Here's what I was referring to above, for Adam, or anyone else who likes that sort of thing:
On the left is an old Chianti wine bottle, which she stripped of its labels and put some 'spangly' lights inside. Looks quite effective I think!
Everything there, apart from the lights, was from bits just lying in our garden. and she also made the pompoms. Makes the kitchen look nice and cosy and Christmassy!
Marco.