How To Host A Coronation Party
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Are you going to host an English party for the coronation? If you’re an Anglophile like I am, you are probably excited about the upcoming coronation of King Charles lll! His coronation will be the first that most of us can remember.
Throwing an English themed party for the Coronation can be as simple as a cup of tea and shortbread, or as elaborate as an Afternoon tea party!
From a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, to street parties in the far reaches of the globe, Britons and Anglophiles will be celebrating this once in a lifetime event.
Having lived in London in my twenties, I developed a love for all things British. Working in pubs, and restaurants, visiting the countryside of Yorkshire for shooting weekends, and Devon for beach getaways, made me fall more in love with my English roots.
I made shortbread and tea, and woke up at 4 am when I was in college so I could watch Lady Diana marry the Prince of Wales, now King Charles lll.
I recorded Kate and Prince William’s wedding, and had an evening “tea party” complete with hats and a full cream tea for a dozen friends.
When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, my daughters invited friends over for an early morning tea and warm scones and clotted cream. So you can imagine I’ll be ready for the Coronation as well! For more information about the Coronation, scroll to the bottom of the post.
What should you serve at Coronation party?
What you serve for a Coronation party depends on a few things…
Time
King Charles’s Coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6th in the morning. Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation was at 11:15 and lasted around 3 hours. The official Coronation website has not listed the exact time, but it will most likely be around that time.
The time of your party will depend on where you’ll be watching from. Since I’m on the west coast of the US, I usually have to wake up really early, or record any event that takes place in London. If you’re on the east coast, you’ll be watching it a bit later. If you’re recording the Coronation, you can plan your English party any time you wish.
Morning
The first Coronation party idea is breakfast! If you’re going watch live, you can serve breakfast. Buckingham Palace just release the recipe for Coronation quiche which I have adapted for American kitchens. One of my favorite versions of eggs Benedict is eggs Royale, which I first had in London. It’s perfect for a special ocassion breakfast or brunch.
The easy one minute Hollandaise means that if you can poach an egg, you can make Eggs Royale in the same amount of time it takes you to toast the muffins and poach the eggs. Of course you could also opt for a Scotch pancakes, or something as simple as soft boiled eggs with toast “soldiers”.
Luncheon
Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 Coronation luncheon featured none other than Coronation chicken salad, a lightly curried chicken salad with chutney and dried fruit.
There are two ways to serve it, on a bed of lettuce or field greens, or as a filling in tea sandwiches. (We’ll get to those in a minute!) Or you could have savory sausage, apple and sage hand pies or a cottage pie (shepherd’s pie). A good pub lunch might include the easy ploughman’s lunch, sausage rolls or a steak pie.
Afternoon Tea
A classic afternoon tea would be a perfect way to celebrate. First let’s clear up a few tea misconceptions! Don’t call it “High Tea”. As much as it sounds elegant, “high tea” is just the opposite. It’s generally used to mean “dinner” or “supper” and while tea would definitely be served, (it is always served in Britain), it consists of heartier dishes.
Start with pretty tea cups! I love using mismatched tea cups which are easy to find at jumble or yard sales. This tiered stand is lovely for a tea or dessert buffet.
I’m excited to be partnering with The Bee’s Knees British Imports for the Coronation! Take 10% off of any order with the code GIRLEATS. You can see their collection of fabulous mugs and tea cups here.
Here is a beautiful coronation mug .
Of course you must start with the perfect cup of tea!
The bottom of the tiered tea stand always holds the tea sandwiches. Cucumber sandwiches are a must, smoked salmon is a lovely addition, and Coronation chicken salad makes a great filling for tea sandwiches. If you’re having a lot of people for tea and don’t have enough china, these vintage paper plates and tea cups are a great idea!
More Tea Sandwich Fillings
- Chicken with apricot and tarragon
- Chicken salad with apples, walnuts & rosemary.
- Egg salad
- Chicken liver pate
- Ham and English Cheddar with horseradish butter
The second tier always has the scones. Unlike American scones, British tea scones are light and fluffy, not too sweet, and the perfect vehicle for the all-important jam and clotted cream (or clotted cream and jam)! If you prefer a savory scone, try these fluffy cheese scones.
Lastly, the top tier of the tea stand always contains little dainties, petit fours and tarts.
Here are some ideas for the “top tier” of the tea stand.
Cocktail Party
Other option for a Coronation party is a cocktail party. Of course, you’ll want to serve the Queen’s favorite cocktail, Dubonnet and Gin as well as the celebratory Kir Royale. A Pimm’s Cup or Gin & Tonic are classic English drinks. Inexpensive silver trays are a lovely way to serve drinks or hors d’oeuvre.
