Transform the everyday into a holiday

If you're taking a holiday in the comfort of your own home these little touches will add a layer of luxury.

1 Cover an outdoor table with a white cloth for an elegant dinner. Scatter the cloth with white river pebbles if it's breezy.

2 Dump a $4 bag of ice into a large plastic container and pile high with summer fruit for cool treats all day.

3 Freeze ice cubes with a sprinkle of bright petals and even chilled water will taste special.

4 Serve breakfast on a tray in any room of the house that faces early morning sun.

5 Throw a monster pile of cushions under an umbrella on the lawn and reach for a good book.

6 Cover a cheap foam mattress with a bright sheet for a rare nap outside on the deck.

7 Wish you were camping? Barbecue breakfast instead.

8 Add a few extra metres of speaker wire to your sound system and listen to your favourite music by moonlight in the garden.

9 Thread up some Chinese lanterns or hang fairy lights around the pergola for a party atmosphere.

10 String up a hammock.

11 Load up a tray with all your old candles and use them up in one glorious night of candlelight.

12 Float hibiscus flowers in your swimming pool and go skinny dipping.

13 Keep a spray bottle filled with water in the fridge and freshen up your face and arms whenever you're feeling hot and sticky.

14 Relax your feet with a long soak in a cool foot bath.

15 Unwrap the expensive soap that's been decorating the bathroom and indulge yourself with a midday shower.

16 Read faded old paperbacks one last time, then cover with crisp white paper before they go back on the shelves for the next 'holiday".

17 Have fun lighting a big bag of tea lights and dine by the soft flickering of dozens of candles.

18 Move the TV outside and hire a movie for a balmy outdoor theatre experience.

19 Serve snacks wrapped in paper napkins or popped into brown paper bags and avoid the washing up.

20 Sleep in.

From Better Homes and Gardens