Saturday 6^th May is the day we can all celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. There are details of the processions and arrangements for the Coronation Weekend on the Royal Website here  Hopefully the bunting and balloons are up, the parties and planned, and our homes (and showrooms!) are decorated with festive enthusiasm. Here are some of our favourite ideas to get you in the party mood, for the day itself and the Bank Holiday that follows…

CORONATION BUNTING AND CUSHIONS, JAN CONSTANTINE

Some Coronation items are purely transitory decorations that will be forgotten when all the fuss has died down, but there are some keepsakes that can be looked upon as future heirlooms, much like the great-grandparent’s Coronation mugs and tea caddies from Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation on  2^nd June 1953. The Jan Constantine collections of hand-embroidered cushions and textiles are always covetable and genuinely feel as if they are already collectors’ items; here are the Coronation cushions and bunting to celebrate the Coronation on 6^th May 2023.

CELEBRATORY STARS FROM PAPER STARLIGHTS

These paper star lights are terribly British, and perfect for a Coronation display or party. We think they’ll be used well into the summer for all kinds of parties and indoor-outdoor gatherings. There’s a set of five, which includes two Union Jacks, and red, white and blue designs. They’re handmade, screen-printed, and measure 60cm diameter.  Available from Paper Starlights, and the team also offers bespoke retail and shop displays and décor too.

UNION JACK BUNTING, MARKS & SPENCER

Don’t leave it until the very last minute to stock up on Coronation decorations – no doubt things will sell out quickly! This Union Jack Coronation Bunting  is from a great selection of Royal-themed items from Marks & Spencer. From cushions to mugs, there are lots of ideas there to get the party started!

FESTOON LIGHTS FROM LIGHTS4FUN

If you’re planning some outdoor celebrations, then some  Festoon Lights from Lights4fun will add a Coronation touch to the garden. These are battery-operated, so they don’t need any fancy wiring-in, and can also be used indoors, of course. If you’re not quick enough to get hold of these, these are lots of other brilliant outdoor lighting ideas on their website here.

CARTWRIGHT & BUTLER CORONATION GOODIES

As we may have mentioned before, a good tin is almost as important as its contents, and we think that Cartwright & Butler have done an excellent job of designing their Coronation-themed comestibles. There’s cake, naturally – this is the King Charles III Jewel Loaf Cake in a Tin, as well as biscuits, marmalade, chutney and beautifully presented hampers. Definitely fit for a King!!

MAKE AN ETON MESS OR CORONATION QUICHE FOR YOUR STREET PARTY

If you’re getting involved with a Coronation Big Lunch street party, there’s no doubt lots of planning going on and lists being sent to WhatsApp groups regarding who’s bringing what. Sandwiches tend to be the easy choice, but if you’re a dab hand at deserts, why not make a rather British Eton Mess?. Everybody loves a pudding, don’t they? For a very reliable and straightforward recipe, choose the Summer Berry Eton Mess recipe from Dualit, which is totally delicious and is easily blended with the Dualit Hand Blender. If you’ve been allocated a savoury dish as your Big Lunch contribution, why not try the Coronation Quiche … find the official recipe, featuring spinach, broad beans and tarragon, on the Royal website here.

QUICK CORONATION GOODIES FROM WAITROSE

No time to cook? If you’re holding a Coronation Big Lunch, and need a helping hand, dash along to Waitrose and have a look at the Kings Coronation Exclusives and Specials. There’s everything from cakes to scones to Duchy Organic shortbreads, as well as preserves, limited edition drinks, bunting and tableware. The Silent Pool Coronation Edition gin sounds wonderful, with notes of chamomile, rose and lavender as well as a hint of bergamot to evoke King Charles’ favourite Earl Grey tea.

REGAL CELEBRATION TEA TOWELS FROM HOME LANDING

It wouldn’t be a Coronation, or a Jubilee, or a Royal Wedding, without tea towels, would it?! We love a commemorative tea-towel, and  fully intend to add one or two to the collection for 6^th May. These are two designs by Ulster Weavers from Home Landing. On the left, King Charles Coronation Regal and on the right, Celebration. Handy for all the washing up after the Big Lunch party …

LIGHT-UP CORONATION CUSHION FROM MARKS & SPENCER

This is a rather lovely Coronation keepsake – it’s going to brighten up (literally) the room. This is the Pure Cotton Coronation Light-Up Cushion is from Marks & Spencer and hits just the right note  … it’s a clever design that is also a little bit fun and cheeky.

SERVING UP THE FIZZ WITH THE ANNABEL JAMES TRAY

A drinks tray is a must-have, especially if you’re going to be cracking open the bubbly. A compact circular tray is easy to balance and will actually hold quite a few glasses! This is the Charles III Coronation tray, designed by Emma Bridgewater, from Annabel James. Check out the Champagne collection too, there are buckets, baths and coolers for very fancy celebrations!

CORONATION PARTY BUNTING BY NESSA FOYE

There may be just enough time to order some gloriously British party bunting for your celebrations, from Nessa Foye Designs. There’s also some helpful suggestions for other times you can hang your bunting – it’s not just for Coronation day, consider 10^th June for Trooping of the Colour and 3-16^th July for Wimbledon, too!

GET INTO PARTY MODE WITH A FOREST GARDEN BAR

If after all the suggestions for Coronation celebrations have whetted your appetite for outdoor parties, have a think about installing an outdoor bar. This is the 6 x 3 Dip Treated Shiplap Pent Garden Bar which virtually guarantees that a good party will be had by all! And it can be closed up in bad weather, but opens up speedily as soon as the sun shines. For garden parties in the good weather, and for valuable storage space for all the outdoor accessories throughout the winter. Rather a good investment, we think. Cheers everyone, have a wonderful Coronation Celebration!