The weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting brighter; so, of course, now is the time to embrace the outdoors and soak up the glorious sunshine.
And, as if we don’t already look forward to a bank holiday for an opportunity to take a break from work, the Queen’s Jubilee is upon us on 3rd June, which couldn’t be better timing. Not forgetting that the late May bank holiday has been moved to 2nd June, it’s only appropriate to make the most of the four-day weekend.
There’s no better way to celebrate the occasion over the long weekend than with a garden party – but, this is just the start of the warmer weather, so expect to be throwing many more of these over the summer months. However, preparations to spruce up your garden may not have begun yet, and time is ticking.
Here, we delve into the best outdoor furnishing decorations to enhance your garden, as well as the must-have food to serve, just in time for the Queen’s Jubilee; but these will come in handy for future celebrations too.
The essential décor
Simple touches can be added to your garden that can prepare you for your party as well as leaving your garden looking fabulous all year round, starting with garden ornaments. You can never go wrong with animal ornaments, and they can be part of the Jubilee celebration by accessorising them with Union Jack party hats.
Hanging baskets are essential to transform your garden in time for your parties, and you needn’t worry about looking for space in your garden, given that they can hang from the exterior of your home. Be sure to fill them with blue, red, and white flowers, such as petunias or pansies, to brighten up the garden and incorporate the British theme into your party.
As the dancing under the sun progresses into the evening, your source of natural lighting will disappear, particularly if your party carries on until late. Leaving your guests in the dark, quite literally, is impractical – and if drinks are involved, accidents are likely – so artificial lighting is important. Thankfully, paper lanterns are a solution that adds a rustic look throughout the summer. While you can rely on them for ambience and decoration, you’ve also got the opportunity to commit to the theme of the Queen’s Jubilee by opting for a blue, red, and white colour scheme.
Create a dining area
A dining area is not just useful for your afternoons in the sun, it’s going to come in handy for your Jubilee party, as well as many more garden parties you may host. Here, you can make a spot for guests to take a break from the dancing. Your garden doesn’t need to be enormous, and you can work with the space you’ve got.
If you’ve got limited space in your garden, a folding table and folding chairs are your best bet. It can be uncomfortable for your guests if you leave them no option but to stand all day, and given their folding features, these furnishings can easily be stored away until your next party. Ensure that you’ve got comfort ticked off the list by investing in some blue, white, and red cushions to fit with the British theme. Not to mention, a table is an essential piece of furniture for your party – after all, where else will your food be served?
If your garden boasts plenty of space, then the sky is the limit. Foldable chairs are still a necessity to promise your guests seating; sofas not only ensure that seating is available, but they also are a great way to fill space with style. This way, you’ve got outdoor comfort covered for as many parties as you’d like to host throughout the summer. An outdoor dining table will complete the look here, and you could consider an extending table that will come in handy for serving food if you’ve invited plenty of guests.
Your dining area can be finished off with some table decorations to fit the occasion of the Queen’s Jubilee. It’s important to remember that this is a royal celebration, so nothing can be too sophisticated for your party; think fine china, large centrepieces, and tall candles to make a statement. Would the royal family settle for anything less than extravagant? It’s unlikely – so incorporate this into an al fresco dining experience.
Serve up some British classics
The food that you serve at your garden party can ultimately make or break the experience. For the Queen’s Jubilee, it’s important that you serve some British classics. However, you may be wondering what food is going to tantalise the tastebuds while keeping with the theme.
In accordance with the Jubilee bake-off competition, which invites people to create a Queen’s Jubilee cake, follow the theme and bake your very own dessert – you’ll undoubtedly impress your guests and perhaps discover a new talent. Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of the dessert on 1st June if you feel up to the challenge. Alternatively, if your baking skills aren’t up to scratch, some store-bought cupcakes will please the palate.
While a cake is a must-have for celebrating, you mustn’t forget the savoury treats, particularly mini pork pies and sausage rolls. Miniature snacks are the perfect party snack as guests can have as little or as many as they wish – not to mention, they’re both unapologetically British.
If elegant treats are more your style, finger sandwiches are your go-to. Minted cucumber and egg fillings are traditionally British, but coronation chicken is a necessity to celebrate the occasion, given that this was created solely for the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Hosting a garden party, particularly for an important event, may leave you with some stress and uncertainty about how to impress your guests. However, you’re bound to leave them talking and become the ultimate garden party host with these tips to prepare your garden for the Queen’s Jubilee.
