roullier | WHITE

We are not suggesting you might, but should you be flirting with the idea of a Tarts and Vicars fancy dress theme this party season, forget the tawdry and focus on something far more stellar. We are talking Courtesans and Cardinals here. With the help of the National Theatre's Costume Hire Department, conveniently located near Oval Tube with parking also available, you could quite literally be the Southern Belle of your ball. The Brixton Road warehouse is full of thousands of costumes and you are encouraged to have a good rummage. You never know you might finally find yourself in Colin Firth's breeches! National Theatre Hire Department, Chichester House, 1-3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE, 020 7735 4774 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/hire If the huge cast of assemble mockney peasants start revolting check out Roullier White's range of unbreakable party glasses and plates at Roullier White, 125 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8HU. Or online at www.roullierwhite.com

When it comes to halloween entertaining we adopt a pretty devil may care attitude. We love good food, plenty to drink and lively conversation but we hate the prep. To save you stabbing around in the dark this All Hallows Eve, we have compiled a foolproof guide to the perfect party without the hellish fuss and panic.  Halloween does not have to be ghoulling! Roast garlic is a tasty, wholesome and inexpensive appetiser and a fantastic way to keep both the vampires and the wolf from the door. Preheat the oven to 220 take several garlic heads and remove the outer papery covering. Slice off the top of the head so most of the cloves are exposed. Place on a square of aluminum foil in a baking dish and drizzle over some oil. Cover the baking dish with foil and roast for about 45 minutes, until the garlic is completely soft and lightly browned. To serve, separate the heads into individual cloves. Allow your guests to tuck in with a knife and fork or squeeze over some freshly baked

To preserve some of the beautiful autumnal leaves we see this time of year take a tea spoon of liquid glycerine and add to a vase of luke-warm water and stir vigorously. Place your branches in the mixture and leave until the water has been drawn up into the leaves. Warmer water is absorbed quicker than cold water. The glycerine will be left behind, once the water evaporates, and will act as a natural preservative. You will be able to enjoy your leaves, without then changing colour or dropping, for weeks if not months .