Summer is on the way and we’re all itching to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Take a wee break from the grindstone? 2012 is a huge year for celebrations but the one I am most looking forward to is the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen of England. I’m not British but it really doesn’t matter. I think it’s just wonderful that Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for sixty years so I decided to host my own Jubilee party at my place in Osaka, Japan. What could be more fun than an afternoon of dainty cakes and cups of tea? If you’re in the area please join us! June 2nd.
For traditional fare and a more modern take on British food look no further than BBC Food. Find gorgeous mouthwatering recipes such as the Bunting Cake and Union Jack Fondant Fancies. No party is complete without a pavlova, this crown layered one makes a stunning centerpiece. Of course I did look at the recipes for sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches and vol au vents but I am a sweet tooth at heart.
At my Jubilee Party I will be using my great grandmother’s Royal Albert tea set. You might be able to find pretty vintage tea cups at your thrift shop.
Hopefully I’ll be gathering roses from my friend’s garden. For an outdoor party I think casual jam jar arrangements are so pretty. My party will be held indoors so I think I’ll be using thrift shop crystal vases and apothecary bottles. I love A Creative Mint for flower arranging ideas.
With our menu in hand and the invitations delivered it’s now time to turn our thoughts to decorating. Of course I’ll go crazy with the Union Jack. I just love Emma’s Union Jack Jubilee Bunting, order straight from the UK at Little Bundles. Hurry though as these are custom-made. Lauren at PrettyStarDesigns has the cutest cupcake toppers and teeny tiny cake bunting. I don’t think you can have too many Union Jacks on your table! It also wouldn’t hurt to pull out your red, white and blue decorations without the stars ‘n stripes!
I hope you feel inspired to explore all things British this month. Be sure to visit the official Jubilee page (link below) for ideas, recipes and free downloads. Have a great party!
Hands up who is excited about the London Olympics? That most definitely warrants another get-together!
Photo credits:
Diamond Jubilee – The Official Site, A Creative Mint
Eat – BBC Food
Decorate – Little Bundles Bunting, Pretty Star Designs, This is Bristol
