With an extra bank holiday on the cards and official events being prepared, you may be thinking about your own plans to mark the King’s coronation, on Saturday May 6.
“The coronation of King Charles III is a global event and, for many, will be the first coronation in the UK in their lifetime,” says Matthew Shaw, creative director and founder of events company, Sauveur.
“Hundreds of thousands of people will come together to mark the occasion. We have some tips for a fool-proof guide to planning a coronation party, and making sure you enjoy the day as well.”
Choose your location
Sorting a location is probably the first task to tackle. Many neighbourhoods will be hosting street parties – however, this often requires permission from your local authority and you’ll usually need to apply weeks in advance, especially if you want to close a road (so if you’ve not sorted this already, it may be too late).
If you’re gathering with just a few neighbours or family and friends, a garden party is always a good idea, although you might want to factor in some cover in case the weather turns – whether that’s a gazebo, or your living room!
Plan your timings carefully
Your party is tied to a major event, after all, so you’ll want to time things carefully. “Whilst this is crucial for any party, you will want to ensure your party sits in harmony with the coronation’s schedule. Make sure you check this in advance so your guests can enjoy the highlights of the day, and so you know when best to feed people and bring out the drinks,” says Shaw.
“A well-thought-through schedule will make your guests feel looked after, and will help you with your plans by giving structure to your party. However – don’t let the schedule take over! It’s a party, not a military drill, and it’s fine if things run over or do not go exactly to plan,” Shaw adds.
Keep food and drink simple and classic
When entertaining and hosting groups, it’s always best to keep things simple. This will save on stress – and it’ll mean you can enjoy mingling, rather than being tied to the kitchen.
“For an event like this, I would always opt for food that you can prepare in advance and easily serve. You will want to be spending time with your guests and watching the proceedings, so opting for big bowls and platters of food that guests can help themselves to is always a good idea,” Shaw explains.
“You could also consider sharing the work and asking trusted guests to bring something with them. It’s always a shame when a host has to spend their entire time in the kitchen, so plan in advance and delegate to ensure you make the most of your party,” he adds.
“I love the idea of reviving all the classics, from Coronation Chicken to trifle, but do make sure you’ve catered for everyone and have options to cover all tastes and dietary needs.”
Get creative with decor
“There’s a tendency to want to throw all sorts of trinkets and decorations at your party, which I would encourage you to avoid. Not only do these start costing a lot, but the wastage is regrettable,” says Shaw – especially with household budgets so stretched right now.
“This is a good time to look at what you, or your friends, already own and what can be used again. I would opt for reusable fabric bunting and fresh flowers to bring your party to life in a sustainable way,” he says.
“The same goes for tableware. There’s something quintessentially British about mismatched cutlery and plates, and you can ask everyone to bring a few sets. I think this has a lovely look along a table and also avoids single-use items. The King is, after all, an ardent supporter of the environment and our planet.”
Plan some activities
Shaw says: “Whilst your party will revolve around the main event of the day, the coronation, you may want to think about who is attending and ensure everyone is looked after.
“It may be a long day for younger ones, so I would suggest ensuring they have some activities to keep them occupied. Crown-making and garden games are great ways to keep them entertained. For the more studious adults, how about a who’s who game as attendees arrive at the Abbey?”
And remember to chill…
Hosting and organising can be stressful – especially if you’re trying to make everything perfect or do everything single-handedly. Take the pressure off and remember what’s really important.
“It sounds trivial but is so often forgotten when hosting – a stressed host makes for stressed guests!” says Shaw. “If you have planned everything in advance and nailed your timings, you should then be able to enjoy the occasion.”
