The Chelsea Flower Show is celebrating its centenary this year, so we thought we'd make some flower-inspired cocktails to celebrate the occasion – any excuse!

160,000 people will visit the prestigious show over the next five days, picking up gardening advice and admiring impressive flower displays from around the world.

Watercress is in season now, so we thought it was time to celebrate this Great British leaf. Its peppery flavour works really well in a chilled, summery soup, but the stubborn weather is refusing to warm up, so we've opted for a more hearty gnocchi recipe instead. It only takes 15 minutes to make and packs a real flavour punch.

Finally, the wait is over! After what feels like months (years, even) of anticipation, The Great Gatsby hits our cinema screens today, and it seems as though the whole country has been getting in the 1920s spirit. Any excuse for a party!

We've created this decadent, yet easy, party menu so you can throw an impromptu knees-up this weekend – just like the legendary Gatsby himself.

I met the gorgeous Meringue Girls on board the fabulous Silver Sturgeon boat moored at the Savoy Pier on the River Thames last week. You can hire the boat for all kinds of dos, from weddings to posh corporate functions, and I for one can't imagine anything better than cruising down the river, Sipsmith gin cocktail in hand, tucking into food provided by Jamie Oliver's Fabulous Feasts, the on-board catering company.

Alex and Stacey combine their creative cooking and marketing flair to supply the prettiest meringues for parties and celebrity events – see the evidence below. Here are their top tips on creating perfect meringue treats, and a rather special pavlova recipe.