Carry on Camping

Gas price hikes, increased mortgage payments, even the cost of a humble loaf has gone up. With the onslaught of the credit crunch we're all being forced to watch our pennies this summer.

If you've taken a leaf out of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's book and swapped your annual summer trip abroad for a camping break in the UK, you may need to sell the idea to your other half - sweeten the deal so to speak.

A good way to do this is to dress the whole camping expedition as glamorous camping, 'glamping' if you will. 'Glamping' is not easy to create with your army surplus tent and gas ring. Instead, hit the shops and spend a little cash on a few items to make the experience more enjoyable for her. I've sourced the following for you to use as inspiration.

Camp It Up

When purchasing your tent go for something a little different from the rum of the mill. British designer, Celia Birtwell has this lovely Candy Flower Dome tent which is available at www.millets.co.uk The tent is pretty enough for her and practical enough for you with its waterproof fly sheet and NoSeeUm mesh lining which allows ventilation but stops those dreaded insects at the door. It's a bargain at 49.99, big enough for three people but perfect for 2.

Tip Toe through the Tulips

As we all know, British weather can be unpredictable so prepare her for muddy walks by purchasing a good set of wellington boots. These Summer Toile Cath Kidston rain boots have the vintage inspired prints you'd expect from Cath Kidston and will keep her tootsies warm and dry - when it comes to camping, dry toes are happy toes. The boots are 38 from www.cathkidston.com.

Happy Camping

Nothing says glamorous camping more than this Veuve Clicquot Champagne Traveller Set. The case contains a 75cl bottle of Veuve Cliquot yellow label brut non vintage champagne as well as 2 flutes. It's priced at 65 from www.johnlewis.com I'm picturing a campsite fire, warm blanket and the clink of cold champagne glasses - this camping lark has certainly changed since I was a child.

Written by donna@crumbsformen.com