The Platinum Jubilee four-day bank holiday weekend is fast approaching and households across the nation will be wondering how to celebrate this special occasion at the start of June. Clearly, entertaining outdoors is at the top of the agenda as Google Trends have seen a 194.12% increase in searches for “garden party decor” from 2021 to 2022.
From afternoon tea parties to family BBQs, a bank holiday garden party is the perfect way to celebrate and have some fun in the sun with your whole family.
It seems the traditional garden party’s popularity is rife among the younger generations too, with the hashtag #gardenparty gaining over 66,100,000 views on TikTok – so this is the perfect occasion to bring the full family together!
So, with the perfect garden party occasion on the horizon, home and garden styling experts Furniturebox have compiled a list of top tips for throwing a Jubilee garden party, so you can celebrate in style (with the planning done for you!).
First things first, you need to plan and prepare your garden area. This is the crucial first step according to Furniturebox’s Product Developer, Laura Rich who told us:
“Using a variety of garden furniture means you can create different zones at your garden party so there is something for everyone. Egg chairs, for example, placed under a tree or beside large shrubbery creates a private den, or even a couples’ corner or getaway, for quieter moments.
“Long sofas arranged in a square or u-shape encourage conversation and are particularly ideal for those planning on hosting a BBQ as this will provide a communal area for guests to chatter and wait for the BBQ food to be ready.
“If you’re hosting a traditional garden party or afternoon tea, you can’t go wrong with a long trestle table for all of your loved ones to gather around. A nice long table is the perfect focal point for your garden party and encourages everyone to come together and enjoy the celebrations as one.”
Once your layout is planned, you can now turn to styling, decor and garden party zones to bring your celebration to life.
Beautiful Bunting
Nothing says British garden party more than bunting. From traditional Union Jack coloured flags to vintage fabric swathes, a simple bunting garland will add some quaint summer fun to your celebrations.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own with off-cuts of fabric, binding, some ribbon and some basic sewing skills. This is a particularly fun activity for any youngsters in the family looking for a spring project.
A touch of Gingham
Another British classic: the gingham tablecloth! A traditional red and white or blue and white gingham table cloth across your table provides a good balance of pattern while not being too overbearing and allowing your table decorations to take centre stage.
Image: Pinterest
Embrace the Red, White & Blue
Turn to your table setting and decor to add red, white and blue colour pops. Themed name places, napkins, candles or fresh cut flowers are lovely ways to incorporate the British colour scheme into your garden party.
For any little ones at the party (or perhaps just the big kids) a red, white and blue pic and mix sweetie jar is a fun decorative – and edible – addition to your garden party. You could even turn this into a sweetie station with sweet-shop style scoops and stripped-paper pic and mix bags
Classic Strawberries & Cream
When it comes to food highlights, you can’t go wrong with a simple serving of strawberries and cream. Plus, small decorative bowls of strawberries dotted across the table will bring both a pop of colour and an opportunity for a sweet treat – a feast for the eyes and the mouth!
Image: Pinterest: Laura SideStreet
Did someone say Pimm’s?
If space allows, why not make a special drinks station? Your guests will love creating their tailored refreshments. Make sure you have a range of cordials and sodas, fruit juices, garnishes, bubbly Prosecco and, of course, Pimm’s!
Add this classic British-summertime refreshment to your drinks station for an instant crowd-pleaser. Create your Pimm’s mix in large jugs or a giant mason jar dispenser so there’s enough to go around. If it’s a particularly warm day, add some frozen fruit into the mix to keep the drink cool without over-diluting it.
Royal Motifs
To really embrace the Platinum Jubilee theme, consider adding some royal motifs throughout the day. If you want to go large, perhaps the host could sit on a throne at the head of the table, or consider giving each of your guests a plush red-velvet cushion to sit on.
For a more subtle approach, you could add some royal symbols to your guests’ name places. From crowns to Corgis, Buckingham Palace guards to waving Union Jack flags, these small touches will tie into the Platinum Jubilee theme with ease, as well as giving your guests a nice keep-sake to remember the day.
Mix-Match Crockery
One way to add vibrancy and distinction to your garden party is through a mix-and-match approach to your crockery – especially if you opt for some vintage china. From tea plates to cups and saucers, invoke the traditional British tea party with some floral china to really take your guests back to the good old days!
You can source a range of china pieces from charity shops or car boot sales, or, have a root around at the back of your cupboards to see what tea sets you can salvage! This is a great way to show your vintage pieces some extra TLC. Plus, the china pieces will add both finesse and practicalities to your garden party as, unlike paper plates and cups, the crockery won’t end up blowing around in the wind.
Image: Pinterest: madeliefje-madelief.blogspot.com
Top Tips
- Invest in a good table cloth: A proper linen or oilcloth table throw will help elevate your garden party and make the setting feel put together and purposeful.
- Cater with sharing plates and platters: Big sharing plates mean no need to worry about plating up individual spreads so there’s minimal catering fuss for the host! You could also invite your guests to each bring a plate to add to the community spirit of the bank holiday celebrations.
- Plan for rain and shine: Remember the British springtime weather can be unpredictable! Come rain or shine you need to be prepared, so, think about what coverings you have to hand to keep your party going, no matter what the elements throw at you! Pergolas, gazebos and parasols are all great options for protecting against all weathers.
- Basket of blankets: Keep the celebrations going on into the night with some cosy blanket baskets on-hand so guests can feel snug even when the sun goes down.
- Music maestro: Consider setting up an outdoor music speaker, or perhaps see if you’ve got some musicians on your guest list who would be willing to strike up a song! Music is a great way to make everyone feel at ease, boost the celebrations and make your garden party even more memorable.
- Preparation is key: Prepare your garden space and spruce things up ahead of time so there’s no need to stress on the day. See some top tips for furniture cleaning and preparation here.
- Send your invites: Finally, get your guests excited with some personalised garden party invites. This could be a digital invitation or a hand-written note, either way, you’ll make your guests feel special and ensure your garden party is the celebration they choose to attend this bank holiday!
Inspired to host a garden party this bank holiday and bursting with ideas? Furniturebox has created The Ultimate Garden Party Checklist to ensure every box is ticked before your guests arrive.
Image: Furniturebox
Happy Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, one and all!
