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This summer I hosted a themed Platinum Jubilee Tea Party to honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year reign. It seemed all of England was celebrating this event, so I figured I might as well hop on the bandwagon and plan something special. See below the many aspects of this themed tea party and steps for you to plan your own special day.
Nearly every little girl dreams of being a princess, and I was no different. I grew up and am still infatuated with stories about princesses and women who became queens. Consider my favorite such movies: Cinderella. Princess Diaries. Ella Enchanted. Or how about Elizabeth-The Golden Age, The Young Victoria, and Mary Queen of Scots. My most recent television binge happened this past spring when I watched again all four seasons of The Crown. (For those interested, the fifth season is set to come out in November 2022.)
Which leads us to another reason I was inspired to host a Platinum Jubilee Tea Party. Have you ever noticed how often they drink tea in these shows? It’s quite often. And it makes me want to get out my finest tea set and join them! Plus, the Queen enjoys afternoon tea as much as I do. Watch this adorable video of her having tea with Paddington Bear, which was released as part of her Jubilee Celebration.
Researching a Themed Tea Party
When planning a themed tea party, you’ll want to do as much research on the subject as possible. For instance, if you’re hosting a Downton Abbey tea or perhaps a Jane Austen party, you’ll want to research the time period, what styles, music, and foods were enjoyed, and then plan your party accordingly. Perhaps you’ll encourage guests to wear clothing or accessories from that era, or you’ll play music or have decorations that build on your theme.
For my party, having watched four seasons of The Crown, I had a pretty good idea of Her Majesty’s life and royal history. But just in case I missed something, I purchased this book about her life, The Queen: A Life in Pictures, by Town and Country. This is such a well written book with wonderful pictures of Queen Elizabeth and her family.
There are many more books about her life that have been published this spring that are more current, so if you’re into such reading, be sure to browse what is available.
I used this book, along with a great deal of online searching, to learn as much about HRM (Her Royal Majesty) as possible. After all, if I was going to host a tea party in her honor, I intended to be knowledgeable. The Royal Website has lots of information about the Platinum Jubilee.
This research served us multiple times, as our youngest daughter, Abbey, used a lot of the information to make a party game of Royal Facts about the Queen.
Every attendee was given a castle that had six doors and behind each door was a fact about Queen Elizabeth II. We used this game as fun interaction between food courses, which also served as a history lesson for all of us. When we walked away from the party, we had heard a minimum of 30 interesting facts about the Queen.
While online I also purchased a few items to serve as decorations and party favors for my guests. Plus I found this delightful bobble head of the Queen in a pretty blue coat with a favorite Corgi. Now it was official. The Queen would join us for tea!
Queen Elizabeth loves Corgi dogs and has owned one since she was a young girl. Did you know that a children’s movie was made called The Queen’s Corgis. I have not watched it yet, but it is currently streaming on Prime or you may Purchase the DVD Here.
(Video) 🥪 👜 Ma’amalade sandwich Your Majesty?
Abbey also made tea menus for the party. I thought they turned out quite lovely. You may view more of her Tea Party Items at her Etsy store, Heritage Hollow Designs.
Tea Party Favors
Along with the menu silhouette and castle game, tea party attendees received a gold crown (with chocolate truffle), and a gold drawstring favor bag that held honey sticks and individual tea packets from Fortnum and Mason.
Party favors are not necessary when hosting a tea, but they are always appreciated. Something as simple as a piece of chocolate, a paper napkin formed into a rose, or even a menu card will make your guests smile. (See how to make a napkin rose HERE.) Give your friends something to take home as a remembrance of their afternoon tea with you.
Royal Crafts for the Children
Since there would be children attending the tea party, I wanted to plan something special for them. In fact, my grandchildren were excellent helpers for this when researching the Platinum Jubilee. There is much to find online for children’s crafts and ways to involve them for this special British celebration.
For our tea party, we chose a handful of coloring pages that featured the Queen. We also printed off a coloring craft to make a Royal Bunting, which we draped from the ceiling for our party. This bunting actually hung in our kitchen for over a month, and I failed to capture a single picture of it!
However, I did get photos of the Royal Crowns, which the children made and decorated, then proceeded to wear during the party.
