PARTY IN STYLE
PARTY IN STYLE: 7 TIPS FOR A GLAM JUBILEE PARTY
The ultimate guide to hosting a royally good occasion
Whether you’re hosting a garden soiree or heading to a street party, here’s all you need for Jubilee entertaining…
Dress the table
To create a real sense of occasion, make your table the centrepiece. Consider the colour scheme. Red, white and blue is traditional for a royal celebration but if you want something different, opt for pastel hues. Add potted plants or cut flowers – if you don’t want to risk precious vases outdoors, collect some old jam jars for a cute alternative. Add a table runner for impact and to set off your colour scheme. You can create your own with remnants of fabric or invest in a co-ordinated set, along with a matching picnic basket and accessories.
Consider the lighting
Solar-powered and battery-operated lights will give you a great deal of flexibility. Adorn tables with fairylights, small lanterns, and opt for fake candles – they’re safer when you have a large gathering. Then drape trees and fences with festoon lights.
Decorate your space
Bring out the bunting and get creative with balloon arches. Children will love making paper chains and they can be draped inside a garden umbrella for a pop of colour.
Sitting pretty
Make sure there is somewhere for everyone to sit. For an impromptu solution, go for picnic blankets, floor cushions, outdoor bean bags, foldable chairs, and deckchairs. Use pop-up canopies and awnings for shade and shelter.
IMAGES left to right: Lights4fun x2 / Sophie Allport / Jan Constantine Platinum Jubilee Street Party Cushion / Talking Tables x 3 / Truffle Tablescapes / Sophie Allport / Ginger Ray / Annabel James x2
Top image: Wayfair
Create a feast
Make a stunning display for an afternoon tea – top your cake stand with a classic Victoria sponge (add a royal family cake topper, complete with corgis, if you want a giggle), or pile high a tiered cake stand with dainty sandwiches, scones and patisserie. Then go for a pretty tea set – we love the vintage styles that come as a paper set from Talking Tables so no risk of breakages!
Entertaining all ages
There will be food and drink aplenty but consider what else will keep your guests entertained. Leave out colouring pens for children to draw on a paper tablecloth or paper plates. Will you need music, a projector for a make-shift cinema or even a table for ping-pong?
Raise the bar
Gin & tonic, glass of Pimm’s – whatever your seasonal tipple, serve it in style. Set up a gin bar in your garden room, and invest in some of the gorgeous outdoor barware around. Plastic is the safest option and can look fab too. An ice bucket or wine chiller will also come in useful.