Hors d’Oeuvres
As far as appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, you can serve this smoked trout mousse. It is a recipe I got from a friend in Nottingham more than 40 years ago. smoked salmon cheesecake is an impressive addition to any cocktail party.
More passed hors d’oeuvres
- Crab stuffed mushrooms
- Candied cherry tomato
- Chickpea blini
- Smoked salmon crostini
- Smoked salmon vol au vents with cream cheese
- Gougères Gruyère
- Goat cheese croquettes
- Three cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Boursin stuffed mushrooms
- Herbed vegetable pancakes with lemon chive cream
Dinner
If you’re watching later in the afternoon or evening, you could serve pasta with smoked salmon. Even though it doesn’t sound English, it’s a dish that I had on more than one occasion in London. It’s elegant and very easy. Of course, it’s hard to beat a classic roast beef or roast lamb with English mint sauce
Dessert Party
Lastly, if you’re going to watch with a group later, and just want to serve English or British desserts. Here is a list of delicious possibilities.
Chocolate biscuit cake (the Queen’s favorite cake)
Decorating for a Coronation Party
The decorations are the best part! There are so many fun things you can buy online. Start with some festive bunting with King Charles, or this beautiful bunting in felt. What about cupcake liners with the Union Jack or fun photo props? You can go totally “British” and use a Union Jack tablecloth or paper goods, or opt for the “tea party” look. The Bee’s Knees has a selection of Coronation items as does Amazon.
What is a Coronation?
The last British coronation was King Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth ll on June 2nd, 1953. As with the Platinum Jubilee, the festivities will happen across Great Britain, and indeed the Commonwealth, the weekend of May 6th, 7th and 8th.“A coronation is the act of placement or bestowal of a crown upon a monarch’s head.” (wikipedia) Also a religious ceremony, the head of the Anglican church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will conduct the service and anoint the new king’s head with holy oil.
Even though the crown technically passed to Charles the moment his mother, Queen Elizabeth ll died in September, King Charles’s coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6th at Westminster Abbey.
The Archbishop will place the five pound, solid gold, St. Edward’s crown upon the new monarch’s head. The first coronation, that of William the Conqueror, took place in Westminster Abbey over 900 years ago. King Charles lll will be the 40th monarch to be crowned in Westminster Abbey. Camilla, the Queen Consort, will also be crowned. Source: BBC, King Charles lll.
Who will be at the Coronation?
This is a state occasion, so the government determines who attends. Heads of state from around the world and Commonwealth will be in attendance. While Queen Elizabeth ll’s Coronation had over 8,000 guests in attendance, King Charles’s coronation is expected to have less than half that number. For more about the Coronation, visit the official Coronation website.
Great post outlining EVERY possible situation for watching the coronation! I’ll be watching from Pacific Time, so depending on what time is announced, I’m probably only going to have tea and maybe shortbread or biscuits, but will have tea sandwiches later in the day. Thanks for your recipes! It won’t be the same watching it if I record it, which is what my husband suggested!
Perfect! I’m on the West Coast too! I’ll probably get up early! You are entered in the Coronation giveaway!
Definitely a proper British tea. Lots of sweets, finger sandwiches, and a bit of champagne thrown in for good measure. Can’t wait.
Will get up early and watch it unfold on tv. Will have Tea and scones in the morning and I will enjoy a good gin and tonic later in the day. Cheers!
Yes, I’ll be up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) to watch. Cheers!
Dainty desserts, fancy sandwiches,Imperial cookies , tea of course and Pims with fish and chips later
I’ll probably do both, record AND try and watch live! I know it’s going to be so early here!
I have plans to celebrate the coronation with some Union Jack shortbread cookies, some tea, of course, and just maybe some of Coronation Chicken Salad you showed. It looks and sounds yummy. I have ordered some decorations from Love British Lifestyle. I’m excited to watch!!
Sounds amazing Elaine! You are entered!
My goodness, Cynthia. This is THE go-to post to celebrate the coronation in style. There is certainly enough recipes and ideas in here for everyone! How cool to have an Edward VIII coronation mug – bet they were selling them off cheap when it didn’t happen but has gained in value? (Can you tell I’m Scottish?) Love any time of day party idea with the special teacups. For once, we’re in a good place time-wise compared to the USA – as we’re in France, we can prepare an hour in advance so your lovely Eggs Benedict for brunch sounds fabulous.
Thank you ever so much for linking to so many of my recipes. You know how to make us all feel like a princess. Merci x
Aww thanks Jill! I had fun putting it together. I’ll be up before the chickens to watch it!
What a beautiful post ? Something for everyone. I will have to read it again and make my notes.
Thank you.
Thank you! Are you interested in being entered into the giveaway?
