Yesterday, the Ideal Home Show opened its doors and this year, it looks great! Open from the 2nd till the 5th, the ribbons were cut by celebrity trio Katie Piper, George Clarke and Suzi Perry, and within minutes the exhibition hall was bustling with visitors.
Rather than bore you by nattering on stand-by-stand (there are over 300!), I’m just going to say I’ve been going to the show for the last few years and even though there have been times where I’ve felt it has been a bit hit-and-miss – I’ve always come out with something great for my home. And that’s what its all about right?
If like me, you’ve been before, you’ll find the usual suspects, but as always there are new trends and products ready to wow you.
What I do want to share is my top tips in case it’s your first time, or if your last visit was a while ago (a year feels like forever to me). It doesn’t hurt to be prepared:
Head out early
For two reasons, the car park gets full pretty quickly. Luckily, there are overflow ones to the side closest to the Trafford Centre and it’s only a short walk from there. Secondly, it’s a pretty big show! There are seven sections, each dedicated to making a house a home with the latest trends: Interiors, Home Improvements, Food & Housewares, Technology, Gardens, Fashion & Beauty and Shopping.
Take your own bags
There are lots of stands selling some great products. However, the majority won’t be able to offer you a bag to carry your purchases, so dig out that bag for life. Take a few just in case.
Go to the Super Theatre
You don’t pay any extra money for this, and some of the tips and tricks are priceless. And for interiors enthusiasts like me, it’s a great place to catch demos from some stylish celebrities. Make sure you check out the timetable beforehand so you don’t miss your favourites.
Eat off-peak
One of the biggest issues I faced last year was not being able to find a seat for lunch, there were just so many people. The best way to beat this is not attempt to find food during the lunch time rush. Go early or go late – that way you can nab yourself a decent seat in some of the great picnic spots they’ve got dotted around and enjoy your meal.
*** If anyone wants halal meat – Tikka Masala is there.
Enter the competitions
I don’t really need to explain this do I? You’ve got to be in it to win it! (I’ve got my eye on a giant garden Gorilla 😉 )
Last but not least, be sure to stop over at the Fashion and Beauty section before you leave and sit yourself down to test out the massagers! It’s the perfect end to your day 🙂
Few pics of some of my favourite finds…
*** Thank you to the Ideal home show for my complimentary tickets this year – as always all opinions of the exhibition are my own ***
If you’re after going, here’s the link to book online: Ideal home show tickets
It’s too late for this year, but in preparation for next time round, sign yourself up to Martin Lewis’ money saving expert website (he’s at the super theatre this year, on Sunday!) – the website usually lets you know the best ticket deals going – Money Saving Expert
