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Swimming can be a great way to stay in shape or to get across a body of water.

There's not much to say about party planning that hasn't already been covered by Pippa Middleton. We won't even try to emulate her advice in Celebrate, but we do recommend that you follow some of her Pippa Tips here.

As far as we know there are two party shops in Oxford, and they are listed below. Our Arts & Crafts and Vintage Clothes pages will provide some ideas if you feel up to making your costumes.

Where to Buy

Frog Orange Party
4 The Parade, Windmill Road, Headington OX3 7BL. Map
Tel 01865 766777
As the name suggests, an entertaingly mad shop in Headington, supplying all manner of exotic helium balloon bunches, fancy dress (buy and hire), fireworks, cards and wrapping paper. Spacious and good for presents.

Fun 'n' Frolic
16a Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ. Map
0118 950 8587 / 0800 294 1130
Not actually in Oxford, but enormous and really quite comprehensive.

If you're looking for just the basics, Card Factory in the Clarendon Centre carries a good assortment of balloons, bunting, banners and assorted partyware for kids and grownups, as does Flying Tiger on Magdalen Street (though with considerably more rainbows).

Looking for a face painter for your party? Oxford has some extraordinarily good ones. Try Childrens' Things or Services Offered.