Just read an article about the Stone of Scone, so I’m thinking scones with clotted cream and jam. Plan to watch the coronation from the east coast. Great ideas above and I might try the chicken salad recipes
You are entered! I’ll have to read that article!
we can’t wait to watch it!
Nettie
Awesome! You’re entered in the giveaway! (Just make sure you are signed up for both of our newsletters!) Good luck! Is your friend invited?
Great post! We’ll be celebrating with Eggs Royale and strawberries with minted cream. Long live the King!
Fabulous! You are entered in the giveaway! Just make sure you are signed up for both newsletters!
Hi Karen! The wheel chose you for the Coronation mug and tea towel giveaway. I couldn’t locate you in my private group or page to notify you.
Please message or email me back with your mailing information.Congratulations!
I look forward to watching the coronation of the king. I will make a pot of tea and eat shortbread. I would love to win this mug and tea towel. I will add it to the Princess Diana and Prince Charles wedding cups I received from my late mother-in-law. They are a treasure.
excellent! I watched Charles and Diana’s wedding too! I wish I had a souvenir though!
Great post with SO Many options!! ‘Thought about scones (GF) and tea (since it will be breakfast time for me) but the idea of a nice Pimms Cup…yum! Pimms Cups have fruit, that’s kind of breakfastie food, right?!
I am going to do a brunch with quite a few British cocktails with some friends! I work for a British company, so I am a bit jealous that they get an extra holiday in the Monday after to celebrate!
So fun! Good luck! you are entered!
Definitely going to watch , scones and tea with strawberries and clotted cream !
Awesome! You are entered to win the Coronation mug and tea towel!
Tea and Victoria sponge ! And a cozy blanket on the couch
I will watch it live from the
West coast and record it.
Thank you for the menu suggestions.
I’ll send invites for the early morning live stream and serve tea and scones with clotted cream and jam. I’ll send invites for an afternoon gathering to watch the recorded version and ask them to make and bring something from your Coronation post. We’ll see you attends. Can’t wait for this special occasion!
What a lovely tribute to the upcoming coronation of King Charles. Especially like the breakfast menu recipes in honor of the occasion! Would love to win this very special prize, it’s truly royal!
I can’t wait to try out some of these recipes! they look delicious!
We are having tea, shortbread, scones, ginger sandwiches and mimosas
King Charles and I were born in the same year. I was born in Glasgow however. I’m in California now so I’ll catch it when I can. I’ll have some scones and shortbread with tea. Dad was in the Royal Navy during the war and was a pastry chef who worked on an air craft carrier. I know a lot of stories from then but he also helped me improve my shortbread recipe, among others. I would love the commemorative cup and tea towel but I know you have many to chose from. Good luck to whoever wins it.
Hi Rose! Make sure you’re signed up for me weekly newsletter and the Bee’s Knees newsletter to qualify. I can’t find your email in my database. Good luck!
I will be recording the coronation and watching later with tea cuo and scones in hand!
I have a small collection of some of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite recipes. In honor of her memory and in honor of the coronation, I will pull out my recipes and make some of the late queen’s favorite dishes. I also plan on enjoying a nice cup of tea or two.
Are you Christina’s Cucina? I’d love some of those recipes!
No, I’m Cynthia. This is my website. Christina’s Cucina is my friend. A lot of her recipes are right here on this post though.
I’m planning to have a “tea party” for two … just my husband & me … as we’ll be traveling in our motorhome on May 6th
My husband actually loves tea sandwiches! Fun! Where are you off to?
Most definitely Earl Grey tea and crumpets, and I have been wanting to make the Queen’s chocolate biscuit cake! A coronation seems like the perfect time. Cheers, ttfn. 😉
If not now when? It’s a pretty cake and delicious too! Cheers!
I’ll be celebrating the Coronation by having Scotch eggs, shortbread and a cup of tea, and I’m going to need a great tea cup and a tea towel!
Make sure you’re signed up for both the Bee’s Knees and my newsletters! I couldn’t find your email in my database! Good luck!
So many great recipes to try! Looking forward to watching the coronation & starting with the real French Toast. Thanks so much!!
We will be having high tea with lots of cucumber finger sandwiches.
I will celebrate…and put up my picture WITH King Charles! (Of course he was only Prince Charles then.) I went to a charity event at his Cotswolds home, Highgrove. He was quite charming and had to deal with lots of insufferable people trying to impress him! I actually got an insight into how challenging it is to be so world famous…
I will have friends over who also lived in London and time it so we can enjoy tea. Coronation chicken will absolutely be on the menu as well as cucumber sandwiches, fresh baked scones with clotted cream and lovely little cakes.
God Save The King!
Oh my! What a wonderful story! I used to live in London as well and was walking home past Clarence House one day and there he was getting into a car with his protection officers! Did you sign up for the Bee’s knees and my newsletter? Good luck!