Inspiration to help you celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is fast approaching and lots of us will be celebrating.
With only a few weeks to go until the big event – and two bank holidays to mark the occasion from June 2-5 – you may already have an idea of how to mark the historic event.
Whether it’s a street party, a garden gathering or an evening soiree, there are plenty of options available – especially if the weather brightens up.
If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, then fear not as we have a few suggestions here to help ensure your celebration is fit for a Queen.
Garden Party
The Queen is renowned for her garden parties at Buckingham Palace so what better way to honour Her Majesty than by throwing your very own.
The great thing about a garden party is that almost anything goes and if the weather holds up it should be the perfect option.
It’s all about the preparation. In the days leading up to the event it’s time to get mowing the lawn as overgrown grass and messy edges are certainly not fit for a royal knees-up.
Clean off that furniture and have a good tidy-up so you’ve got a ship-shape venue. Cut back the overgrown bushes, jet wash the patio and dust off decking.
If you’re ready to invest in some new garden furniture there’s never a better time than for a party. There are some fabulous options, whatever your style and budget.
Or you could simply re-dress your existing furniture with some new cushions and blankets, an outdoor rug. Add some lighting and you’re good to go.
Vintage
A vintage theme, recalling royal jubilees past and present is a great way to celebrate the Platinum year.
Recreating a street party style set-up on your patio is a perfect solution and certainly gives you about 70 years worth of party inspiration to draw upon.
Union flags and bunting are ideal for this and younger guests will love having flags to wave at each other.
Traditional sandwiches, sausage rolls or even fish and chips served in cones or paper-lined baskets or bowls, along with cakes and jelly and ice cream will go down a treat with all ages.
Encouraging guests to come in fancy dress and playing games, such as pin the tail on the royal horse or a royal-themed pinyata, will keep everyone entertained.
Just add some vintage music and you’ll be dancing all night long.
Queen
You could go with a more regal themed dinner party honouring the Queen through the ages.
Turn your chairs into thrones with decorations and why not create a red carpet on your patio.
Get your guests to dress up in their finery, with best dresses, tiaras hats and suits and serve canapes on their arrival.
The Queen was apparently partial to a dry martini at the end of the day so why not serve them up to your older guests. All you need is gin and dry vermouth.
Then set the table, inside or out, for a full-on royal feast and a sit-down meal.
Country pursuits
Of course we all know the Queen is a big fan of the countryside so a country pursuits-inspired party could offer a more laid-back gathering.
Light the barbecue and throw on burgers and sausages and spread blankets around on the lawn to give the whole event a picnic feel.
Guests of all ages can try out some fun kids archery games and you could put up little tepee tents or gazebos to add to the feel.
As the sun goes down light the fire-pit for a true camp fire experience and why not get in the marshmallows for toasting.
Afternoon tea
Of course, a royal themed afternoon tea would be a wonderful way to celebrate the Queen – and let’s face it who doesn’t love an afternoon tea?
Don’t forget to invest in some cake stands. You don’t have to spend a fortune as there are cardboard ones available that do just the job for a one-off event.
Stack them high with sandwiches, wraps and rolls. Word is, the Queen loves a cucumber sandwich so a plate of these – with the crusts cut off of course – will make a quaint addition.
Then fill other stands with a choice of cakes and not forgetting, of course, scones with jam and cream. It’s up to you whether it’s cream or jam first.
Serving drinks – whether it’s tea or a gin and tonic – in china cups and saucers offers a quirky bit of beverage fun for your guests.
