Holidays

4&5 King-size beds, baths and chandeliers at our Top 10 luxury campsites

6&7 Great UK Days Out, plus: How a 'glamping' hol made me a superdaddy16 Must-haves on the festival circuit: our guide to the top ten outdoor gadgets17 After two years trying to sell I netted a buyer for my flat in weeks - on eBay14&15 Save or Spend: All the essential camping kit, from low- cost to luxury12&13 Gardening: How to make scents of perfumed plants and flowersHomes18&19 Tricks of the Trade. Plus: Get the Downing Street look in your kitchen8&9 Travel Q&A, plus: Cut the Costa on a family camping break to Spain

18&19 Tricks of the Trade. Plus: Get the Downing Street look in your kitchen

5 Glass chandeliers

These signature Rezzonico Murano glass chandeliers were designed by Alger-Triton International for Encore at Wynn Las Vegas under the direction of Roger Thomas, executive VP of Wynn Design & Development.

Alger-Triton

www.alger-triton.com

SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to be Unveiled in New Lighting Showroom at Dallas International Lighting Market, June 2011

New SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES, Showroom to Sparkle in Dallas

The lighting division of SWAROVSKI is now headquartered in Plattsburgh, NY.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110609/NY16617)SWAROVSKI - the world leader in high-quality, precision-cut crystal, and SCHONBEK, the leading worldwide crystal lighting manufacturer, have consolidated their stance as choice partners for contemporary, classic and custom-designed crystal lighting, providing sparkling inspiration for discerning customers around the globe.Also new for 2011 is the uniting of two world-class brands - SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK - in one stunning showroom at the Dallas Market Center, Suite 4926. Designed in alliance with renowned tvsdesign, the showroom supports each brand's distinctive identity while further conveying SCHONBEK's position as a member of the Swarovski Company. Illuminating the 9,000-square-foot space will be a vast composition of premium lighting product lines by SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK, creating a glittering setting unlike any other.Met with acclaim in the European retail and North American hospitality custom-contract markets, SWAROVSKI is pleased to introduce this premiere lighting collection to the North American retail lighting community.On exhibit will be Todd Bracher's minimalist 'Strandelier' alongside the cunningly constructed, yet elusive, 'Deconstruct'. The crystalline purity of nature is laid bare in 'Crystalline Icicles' by S. Russell Groves, while Andre Kikoski's 'ReveaLED' stuns with its otherworldly glow. Stephen Burks's 'Inside/Out' achieves a reductive elegance, as the expressionist 'Crystal Empire' surprises with its reinterpretation of the classic chandelier, harnessing crystal with leather strapping.PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAROVSKI will sparkle at the Dallas International Lighting Market, June 23-26, as it unveils SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to the North American retail market in a stunning new lighting showroom. This inaugural collection of chandeliers is completely manufactured by SWAROVSKI and luminously illustrates forward thinking, unprecedented design aesthetic and technological innovation, elevating and enhancing the natural marriage of crystal and light.SOURCE SWAROVSKIWWW.ARCHITECTURE.SWAROVSKI.COMEnlivened by the tradition of the classic, the modernity of SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES signifies a new generation of exceptional lighting objects. Unusual luminaires fashioned by renowned designers, SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES presents an abundance of breakthrough designs and custom possibilities.

SOURCE SWAROVSKI

Dramatic Black Chandeliers

Everyone's home is different as fixtures and fittings are chosen in accord with your own individual taste. If choosing a chandelier then this is also the case, there are thousands of designs to pick from and your ultimate choice will be down to preference, and price range. Whether you like the elegance of a crystal or glass design, the moodiness and mystery of a black design, or the less obvious chandelettes, you'll find lots of attractive and unique options in each style. Look online and leaf through catalogues where you'll be amazed at the wide range of materials, styles and prices.