If you are hosting a tea party where children will be in attendance, be sure to keep them in mind when planning your activities, decorations, and food. Always prepare at least one food that the children will enjoy eating. See this Back to School Tea Party for menu ideas perfect for kids.
Planning the Table Setting and Decorations
Once I had sufficient knowledge about my themed tea party, I began planning the table setting and decorations. Queen Elizabeth’s favorite flower is Lily of the Valley, which was in her coronation bouquet, so I made sure to incorporate this flower into the decorations, along with a lovely vase with white and blue flowers.
After browsing my various dishes, I decided on my grandmother’s blue china (Elegant Lady, by the International Silver Company) and paired it with cobalt blue dishes. I especially liked that these dishes were lined in silver, which went with my Platinum theme.
The Tea Menu
Because I wanted to honor HM, I decided to plan my tea menu around foods that she enjoys. Fortunately, because there was so much attention on her 70th Jubilee, the information was easy to find.
Queen Elizabeth takes afternoon tea every day, alternating a plain scone one day with a sweet scone (golden raisin) the next. She also has favorite sandwiches and desserts that she enjoys. One dessert is a Chocolate Biscuit Cake, which she has been known to request no matter which castle home she is staying at.
With all of this information at my fingertips, I planned the following tea menu, with all of the teas purchased from Fortnum and Mason,
Fortnum and Mason holds a royal appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, which simply means they are holders of a Royal Warrant and indicates that the Royal Household uses their products. It is the greatest honor a UK business can be given.
SAVORY COURSE: Jubilee Egg Salad and Watercress Sandwiches, Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Smoked Salmon Mousse Cucumber Canapes, and Ham and Dijon Tea Sandwiches. Served with Platinum Jubilee Blend, from Fortnum and Mason.
SCONE COURSE: Buckingham Palace Royal English Scones with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam, Everything Bagel Scones with Honey Butter and Fig Preserves. Served with Victoria Grey, from Fortnum and Mason.
SWEETS – Victorian Sponge Cake, The Queen’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake, Battenburg Cake, and Balmoral Scottish Shortbread with fresh strawberries. Served with Darjeeling Tea from Fortnum and Mason.
For a refreshing drink between courses, I served Mint Lemonade, and we ended the tea party with a Sparkling Prosecco for a toast to the Queen. Long Live the Queen – God Save the Queen!
I hope you have enjoyed this post about our Platinum Jubilee Tea Party. Maybe it will stir ideas for a themed party in your future. I always say that a good percentage of the fun had in afternoon tea is in the planning!
See more Tea Party Themes Here. Browse Tea Party Foods Here.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Platinum Jubilee celebration? ›
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II was the international celebration in 2022 marking the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.
What Colour represents Platinum Jubilee? ›Two colours make up the emblem of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee – platinum and Pantone 3515 C. The platinum colour represents Her Majesty's 70 years on the throne, whilst the purple colour is synonymous with royalty.
What is the Queen's Favourite food? ›The former royal chef revealed the Queen loves chocolate!
"For a first course she loved the Gleneagles pâté, which is smoked salmon, trout and mackerel. She loved using ingredients off the estate and so if we had salmon from Balmoral from the River Dee, she'd have that, it was one of her favourites.
The top tier features the official Platinum Jubilee logo. The tiers are also decorated with platinum coloured swirls to give a crown shape across the whole cake. Intricate sugar paste flowers, including white roses, are layered around the cake.
Why is it called jubilee? ›Jubilee ultimately comes from the Hebrew word yōbhēl, referring to a ram's horn that was used as a trumpet. This instrument, called a shofar, was used to mark Jewish religious occasions, including the one observed every 50 years and known as the Year of Jubilee.
Why is it called Platinum Jubilee? ›Jubilees mark a major milestone in the reign of a Monarch, celebrating their life and service. The naming of these celebrations follows the traditions of wedding anniversaries: 25 years is called a Silver Jubilee, 50 years a Golden Jubilee, 60 years a Diamond Jubilee, and 70 years a Platinum Jubilee.
What's the Colour of platinum? ›A very heavy, precious, silver-white metal, platinum is soft and ductile and has a high melting point and good resistance to corrosion and chemical attack.
