How I throw a garden party – without spending too much or rushing out to buy everything new

Overhead view of table decorated with green and white gingham tablecloth, flowers and foliage, gold cutlery and flatware with pink and white squiggle pattern.

Home decorator Ammarah Hasham is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts infusing her rental house with plenty of personality. See the rest of her articles here.

Around the same time each year, all my attention shifts towards my neighbour’s garden. Not in a creepy way, I promise. It’s just that they have this apple tree, and a generous part of it leans over into our garden. When it begins to bloom, it’s usually our first sign that spring has arrived.