimming, paddling or just dipping your toes in, can have an even greater effect. It can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, sending your body into a state of calm.

The colour blue is also known for to have a calming effect on people. While water technically isn’t blue, the light that bounces off it gives it a gorgeous shade of aqua which helps you unwind just by looking at it. All of this combined means that being around blue spaces can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

There are a huge variety of blue spaces to enjoy in the UK, from vast lakes, to glistening seas, to urban blue spaces nestled in the middle of towns and cities. So, next time you find yourself in or around a blue space, take a break if you can to sit, paddle, swim, sail, and enjoy the soothing effects of water.

 

 

 

January isn’t usually seen as a favourite month of the year. The excitement and glittering Christmas trees of December have quietened down, and the days feel a little darker and duller without them.

However, rather than cold and boring, we like to think of January as one of the most inspirational times of the year. It’s the time when we’re all thinking about change, our plans, and what we’d like to achieve in the year ahead. With that in mind, here are five things you can do to get 2023 off to a great start.

 1. Switch things up

Maybe you want to reinvent your wardrobe, redecorate your home, or even just stick to a good habit. Beginning a new year is like a mini-fresh start, and it’s the perfect time to think about what you want to change or to happen in 2023.

Even though they’re still a good way off, try planning your summer holidays to give you something to look forward to. Make a list of places or attractions you’d like to visit or set yourself a goal for learning a new skill or taking up a sport. Motivation at this time of year can be tough, but setting small goals and getting excited about what’s to come will help you stay on track.

 2. Escape on a UK mini break 

Travelling in January in the UK won’t give you the warmest temperatures. But it can be beneficial in other ways. We’d recommend packing one of our durable clear umbrellas and a solid pair of wellies for the journey! In January, many places will offer lower prices for accommodation and dining out, so it’s a great time to grab a deal. Winter travelling can also help you beat the usual summer crowds, so if you prefer a quieter getaway, now’s your chance to do so.

3. Get involved in a January challenge

January is home to both Dry January and Veganuary.

Veganuary is about inspiring people to discover vegan food. Over 620,000 people took part last year, and it’s not too late to get involved now. Even if you don’t stick to a vegan diet beyond January, it’s still a great way to help you learn more about recipes and techniques you may not have cooked with before.

Meanwhile, Dry January is simply going the month without drinking alcohol. For those with a fitness-related resolution, this is a great challenge to get involved with. And even for those without, Dry January can be a good way to detox your mind and body after the holidays.

4. Enjoy the indoors

After the excitement of the Christmas season, settling down with some easy-going activities can be just what you need to help you get back into your normal routine. And if the weather is against you, as it typically can be on your days off, it’s good to find ways to enjoy being stuck at home.

Savour the feeling of being wrapped in a soft blanket, pick a day to make a homemade warming meal, or spend an afternoon getting lost in your favourite book. Enjoying simple pleasures is a good way to practise mindfulness, which calms and lifts your mood on the dullest of days.

5. Explore the outdoors

After December, the chance of snowfall in the UK actually rises. And while it’s still rare, make sure to keep an eye on the weather for the first signs of snowflakes. It could be the start of snowy walks or thrilling sleigh rides. At this point, the darkest day in the UK has also already passed (December 21st), so while it seems like nicer weather is a long way off, the days are slowly getting lighter and longer again.

Spending time outdoors is essential to your mental well-being. It can increase your confidence, lift your mood, and lower the stress of returning to work. So, make sure to plan some walks out during January.

Getting back to your normal routine in January can be a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to add something new to it. Whatever you want to achieve, now is the time to focus on your well-being and make big plans for the year ahead.

Going outdoors is probably the last thing you’re thinking of doing on a dreary, drizzly day. Most of us would rather be tucked under a blanket or watching our favourite show.

Although we’re in the business of protecting you from the rain, there’s also something wild and energising about going out in it and taking in the dramatic atmosphere.

