It's a Leap Year - but will you propose?

Still waiting for him to get his (ring) finger out? Fed up with sloping hopefully past jewellers' windows? Well, 2012 is a leap year so tradition has it that ladies can take the plunge and propose on February 29th. So why February 29th? As it takes 365¼ days for the earth to orbit the sun, the Romans worked out that we need to add an extra day every four years to fix the calendar. In earlier times, it was not acceptable for women to propose. But as, in English law, that day didn't exist, some wily females figured that if a leap year could fix the calendar, it could fix an unfair custom too. By 1288, Scotland had passed a law saying that if a man declined a leap year proposal, he would have to pay a fine - from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves. Another tradition has it that St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about the length of time women had to wait for a proposal. St. Patrick is said to have replied that it is acceptable for women to propose on February 29th. One lady who certainly knew how to get what she wanted was Queen Victoria. She sent for Prince Albert and, as he wrote to his mother, told him " in a genuine burst of love and affection that I had gained her whole heart and would make her intensely happy if I would make her the sacrifice of sharing her life with her." As we know, Albert accepted and Victoria then checked out the family reaction by writing to her uncle Leopold: "My mind is quite made up, and I told Albert this morning of it." Now that's the way to do it. Of course, these days it's not unusual for women to pop the question. In fact the dating website Swoon.co.uk found that 10% of women took the plunge. Of course at Oh So Cherished, we decided it was our duty to help our hopeful brides to achieve their dreams. But how to do it? Not having done this myself, I naturally turned to the internet for tips. Among the inspiring ideas I found were:

• Buy him a motorcycle
• Pick his favourite place even if it's a sports bar
• Propose over the radio and dedicate a song – but how embarrassing if he’s not listening!
• Pour out your heart via the big screen at a stadium – no pressure there then
• Offer him a beer tab as a token ring.

But my personal favourite had to be the Pet Proposal. The idea is to buy a puppy and tie a note with your proposal round its neck. Or if he already has a dog, train it to "fetch" the ring box. I thought this one had great potential, but our legal advisors informed me that selling puppies online is illegal, and then there was the problem of what to do with leftover stock on March 1st.

But none of these options really suited our classic and tasteful style. So after much deliberation we came up with the perfect solution - subtle, luxurious and romantic. Set the scene with a romantic dinner, take all your courage in both hands and offer him this stunning bottle of champagne. We have designed this bewitching "Marry Me" label all ready for you to add your proposal in your own words. If you really want to spoil him, you can add a box of delicious chocolate truffles. How could he resist?

Or if he is more a red wine guy, then this bottle of Romantic Red Wine can be personalised in the same way with your own individual message.

And if you do take the opportunity, why not write to me at hello@ohsocherished.co.uk and let us know how it went? We'd love to share your good news! Good luck - and remember there won't be another chance for four years!