It’s a month of celebrations, which call for extra kit for entertaining or taking with you to parties. Here’s what we rate – including several bargain buys – all chosen by editor Karen Barnes
1. SALAD DAYS
A bigger gathering usually finds me scrabbling around for extra salad servers (I always remember the plates, never big spoons). Made from mango wood with bamboo detailing, here’s a set of two to use during this year’s May bank holidays and for many more years to come.
£25.75, east.co.uk
2. BONNY BUNTING
Organising a street party and looking for celebratory bunting of the non-throwaway kind? The Country Crib is a Somerset-based company that makes everything from offcuts of used natural fabrics. Choose from a range of colours in the length you require (up to 10 metres). From £10 for 1 metre, thecountrycrib.co.uk
3. BEST BUY UNDER £15
For sweet morsels big or stacked-up small, parties need cake stands – but they’re often pricey for something you use only rarely. This clear glass stand with subtle swirled design won’t detract from the beautiful bake it’s showing off. 28cm wide Nebula cake stand, £13, sazy.com
4. STANDING ROOM ONLY?
Gatherings small or large need additional seating and it helps if it’s portable. Here’s a folding canvas stool with a teak frame that tucks away in a corner when not needed – a useful bit of summer kit.
Soccer event stool, £60, thestripescompany.com
5. KEEP IT CHILLED
TESTED To save putting the bottle back in the fridge if you’re outdoors, I’m loving these chillers made f
