Home improvements: How to throw a DIY birthday party

When it comes to birthdays, why let your children have all the fun? To celebrate yours, consider throwing a DIY birthday party.

First, send out handmade invitations, rather than e-vites. They will offer a more personalised touch, and ensure you’re not forgetting anyone (not everyone has Facebook).

To decorate, choose a colour scheme and stick with it. Create your own bunting by adding tissue paper tassels to a piece of string. Simply cut a napkin into squares, fold in half and cut strips upwards, leaving a one-inch, uncut line at the fold. Unfold the square and roll it into a cylinder, with your tassels on either side. Fold it in the middle, then twist the top part to create a loop. Thread a piece of string through this loop, and your homemade bunting is ready.

If you’re hosting a sit-down meal, spruce up a boring table runner by glueing confetti to it.

You can even add a pop of colour to your welcome drinks by tying a tiny balloon around the stem of each glass – it will create a festive atmosphere as soon as your guests step through the door.