Black chandeliers are perfect for the dining area as they lend the room a sensual and striking contrast when co-ordinated with the right d�cor. Consumers with limited finances will be satisfied to learn there are options available in all price ranges, from thousands of pounds to under a few hundred. Transform your space into a dramatic and interesting one and once you see the effect you'll soon be turning your thoughts to the rest of the house.When making your choice then consider how easy it is going to be to keep clean, they attract dust due to their elevated position and can be difficult to reach and clean, so it's wise to keep in mind that the more intricate the design the longer it will take to maintain. Also opt for standard bulbs if possible as they are easier to replace and sold in most outlets.Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Amazing Chandeliers, http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/ a leading distributor of a range of black chandelier lights such as crystal black chandeliers. http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/acatalog/Black_Chandeliers.html For a more modern and contemporary touch go for their highly versatile chrome chandelier lights.Another good place to hang a black chandelier is the master bedroom, it can give an air of decadence and makes for a particularly interesting feature that can be highlighted with matching furnishings, or dressed down. Crystal, iron or metal, or a black shade chandelier really has a dramatic effect on a room and guarantees a totally unique look. Black lighting fixtures are amongst the best sellers in the lighting world and when you see the hundreds of unique and stunning designs and fashions on offer it's not surprising.For the majority of homes with a ceiling at average height then you want to ensure your lighting fixture is smaller than the table it's placed above, if not then people will be bumping their heads when they stand up! It needs to be high enough and narrower than the table to look good and not become a liability.Chandeliers have been around for ever, and manufactured out of practically every material known. Today it is possible to buy them made from wrought iron, wood, glass, iron, brass and copper, plastic, ceramics, steel, chrome chandeliers, even deer antlers! How they are lit has also moved on since the middle ages where candles were the norm, now reproductions of candle styles use electrical bulbs for obvious reasons.Shop online for your chandelier as there is a much larger selection to browse through and you are guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy. Most lighting websites have online catalogues full of crystal, metal, iron and brass, ceramic, black and coloured designs and there's lots of choice at affordable prices. You can shop by category, style or brand name online much more quickly than if visiting various showrooms and stores. They'll also generally offer free shipping on most items, easy payment systems and a low price guarantee.There are all kinds of funky and unique lighting options available these days and choosing a chandelier can give your home an elegance and sophistication that no other lighting fixture can achieve. Visit lighting stores and immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of these great products, or better still go online and check out the various designs and discover the wealth of unique models in dazzling detail.

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Amazing Chandeliers, http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/ a leading distributor of a range of black chandelier lights such as crystal black chandeliers. http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/acatalog/Black_Chandeliers.html For a more modern and contemporary touch go for their highly versatile chrome chandelier lights.

New SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES, Showroom to Sparkle at Dallas International Lighting Market, June 2011

SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES To Be Unveiled to Trade In Stunning New Lighting Showroom

SWAROVSKI - the world leader in high-quality, precision-cut crystal, and SCHONBEK, the leading worldwide crystal lighting manufacturer, have consolidated their stance as choice partners for contemporary, classic and custom-designed crystal lighting, providing sparkling inspiration for discerning customers around the globe.The lighting division of SWAROVSKI is now headquartered in Plattsburgh, NY.SOURCE SWAROVSKIAlso new for 2011 is the uniting of two world-class brands - SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK - in one showroom at the Dallas Market Center, Suite 4926. Designed in alliance with renowned tvsdesign, the 9,000-square-foot showroom supports each brand's distinctive identity in a glittering setting like no other.WWW.ARCHITECTURE.SWAROVSKI.COMPLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAROVSKI will sparkle at the Dallas International Lighting Market, June 23-26, as it unveils SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to the North American retail market in a stunning new lighting showroom. This inaugural collection of chandeliers is completely manufactured by SWAROVSKI and luminously illustrates individual designer inspiration and technological innovation, elevating and enhancing the natural marriage of crystal and light.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110615/NY20882 )On exhibit to the trade will be Todd Bracher's minimalist 'Strandelier', with its delicately floating crystals, each possessing its own special magic, contributing to the luxury of the whole. Cunningly constructed from glass panels with Crystal Fabric is 'Deconstruct'. Aptly named, 'Deconstruct' flings its light into its space, the shimmering effects of its crystals racing to escape its rigid form. 'Crystalline Icicles' by S. Russell Groves, inspired by the crystalline purity of nature on a frosty winter's day, exudes the magical glint of an ice curtain glowing with polar light. The pared down 'ReveaLED' by Andre Kikoski stuns with its surprisingly understated purity of form and otherworldly glow emanating from its sparkling crystal inner surface. Stephen Burks's 'Inside/Out' achieves a reductive elegance, with light channeled through crystal that is not merely decorative but also a functioning optical element. Lastly, the expressionist 'Crystal Empire' surprises with its reinterpretation of the classic chandelier, harnessing crystal with leather strapping and extravagant light technology.

