Get your Pimm’s, scones and Union Jack flags ready: The Coronation of King Charles III is almost here. On Saturday, 6 May 2023, this royal event will make history as the first British Coronation in more than 70 years. Whether you’re heading to a Coronation party in the UK or across the pond, there’s going to be plenty of festivities this weekend. But if you’re planning on throwing your own Coronation party, there’s a few essentials to include. From classic British food and drinks to the perfect playlist and game ideas, here’s everything you need to host a memorable bash in honor of King Charles III’s Coronation, wherever you are in the world.
Food
It’s only appropriate to eat like a King at a Coronation party. And what better way to do it than with some traditional English food? Set the tone for the occasion with a quintessential English afternoon tea. You can serve classic scones with clotted cream and jam and finger sandwiches with traditional fillings such as cucumber, egg and cress, smoked salmon, and coronation chicken. Bite-size sausage rolls, quiche, scotch eggs or small pork pies are always a hit. You could even create a platter with crusty bread, cheese, pickles, and cold cuts, inspired by the traditional British Ploughman’s lunch.
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Dessert
It wouldn’t be a Coronation party without dessert. Go for classics like a Victoria sponge cake (originating from when Queen Victoria was on the throne), a Bundt cake, Battenberg cake or lemon drizzle cake. You could prepare a classic British trifle or an Eton mess, or put out some beloved British biscuits like shortbread, Digestives, and Jammie Dodgers.
Drinks
Celebrate the Coronation in style with a pitcher of Pimm’s, a bottle of English bubbly, or a martini (said to be King Charles’ favorite cocktail). Be sure to put out a few drink options, including non-alcoholic options like lemonade or some good old British tea. Royal-loved Fortnum & Mason has released a tea in honor of King Charles’s Coronation. Perfect!
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Music
Wondering what music to play at your Coronation party? Forget “Rule, Britannia!” and check out the official Coronation celebration playlist. You can find it on Spotify and it has 26 songs featuring an eclectic mix of British artists like Queen, David Bowie, Harry Styles, Spice Girls, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay. Starting with the Beatles’ “Come Together” and ending with “King” by Years & Years, this playlist is sure to appeal to all generations. If you want to add some other stirring songs to the playlist, you can’t go wrong with other classic British artists like Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Police, and Robbie Williams.
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Games
Everyone in the UK has got their fingers crossed for a sunny Coronation weekend, but you can still throw a brilliant Coronation party, wherever you are – and whatever the weather. Liven up the day with some classic outdoor British games like croquet or quoits. If the weather is less than ideal, take it indoors with some Royal Trivia, British Charades or British Bingo. You could also run a fancy hat contest and give a prize to whoever wears the best hat, fascinator or royal-inspired headwear.
Decorations
Is it a Coronation party without a sea of Union Jack bunting, flags, and banners? We think not! From balloons and garlands to tablecloths and cake toppers, you can’t go wrong with a red, white and blue theme. If you did want something a bit more regal, you could go with a royal purple and gold theme.
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How to watch the Coronation
You’ve got the food, drinks, music, games and decorations… But don’t forget the Coronation itself! You can tune in to the Coronation on BBC One, with live coverage of all the events including the grand processions and the Westminster Abbey service.
Set up a dedicated viewing room where guests can dip in and out throughout the party. Or you might like to set up a bunch of chairs and couches around a TV or use a projector so you can all gather around to watch this once-and-a-lifetime event unfold. However you tune in, this is sure to be one memorable Coronation party!
Are you throwing a Coronation party? Let us know in the comments below!