GET JUBILEE READY!
How to host the perfect jubilee party in a hurry!
Her Majesty The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, so the country is planning to celebrate in style, and to be honest who doesn’t love an excuse for a party? but we are running out of time and the weekend is approaching fast. never fear! here are some super tips to make sure the party is a roaring success, enjoyed by everyone young and old, and what is more, is super camera-ready!
a right royal plan
Everyone loves an impromptu party but this is not the time to wing it without a plan. Whether you are thinking of a picnic, a street party or a garden BBQ a basic timetable and some sort of list will prevent it being ruined by missing items or children complaining, as they do, that they’re bored! Make a list of all the things you need, especially if you aren’t planning to be at home: don’t forget the little things like wet wipes and serving spoons, dog bowl and a corkscrew. Think ahead: put freezer blocks in the freezer a day before, make sure there is gas in the BBQ, drag the picnic basket out from the back of the garage. Keep it simple: you don’t need 6 different puddings! One last super tip: be prepared to break your own rules and go off piste. If everyone is happy playing rounders don’t insist its time to eat (unless its hot food of course, but give them lots of notice) and if you forgot to bring the potato salad, well who’s to know? Remember this is Britain: have a wet weather plan whether its a gazebo or an indoor space and if your party is going on after dark remember to provide blankets or heaters and lots of pretty fairy lights!
Fly the flags and pin out the bunting
A well themed party is a memorable party. For the Jubilee there seem to several on trend ideas around:vintage/nostalgia looking back to the street parties of post war Britain with a plethora of mis-matched crockery and floral print napkins; cheerful red white and blue with bright Union Flag bunting and flags and life size cut-outs of Royal Family members to join your party; jewel like purple and platinum paired with crisp white tablecloths and silver candlesticks. My top tip is pick a theme and run with it across everything. My theme is nostalgia: I’ve bought some pretty floral paper ‘crockery’ to team with my own floral cushions and vintage picnic rugs. I’ve found some lovely retro style bunting and pretty cake toppers. Don’t forget the details. Some lovely red white and blue flowers in a milk jug in the centre of the table, red candles, purple and silver ribbons on the backs of chairs: these are all things you can pick up at the last minute and which will add impact.
Just a word about balloons. These are an easy way to add a splash of colour to your party but remember latex balloons can take anywhere between six months to four years to biodegrade. In the time before they completely decompose, these balloons can still wreak havoc on the ecosystems in which they end up. On a personal note I am one of the many people with a life-threatening latex allergy: if there is a balloon at the party I won’t be attending!
cupcakes and cocktails
For most people the most important part of any party is the food and drink. Its the first thing you think about and the thing you spend most on. Obviously the type of event you have planned will to some extent dictate the type of food and drink you will serve but I do have some hot tips to make it easier. First hot tip: keep it cold. Cold food, as long as you have the wherewithal to keep it cool is a much easier option than anything hot. It can be prepared in advance, served when your guests are ready and means you can enjoy the party without slaving over a hot flame! If you’re having a street party you can afford to go bolder than if its a picnic, where finger food is definitely easier (though not essential). Talking of picnics I have some fabulous picnic cookery books of which my favourites are A Year of Picnics by Ashley English and The Picnic Cookbook by Laura Mason. If you want to be on trend then include Coronation Chicken and Platinum Pudding. Did you know that Coronation Chicken is actually called Poulet Reine Elizabeth as it was designed by Constance Spry, principal of the Cordon Bleu Cookery School. Earlier this year Fortnum and Mason had a competition to find the Platinum Pudding and awarded first place to a lemon swiss roll and amaretti trifle: yummy! I love the idea of a Jubilee cocktail: think pisco sour with edible blue flowers and a cherry on a stick! But a simple glass of bubbly with a tiny Union Flag cocktail skewer works just as well!
dress to impress
What to wear to any event always needs thought. The colour palette doesn’t have to be red white and blue: think purple or indeed all the wonderful jewelled colours Her Majesty favours. There are some stunning florals on there market at the moment or pop into your local Red Cross Charity shop - there have way vintage section and if you’re lucky you could pick up a genuine 1950s two piece or at least a silk headscarf! My top tip is plan for all eventualities: this is Britain after all and inevitably we get 4 seasons in one day! Layers are key and don’t forget the sunnies and some Factor 50! If your party is likely to go on til late then take a big jersey to throw over everything. If the weather isn’t great in the morning don’t panic. A pretty midi floral dress can be teamed with leggings underneath or a big shawl over the top. Shorts can be worn over tights and looks very boho! And lastly, don’t forget your tiara!
lights camera action!
In my opinion all the best parties involve games. If you are outside and have space then think big. Croquet is a firm family favourite as anyone of any age of ability can have a go. If you look on line you will find the rules but my kids tend to make up their own. Boules is another easy game that can be adapted to suit all ages and can be played on gravel and sand as well as grass. If you are at a street party then take a couple of packs of cards, especially if there are people you don’t know very well. Not only is it a great ice breaker, but every family has their own repertoire of games and it’s a perfect opportunity to learn something new. There are plenty of party games that can be played as a group, from the sedate to the downright rowdy! And don’t ban the tablet totally. Parties can be overwhelming for a lot of people and it makes a good escape for an overwhelmed 8 year old or disinterested teenager. Or better still put them in charge taking candid shots of the party or artistic shots of food! Top tip for photos: remember the portable charger/power bank: taking photos uses phone battery like nothing else. Don’t forget to think of the music: Have a playlist and a speaker and put someone in charge. Think of who you are inviting and trying make the playlist varied. And last of all remember to bring lots of solar powered lights… the party can then go on until dawn!