SOURCE SWAROVSKI

Baltimore's Old Otterbein officials worry that Grand Prix could

Inside the Old Otterbein United Methodist Church at Conway and Sharp streets hangs a 114-year-old chandelier with hundreds of crystal prisms.

Baltimore City Councilman William H. Cole IV said even though the race is loud, the vibration won't be an issue for the church. Cole attended the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race in April and checked out the noise among buildings on the race track."We're really excited about the race, we really are," Risley said. "But we're concerned about the security and vulnerability of the property obviously."But as far as Sunday services go, don't count on hearing a sermon Sept. 4. It will be one of the few times in the church's 226 years that it will cancel Sunday services, she said."The vibrations caused by a typical 18-wheel truck that rolls through Baltimore happen more on a weekend and are stronger than a race car," said Lonnie Fisher, special projects manager for Baltimore Racing Development LLC."You can absolutely hear it. When you're inside, it's tolerable," Cole said. "It's a really loud hum, but they don't create vibration. They go by so fast, you don't even feel them.""We wouldn't want it to come down and shatter everything below it," she said.The church last dealt with a significant amount of noise when the Baltimore Convention Center underwent expansion in the mid-1990s. The noise and rumbling caused Old Otterbein's ceiling to crack, Risley said.If anything were to go wrong at the event and damage were caused by vandalism or noise and vibration, Fisher said the event's insurance would likely cover it.The white walls contain about 20 windows dating from 1785, and each window has 40 individual panes from the church's original construction. On the second level of the church is a pipe organ from the 1890s that reaches high to the ceiling."We're praying -- we're a little scared, too," said June Risley, Old Otterbein's council chair. "We've very worried about the possible damage to this building in particular because of the noise. Noise creates a lot of vibration."As for the church's chandelier, it will have to be lowered and rested for the first time since it was installed in 1897, Risley said. Typically, when the church has the chandelier cleaned, it takes an hour to lower it to pew level. Risley said church officials are considering taking off each of the hundreds of crystal prisms and numbering them until they can be put back on after the race.Baltimore Racing Development officials and city officials met with church representatives in April to address concerns about noise and potential damage.The panes of the church's windows would also be an expensive repair. A single pane is worth $2,500 because the glass isn't manufactured anymore, Risley said. Only about 10 panes have been replaced with regular glass since the church was built.But race organizers and city officials say they aren't too worried. They conducted a sound test in the city when the race was first announced to see how strong the vibrations would be.

But as far as Sunday services go, don't count on hearing a sermon Sept. 4. It will be one of the few times in the church's 226 years that it will cancel Sunday services, she said.

Pretty Ballerinas Expands to the West Coast with Beverly Hills Store Opening

NEW YORK, June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pretty Ballerinas is thrilled to announce its West Coast store debut, due to open on July 7 at 371 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. Fans of the elite footwear brand, best known for their elegant and stylish ballet flats and pumps, will now be able to shop their favourite styles right in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Pretty Ballerinas has been making the finest fashion-forward ballerinas since 1918. Their products are still hand-made on the Mediterranean island of Menorca and are available at US stores and online at www.prettyballerinas.us.PRESS CONTACT: Prin Bacalan, Tracy Paul & Company prin@tracypaul.com 212.741.5459The Beverly Hills store, affectionately referred to as the "chocolate box," displays the splendid assortment of Pretty Ballerinas signature colours of pink, gold, black and leopard, perfectly encompassing the feminine yet edgy personality of the brand. The space's 16-foot ceilings, Louis XV French antique gilt mirrors and aged chandelier create a grand experience for every customer.Over 186 styles will be available to customers at the store including 93 from the Summer '11 collection and 93 from the Winter '11 collection to celebrate the 93 years the brand has been making ballerinas by hand on the same Mediterranean island. The brand's huge variety of styles have quickly become a favourite among top stylists and celebrities, including Claudia Schiffer, Katherine Heigl and Kate Moss, whose bridesmaids will all be wearing Pretty Ballerinas at her upcoming wedding.SOURCE Pretty BallerinasThis will be Pretty Ballerinas' 26th store with locations all over the globe including New York City, Milan, London, Montreal, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Barcelona, Zagreb, Qatar and Taiwan.

SOURCE Pretty Ballerinas