A Jubilee Party To Remember

[Above: Sainsbury’s Diamond Jubilee Street Party,  decorations from £2]

The sun has been out, spirits are lifted and we have a wonderful four-day long weekend coming up  to eat, drink, relax and do what is quintessentially English and have a party. Whether you choose to have a street party, a BBQ or a garden party to celebrate the diamond jubilee, it is the perfect excuse to get patriotic with your decorating, food and even your dress.

Her majesty The Queen has had a rollercoaster on a reign since ascending the throne at just 28 years old. But as we celebrate her diamond jubilee, 60 years on the throne, it seems that she is entering some what of a diamond age too with her popularity soaring and the nation being gripped with jubilee fever.

Here we look at the most stylish way to celebrate this weekend as well as provide you with a cheats recipe for easy Coronation chicken which is perfect to serve alongside your cucumber sandwiches, poached salmon and strawberries and cream.

1. London Jubilee Bunting by Sarah Benning, £16.99 from Notonthehighstreet.com.

2. These gorgeous contemporary jubilee biscuits in a commemorative tin taste as good as they look, £40 from Biscuiteers.

3. Keep cool with Belvoir’s Summer Celebration Punch, £2.46, a  refreshing, fruity punch, bursting with real strawberries, limes and mint.

4. These diamond jubilee pin wheels add a whimsical effect to your garden party, £6 by 3 Blonde Bears at Notonthehighstreet.com.

5. Be a princess at the diamond jubilee with this striking tiara from Diva Tiaras. If it looks familiar that’s because it is a replica of the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, owned by The Queen and worn on numerous occasions by the late Princess Diana, £99 from Selfridges.

6. This fabulous tea stand has three reversible tiers. Fill with traditional fare including cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream, and place at the heart of the party table, £8.99 from Party Pieces.

7. English Tea Party Paper Doilies, £4.99 for 24 pretty paper doilies in 3 different designs and sizes. Add that extra touch of decoration to your afternoon tea table. From Partydelights.co.uk.

8. Indulge with floral macarons from Laduree, available in store at their shops in Harrods, Burlington Arcade, Covent Garden and Cornhill.

9. Diamond Jubilee Party – Cupcake Cases and 24 Toppers, £4, isme.com

10. Blue floral oilcloth tablecloth, from £11.76 depending on size from Bluejigsaw.co.uk.

11. Talking Tables regal paper napkins mean that even as you wiping food from your hands and face, you are doing it with style, £4 for a packet of 250 from John Lewis.

12. The Talking Tables Cake Top Pops will make a jubilee party out of any cake you choose to serve, £3.50 directly from Talking Tables.

Coronation Chicken

If you would like to add a touch of tradition with a modern day twist to your jubilee day party menu, why not try our simple Coronation Chicken to add to the mix of finger sandwiches, cakes and fancies.

INGREDIENTS

500 gr cooked chicken (if you don’t fancy poaching your own, buy it from the supermarket such as Waitrose’s cooked chicken sliced breast)

1 tsp curry powder

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp mango chutney

125 gr Greek yoghurt

125 gr mayonnaise

small bunch of coriander finely chopped

50 grams flaked almonds, toasted

Handful of watercress and cooked basmati rice for serving

METHOD

Shred chicken and set aside.

Lightly toast curry powder to release the flavours. Then combine the yoghurt and mayonnaise and mix in the curry powder, chutney and Worcestershire sauce.

Mix in the chicken until it is well covered and then mix in the coriander.

Serve on a bed of rice or watercress and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.