8 clues Pippa Middleton's book gave us about her wedding
It's the most hotly anticipated wedding since well, her own sister's, six years ago. On Saturday at 11.30am, Pippa Middleton will marry hedge fund manager James Matthews at St Mark's Church, Englefield in Berkshire.
We know that the Middleton's have erected a giant crystal palace in the grounds of their Bucklebury mansion for the reception. We know female guests have been asked to bring a second dress. And we know Meghan Markle will be in attendance.
The whole bash, estimates say, could cost upwards of £250,000 - with 20,000 canapes reportedly required. Safe to say, Pippa's wedding party will have taken a serious amount of planning. Good job, then, that her 2012 book Celebrate was stuffed with helpful advice to entertain family and friends, during big events.
Here, in Pippa's own words, are the party-planning tips that could form the backbone of her own big day...
1. The planning
"Make a checklist—it's otherwise too easy to forget essentials".
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews prepare to marry: in pictures
2. The food
"You can cut up your chicken into portions consisting of the drumstick, thigh, breast and wing."
"Depending on what vegetables are in season, serve them freshly boiled or steamed on the side."
"There is something very British about tea."
"Don't forget to have some bubbly for midnight toasts."
3. The entertainment
"Games are not only fun but are also useful for keeping children at the table."
"[Star-gazing] is best in pitch darkness on a very clear night, and can be exciting even for quite young children."
"Your guests have been fed, night has fallen and the bonfire is ablaze. If you’re having fireworks, now is the time to light them."
4. The decor
"When hosting a party, move any clutter from the space where you're entertaining."
"Do use ordinary jars and pitchers for flowers if you've run out of vases."
"Mix and match what you already have at home with shop-bought disposable decorations and a few that you might make."
"The likelihood is that you will be perched on a bench, hay bale or log."
5. The weather
“Even with cloud-ridden skies, there is always a good British cheer that the weather has held."
"Most guests will, without doubt, still relish the chance of eating outside wrapped up in blankets and coats."
"Rain? Stay dry by staying indoors or sheltering under something or wearing waterproofs or using an umbrella."
6. The dress
"Don't worry about accidental spills. If you don't have red-wine stain remover, it's best to remove the stain when it's still wet. Blot with a clean cloth, pour a little white wine over it or soak up the stain with a pinch of salt or talcum powder."
7. The presents
"A well-wrapped gift helps express how much thought you've put into it. Don't forget to remove the price tag..."
8. The morning after..
"Breakfast in bed can be anything from a simple pot of tea with a few digestive biscuits to a tray laden with early-morning goodies and flowers."