What is the Queen's Favourite colour to wear? ›Answer and Explanation: According to an evaluation of the clothing Queen Elizabeth has worn on public appearances in the past year, blue is the Queen's preferred color. Many shades of blue have been featured in the Queen's wardrobe, but beige seldom appears at all.
What's the Queen's Favourite colour? ›Love for Blue
But Her Royal Majesty favoured blue not only then but the whole time throughout her 70 years on the throne, frequently choosing vibrant shades of the hue, including royal blue.
The image can be downloaded for free use by private individuals and by non-profit making organisations such as schools, charities, military organisations and local authorities. There shall be no commercial use of the portrait (including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use).
How do you Organise a Jubilee street party? ›
- It's legal for anyone to hold a street party from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.
- Start planning six weeks in advance.
- Fill out government application form on local council website FIND YOUR FORM.
- No risk assessment needed.
- Plan ahead. As the old adage goes, fail to plan and you plan to fail. ...
- Make it legal! If you're planning a big knees-up in the street you'll need permission from your local council. ...
- Prep your garden. ...
- Plan the menu. ...
- Decide on decorations. ...
- Invest wisely. ...
- Create a centrepiece. ...
- Don't forget the details.
- Caramelised Onion & Thyme Sausage Rolls. ...
- Lemon Swiss Roll and Amaretti Trifle. ...
- Cheese & pesto whirls. ...
- French Onion Quiche Squares. ...
- Raspberry Crumb Bars. ...
- Chive Potato Salad. ...
- Broccolini Pasta Salad. ...
- Eton Mess.
Favourite afternoon treat 'by far'
Little less known was her love of chocolate biscuit cake, typically returning to nibble on it until the entire cake was finished, according to Chef Darren McGrady, her former personal chef. He told Hello!
chocolate biscuit cake from the British royal kitchen
Chocolate biscuit cake is Queen Elizabeth's favorite cake ~ she would take a small slice every day with her tea, until the cake was finished, and then she'd start on a fresh one!
'The turkey is served with mashed and roast potatoes, chestnut or sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Vegetables include brussels sprouts, carrots and roast parsnips,' Darren says, adding that the Queen would enjoy a glass of the aromatic German white wine gewürztraminer with her meal.
What is the official dessert of the Queen's Jubilee? ›A lemon and amaretti trifle that includes 20 ingredients, five hours of prep time and serves 20 people, the so-called “Platinum Pudding” was chosen after a national contest, announced by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and posted to the official Instagram account she shares with Prince Charles in May.
What Flavour is the Queen's jubilee cake? ›1. Jubilee cake. An icon among cakes, the classic Victoria sponge is about as British as a pot of tea. This one is layered and sandwiched together with cream and both blueberry and strawberry jam, and topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries fashioned into a Union Jack.
What was the winning pudding for the Queen's Jubilee? ›A lemon and Swiss roll amaretti trifle will be the official pudding for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee after winning a competition to find a new dessert. The sweet's creator has dubbed it the 'people's pudding'.
What is 60th birthday called? ›Year | Anniversary Name | Modern Gift or Present |
---|---|---|
55th | Emerald | Emerald |
60th | Diamond | Diamond |
65th | Blue Sapphire | Blue Sapphire |
70th | Platinum | Platinum |
Why do we celebrate jubilee? ›
The celebration of the Jubilee is the fiftieth year, that is, the year after seven Sabbatical cycles. In Roman Catholic tradition, a Jubilee is a year of remission of sins and also the punishment due to sin.
What is 100th anniversary called? ›“In loving memory, Elizabeth,” the card read. Queen Elizabeth II is also a successor of Queen Elizabeth I, also known as the Virgin Queen, who was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death in 1603. According to RMG, Queen Elizabeth I's last words were, “All my possessions for one moment of time.”
Who pays for the platinum jubilee? ›The money for the event is coming from several different revenue streams, and some won't be happy to read a big chunk comes directly from the UK taxpayer – aka us. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set aside £28million of taxpayers' money for the four-day event, according to the government's March 2021 budget.
Who will be the next queen of England? ›King Charles III
Charles was named the new King of the United Kingdom and the 14 Commonwealth realms on September 8, 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. His wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, took on the title of Queen Consort after he became king.
