Friends Round For… A Jubilee Celebration
On Friday 3rd June, the UK is set to mark The Queen’s phenomenal 70-year reign with celebrations across the country for the Platinum Jubilee and a four-day bank holiday weekend.
With the momentous occasion just around the corner, it’s time to start planning to make it a special one with friends and family.
For inspiration, we’ve put together a handy guide of tips and ideas, including delicious food, playful decorations and lively activities to really put the patriotic cheer into the festivities. Here’s to making it a ‘Royal-ly’ joyful celebration Her Majesty The Queen would be proud of!
Decorations
Whether you opt for a quieter get-together or a buzzing garden party, Jubilee-themed decorations are essential in creating that merry spirit.
Union Jack bunting is a simple way to decorate your kitchen/dining area, garden, front door or outside fence, and is easy enough to get your hands on – especially with the Jubilee celebrations approaching. Union Jack hand flags can also be a fun way to get your guests into the patriotic mood, and there is an abundance of matching tableware sets available online to help you dress your dining table. Alternatively, if you’re intending for a more chilled-out affair, blow up some red, white and blue balloons for decoration.
Decorations can also be a fun DIY craft opportunity for children to get involved in, whilst potentially saving some pennies. Why not consider making your own bunting to decorate the house? Paper bunting is quick and easy to make, and printable bunting templates are readily available online either in colour or as stencils, making it a fun colouring activity for the kids.
Food and Bakes
A Jubilee celebration is the perfect occasion to indulge in some classic British favourites! If you’re looking to lay on a savoury spread, coronation chicken sandwiches are easy to make and a popular option for a party given that cutlery isn’t required. Mini prawn cocktails also bring an air of sophistication for the adult guests attending. For all the bakers out there, why not make some homemade sausage rolls – or vegan sausage rolls – and scotch eggs; they will be sure to go down a treat with your guests!
Not forgetting a classic Victoria sandwich, which you could decorate using fruit to create a Union Jack. To share the cooking and baking load, consider asking your guests to bring a dish with them; this can make your spread more varied and interesting too.
If you’re planning a gathering with a smaller group of friends, an elegant afternoon tea with a selection of savoury bites, sweet treats and beautiful teaware could be a delightful way to mark the occasion. If you feel like raising the bar, have a go at baking your own homemade scones with homemade jam. After all, an afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without a delicious cream tea! Take a look at our previous blog here for hints and tips on how to organise a glorious afternoon tea.
Activities
Music is the easiest way to get your guests into the party mood. Create a playlist of the best British anthems, Her Majesty’s top 10 favourite songs, or just hit play on the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Playlist on Spotify and the hard work is done for you.
Garden games such as ring toss, croquet or a giant Jenga are all great ways to keep the kids and adults occupied throughout the day. You
could also create a scavenger hunt, and send your guests on a wild goose chase around the garden using Royal-themed clues and questions. For those of you organising a get-together inside the house, board games, charades and bingo with Jubilee-themed prizes are all fantastic ways to keep your guests entertained. When it comes to craft activities, there’s no end of ideas online, from Royal Craft Rolls, to Royal paper crowns, and even Stick Queen’s Guards. If you live at our Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill development, you’ll find a Hobbycraft located nearby in Newton Abbot, or The Range will have some craft supplies if you’re based at Cavanna @ Elm Park or our Equinox community.
However, if hosting a celebration or get-together really isn’t your thing, no need to worry. Just lookout for a street party being held in your local neighbourhood – HM Government has put together an interactive map so you can find out what’s on near you.
Homeowners living at our Equinox community or Cavanna @ Elm Park can go along to Exeter’s Jubilee Tea Party which is being held on Exeter High Street, or to Exmouth Festival for a trip to the coast. Residents of our Bellevue neighbourhood in Bude can enjoy a range of entertainment at Petticoats and Rockabilly’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration which will be taking place on The Castle Lawn, close to Summerleaze Beach.
Now you’re all set to host a Platinum Jubilee celebration to remember! Don’t forget to tag us in photos of your decorations, food and activities – we’d love to see them!
We’re open as usual over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, so pop into our Marketing Suites if you’d like to find out more about our new homes in the wonderful Westcountry.
Photo credits: Unsplash
