Firstly bondaweb is bought on a little roll and is like a webbing material. You iron it between 2 pieces of fabric and voila a hem! For the none sewers out there. I use it to take up trousers and for crafts.
The white panels are like a melamine type finish. I have covered them with fabric. If you want to paint them then you could either put them in with the wrong side out, or buy ESP (a surface primer spray) from a craft type shop, or B&Q, and the paint it.
You could cover the sides with wrapping paper/wall paper etc and varnish as another alternative.
As for pockets can you sew? Is so, sew a pocket and then staple or glue the edges and buy some ribbon/cord and glue that over the edges to cover the staples.
If you can't sew, you can probably fashion some with bondaweb!
I'm a bit clueless about the star banner though, I will have to have a think about that!
Voldermort, I plan to put the fruit in a small jar and give it with the vodka to my SF to have with brandy cream or ice cream. I'm not a fan of the mixed fruit and spices myself otherwise I would be keeping it!
I'm going to blend the rhubarb and the plums from my other offerings and make belini's with them! yum, those I will be drinking. DP better pass his driving test by christmas as I intend to be drunk untill easter 