Is platinum more valuable than gold? Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.
What is the code of platinum? ›Code | Color |
---|---|
#797979 | Platinum Gray |
#CECECE | Platinum Silver |
As mentioned, platinum is a silvery-white color with a hint of shine to it. This places it under a neutral and metallic scale. Because of this, you already know that it pairs well with other neutrals, whether white, black, gray or even navy blue.
What colour can the Queen not wear? ›Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known to sport the brightest of colours when she attended public events, however there is one colour the monarch never wore. Royal biographer Robert Hardman reportedly said: “My favourite remark she ever said was: 'I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am. '”
What is the Queen's Favourite sandwich? ›Tuna mayonnaise sandwiches
A former royal chef recently claimed the Queen's favourite sandwich was tuna mayonnaise. He said that the sandwich always had to be generously buttered and topped with thin slices of cucumber, plus a sprinkle of black pepper on top.
What is the Queen's Favourite chocolate? ›
Queen's former chef reveals monarch kept chocolate in her room. Queen Elizabeth has had the honour of eating some of the world's most luxurious and expensive foods. But the monarch is said to be fond of a classic British dark mint chocolate, usually eaten after dinner, that anyone can buy from your local supermarket.
What is the Queen's Favourite fruit? ›Mangoes are a family favourite
For something healthier, mangoes are the Queen's snack of choice. Former Buckingham Palace chef John Higgins told the National Post: “She could tell you how many mangoes were in the fridge at Buckingham Palace”.
Though lenses can't get close enough to reveal exactly which brand and shade Her Majesty is using, Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Colour Lipstick in Fig is said to be among the Queen's favourites.
What is the Queen's Favourite cheese? ›But it's Dairy Crest Limited who can claim not just the warrant, but also Elizabeth's favorite cheese of all: Cathedral City Cheddar (via Food Network).
What is black dot on Queens hat? ›In a sweet tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, the royal added a black mourning pin to her green hat, which she wore front and centre of her vibrant green outfit. Mourning pins are traditionally worn by members of the royal family following a death.
What foreign language does the Queen speak fluently? ›Queen Elizabeth can speak both English and French, having learned the latter as a child. Her Majesty's language skills are shared by several members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Philip.
Will Queen Elizabeth be embalmed? ›The late Queen's coffin has been in Westminster Hall for the last four days with millions of people visiting to pay their last respects. With Queen Elizabeth's coffin being kept open for the public, people have wondered how they managed to preserve her body. It has now been confirmed that the Queen was embalmed.
What do you wear to a Jubilee party? ›The easiest way to muster up a Jubilee outfit is to go for a traditional colour palette. It's time to whip out those red dresses, white shirts and blue jeans. Find a fit that matches your vibe, whether that's a casual ensemble or glam party dress and get ready to enjoy yourself in the coolest Jubilee clothes.
Do we need insurance for Jubilee street party? ›Licences and insurance
You don't need a licence for food, alcohol or entertainment unless you're planning to charge or open your event to the general public. You also don't need to have public liability insurance.
...
- Host the party outside. ...
- Celebrate with the neighbors. ...
- Put on a good spread. ...
- Decorate the table in regal style. ...
- Set the scene out front. ...
- Organize a bake-off.
What should I bring to a Jubilee street party? ›
- 1) Scotch Eggs. Who doesn't love a Scotch egg?! ...
- 2) Coronation Chicken Sandwiches. ...
- 3) Vegetarian Tartlets. ...
- 4) Melton Mowbray Pork Pies. ...
- 5) Cocktail Fishcakes. ...
- 1) The Elizabeth Sponge. ...
- 2) Scones with Strawberry Ripple Cream. ...
- 3) Luxurious Chocolate Brownie Loaf.
Please remember a street party is for residents only and there should be no outside 'publicity', as this will make your street party a public event. Most neighbours will normally join in as it is right outside their door - they will have to decide whether or not to go, if only for a short time.
What do you eat on Queens Jubilee? ›Including some good ole' British classics like Scones, Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls, along with a few twists like Pimm's Eton Mess and Bloody Mary Bombs, here's 37 cracking recipes for celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
What day is the Jubilee picnic? ›The Big Jubilee Picnic will bring together residents of our estate to celebrate the Queens Jubilee on Sunday 5th June.
