Make sure that you stock up on drinks and loo rolls!

As that’s just a month away and my older sister, Jo, had her first child prematurely, we decided we’d better hold Michelle’s baby shower just in case she too has hers early.

I held it at my house on Sunday. Now I’ve spent the best part of the time since we’ve moved in trying to get the place up together, in some sort of order, so that I’d be able to host such a get-together.

Fortunately the weather gods were smiling on us that day, so I spent all morning setting up tables outside in the garden.

I went for a garden tea party theme and, although the wind ensured that my perfect table display didn’t stay perfect, I was still rather impressed with my efforts.

What I wasn’t expecting were the number of people who turned up to wish Michelle well.

Usually at baby showers there are a few people that come, maybe 10 to 15 at the most.

Well, a grand total of 32 turned up for this one. Can you believe it, 32!

This was great for my sister because it showed how loved she is and I was so happy for her.

But for moi the hostess, it was rather problematic, not least of all because I only had a certain number of chairs.

Who do you know who has 32 chairs just lying around?

Anyway, people squidged together and it really was a great afternoon.

I did learn a few things during this occasion though.

It was my first major hosting event and two points in particular spring to mind.

1. Remember that one bottle of Coke and one bottle of lemonade is simply not enough to quench the thirst of 32 ladies.

2. Ensure there is enough loo roll!

Can you imagine my embarrassment when I couldn’t find any spare toilet roll and I had 32 women all queuing for the one loo in our house?

Needless to say, I made a quick dash to the local Co-Op to buy some necessary provisions.

Still, Michelle was none the wiser and had a fab day...

SEARCHING FOR A MINI BREAK? WHY NOT GIVE RAMSGATE A GO?

I was filming in Ramsgate this week for the BBC TV series Caught Red Handed that I’m working on.

I don’t usually like staying away for work. People think it must be great going away, getting paid to stay in a hotel and having meals out. But honestly, I’d rather be at home with my husband Matt.

And I can assure you I’m staying in Premier Inns or B&Bs, nowhere glam.

Anyway, this week I was away filming and I have to say I was rather impressed with Ramsgate.

It’s just over two hours from home in Clanfield and it’s a really beautiful part of Kent.

We stayed in a place called Birchington-on-Sea and had dinner down at Ramsgate harbour – highly recommended if you’re looking for a mini break.

HAVING LOTS OF FUN AND RAISING CASH FOR A VERY WORTHY CAUSE

Well done to the guys from Nuffield Health at Alexandra Park, Hilsea who organised what was a great fundraising event last weekend.

They raised £400 for the Rosemary Foundation’s Hospice at Home service, which aims to help patients in the latter stages of life- threatening conditions.

It offers practical help, nursing care, emotional and counselling support, together with a day and night sitting service and trained nurses available 24 hours a day.

The guys put on a fab rock ’n’ roll night with a live band and I hear that everyone put tons of effort into their outfits and jived along to music from the swinging ’50s and ’60s.

By all accounts everybody had a lot of fun, while also raising much-needed cash for a very worthy cause.