As luck would have it, we’re entering into the rainy season in the UK, which tends to fall between the months of October to February. Since the prevailing wind comes in from the Atlantic, the Western parts of the UK are the parts that get hit the heaviest, and usually first. That’s why all the locations on this list are on the Western side.

So, pop your wellies on, grab one of our stylish clear umbrellas, and let’s explore some of the wettest parts of the UK.

 

Western Scotland and the Highlands

The first stop on our list is Western Scotland and the Highlands, which receive up to 4000 mm of rain each year. While it’s difficult to narrow down which area of Scotland’s beautiful landscape to pick for your rainy adventures, here are some recommendations.

Argyllshire is the rainiest spot, getting about 2274.9 mm a year. In this region, you’ll find over 3000 miles of rugged coastline, transforming into fantastically dramatic scenes on a drizzly day. If you hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, you’ll also get a chance to see the brightly coloured houses of Tobermory. For brisk coastal walks, make sure you’ve got one of our windproof umbrellas along for the journey.

Closely following Argyllshire is the region of Dunbartonshire, which gets an average of 2066.5 mm of rainfall each year.  A must-see in this area is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The stunning views of the loch and the ancient forests close by make for a rugged day out beneath rain clouds. Then, try out the famous Glengoyne or Loch Lomond Distilleries to warm up after admiring the landscape.

If a city escape is more to your liking, Glasgow was also named the UK’s second rainiest city in 2021. This port city gets, on average, 94 mm of rain each month, and there’s plenty to do while you’re there. From the Maritime Museum to the Botanic Gardens, the sharp contrast between grand Victorian architecture and contemporary buildings is well worth adding to your album.

 

The Lake District

The Lake District is famous for its rainy weather. Out of 365 days, you can expect around 200 of them to be wet ones. The areas of high elevation make the Lakes even more of a hotspot for rain. This is because when moist air comes in from the sea, it is pushed upwards, which cools the air and helps to form rain clouds. Hence, in a year, this region receives around 3200 mm of rain.

The award of the rainiest place in the Lake District is Seathwaite, with 3552 mm of rain a year. In fact, this small hamlet is the wettest inhabited place in England. Just south of Keswick, Seathwaite is a great jumping-off point for exploring the imposing sights of Great Gable or Scarfell Pike.

For a more relaxed walk, the Lakes offer many more easy-going footpaths to enjoy and take some moody photos of the clouds over the water. Or make the most of this time of year by capturing the red and gold floors of the forests. Between Coniston and Windermere, Grizedale Forest not only has this but also features a unique sculpture trail where artwork is nestled amongst the trees and waterfalls. For the kids, there’s also the adventure play area or Go Ape for the more courageous.

Afterwards, the quaint towns dotted around the lakes are just what you need to grab a bite to eat in a cosy pub next to a warm fire.

 

Snowdonia

Last but certainly not least is the mountainous region of Snowdonia in North Wales which gets over 3000 mm of rain a year. While heading to the top of a mountain in bad weather is not a good idea, Snowdonia has plenty of dramatic sights perfect for stormy weather.

The slate-covered hills and stunning views of the Llanberis Pass are just waiting to be added to your photo album. Meanwhile, the towns of Llanberis and Beddgelert are home to historic slate houses and buildings to explore. They’re also great starting points for laid-back walks around the nearby lakes. Llanberis even has a steam train that does circuits around the lake if you need a break from the walking and the rain!

Alternatively, this region also has plenty of adventure sports to take part in. Capel Curig, which also happens to be the wettest village in Snowdonia with 2697 mm of rain a year, is home to the Plas-y-Brenin Outdoor Activity Centre, where you can have a go at kayaking, paddleboarding and more.

From dramatic scenery to autumnal atmospheres or listening to raindrops pattering against your window – there’s so much enjoyment to be had out of the bad weather. Wherever you decide to go on rainy days, don’t forget to pack an umbrella to keep up with your adventures and the rain!