What should I bring to a street party? ›Take your pick from street party favourites like sausage rolls, sweet and savoury scones, potato salad and mini pasties. There's plenty of drinks options for both the drinkers and non-drinkers, plus some easy bakes to make with the kids like Victoria sponge or traybakes to feed a crowd.
What do you eat on Queens Jubilee? ›Including some good ole' British classics like Scones, Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls, along with a few twists like Pimm's Eton Mess and Bloody Mary Bombs, here's 37 cracking recipes for celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
What food was served at the Queen's coronation? ›The food had to be prepared in advance, and Florist Constance Spry proposed a recipe of cold chicken in a curry cream sauce with a well-seasoned dressed salad of rice, green peas and mixed herbs. Constance Spry's recipe won the approval of the Minister of Works and has since been known as Coronation Chicken.
What should I bring to a jubilee picnic? ›- Caramelised Onion & Thyme Sausage Rolls. ...
- Lemon Swiss Roll and Amaretti Trifle. ...
- Cheese & pesto whirls. ...
- French Onion Quiche Squares. ...
- Raspberry Crumb Bars. ...
- Chive Potato Salad. ...
- Broccolini Pasta Salad. ...
- Eton Mess.
Murchie's Golden Jubilee Tea was originally blended to honour Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and reintroduced in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee. This is a classic, rich black tea in true English fashion. Originally blended: 1977. Product Name.
How do you Organise a Jubilee street party? ›- It's legal for anyone to hold a street party from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.
- Start planning six weeks in advance.
- Fill out government application form on local council website FIND YOUR FORM.
- No risk assessment needed.
How do you make a Jubilee party? ›
- Plan ahead. As the old adage goes, fail to plan and you plan to fail. ...
- Make it legal! If you're planning a big knees-up in the street you'll need permission from your local council. ...
- Prep your garden. ...
- Plan the menu. ...
- Decide on decorations. ...
- Invest wisely. ...
- Create a centrepiece. ...
- Don't forget the details.
As Brits and other devout followers of the British Royal Family ramp up for the culmination of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations from June 2nd to the 5th, there's no better libation to imbibe than the Queen's storied favorite: a Dubonnet and gin, which is a simple mixture of Dubonnet, a wine-based French ...
What is the orb that the Queen holds? ›Sovereign's Orb, 1661
During the coronation the monarch is presented with objects representing their powers and responsibilities. This is called the investiture. Among the objects is the Sovereign's Orb, a golden globe surmounted by a cross. It reminds the monarch that their power is derived from God.
Coronation Chicken was created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Although fit for a queen, it's a simple meal that's ideal for a summer lunch with rice salad or cracked wheat salad.
What dessert was served at the Queen's coronation? ›History. An account of Queen Elizabeth cake's origins is that it was prepared for the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. During this time, food rationing still existed in Great Britain, and a cake with few ingredients was in order.
What day is the Jubilee picnic? ›The Big Jubilee Picnic will bring together residents of our estate to celebrate the Queens Jubilee on Sunday 5th June.
What should I bring to a street party? ›Take your pick from street party favourites like sausage rolls, sweet and savoury scones, potato salad and mini pasties. There's plenty of drinks options for both the drinkers and non-drinkers, plus some easy bakes to make with the kids like Victoria sponge or traybakes to feed a crowd.
What does Jubilee tea taste like? ›The flavor is a little woodsy but also a bit minerally – like 'stones' almost like some oolongs I have tried. There is a sturdy black tea finish that has a hint of bitterness to it – but in a good way.
What sandwiches does the queen eat? ›AP. Queen Elizabeth II has eaten jam sandwiches every day since she was a toddler, according to her former private chef. Darren McGrady claims on his YouTube channel that the monarch favours a strawberry preserve made from fruits picked in her Balmoral Castle grounds in Scotland.
Is Jubilee tea caffeinated? ›Description: Cherries Jubilee combines cherry and roasted almond essence with a base of creamy chicory, barley and South African rooibos, making the blend a perfect caffeine-free dessert alternative with only 3 calories per cup. Taste: Davidson's Cherries Jubilee is a tart and fruity brew with buttery undertones.