Here’s the dilemma: you sent out party invitations a month ago, and in the last few weeks the replies have rolled in steadily. But now that the RSVP date has lapsed, there are still lots of outstanding responses … and quite frankly, you’re starting to get a bit annoyed. How can you organise the party when you don’t know how many will be attending? It’s a sticky situation - so how can you handle it with style?

How long is it since you went out for a day or night with your girlfriends, with not a kid in sight? Absolutely ages, we bet. Well, it’s time to treat yourself to some mummy ‘me’ time away from the children. Here are options to suit all budgets. Decide on what activity you want to do, then invite a few other deserving mummies to join you!

Feeding a gaggle of girls for your own or your friend’s pre-baby celebration? What a great opportunity to serve up a decadent spread! If the gender of the baby is known, go crazy with pink or blue (or do a mix of the two). And make the most of mini morsels – ‘baby-sized’ bites that are easy to eat while you gossip and play silly games.

The doona is coming out and we’re experiencing crisper mornings and cooler afternoons once the sun disappears behind the clouds … yes, we’re in the last weeks of autumn before the big winter chill arrives with a vengeance.