I don't have a spreadsheet for New Year's Eve this year as it'll be the first year in almost ten years we are handing the reins over to a friend who is hosting. So I need not be organised with menu planning, wine pairing or table plan plotting. I shall be reclining somewhere soft and quaffing something suitably decadent whilst I browse for something new to wear. New Year's Eve has always been, before I had children (read old, tired and a little bit more wrinkly) about finding a party with suitably loud music, a pumping atmosphere and plenty of booze. Staying in has now become the new going out. Or so I tell myself to avoid feelings of helpless despair at becoming boring. Having said that, ou

I'm sitting by the Christmas Tree, laptop charged, Elf is on the TV and I have a child under the duvet pretending to be unwell as to avoid school. Such a fantastic line up to help make me feel festive and in the party mood.....hmmm.... That said, it's time to linger no more and embrace the Christmas season and get a jolly nice new dress for the fun and frolics you are sure to have in the diary. Or....if you are a total Norman and have no party, then get a dress for Christmas Day at least. I may be old fashioned but I like to dress up to eat turkey and open presents. It's a celebration isn't it? I can't celebrate fully in my velour tracksuit (!) and Primark slippers. Nope. Slap on, dress up a