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The Sloane Street guide to hosting a Platinum Jubilee street party

From tea to bunting and the perfect outfit, here’s everything you need to organise a stylish Platinum Jubilee street party

5 May 2022

Street parties are as much a part of British culture as coronation chicken, afternoon teas and rainy bank holidays. They’ve been a means of celebrating national milestones for more than a century (the first parties happened in 1919 to mark the signing of the Treaty of Versailles), and what better excuse for one than Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the first weekend in June? 

This year, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch in history to reach the milestone of ruling for 70 years and has expressly invited communities across the country to get together for the occasion. But if planning a street party seems a little daunting then don’t fear, because Sloane Street has done the hard work for you. Simply follow this guide to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style.

The decor

Nothing screams “street party” louder than bunting, so set the tone for the celebration with your colour scheme. Platinum and white says “refined gathering in the mews”, while this Union Flag edition from Peter Jones conveys fabulous festivities in full swing.

Let’s face it, organising seating is a bit of a hassle. A winning idea is to suggest your neighbours bring their own. Blankets, too, are perfect for setting on garden lawns or wrapping around your shoulders when the sun goes down, and Loro Piana’s beautiful cashmere throw is ideal. Plus, it’ll come in handy long after the Jubilee weekend.

The outfit

For your outfit, where better to begin than with a Royal Warrant holder itself? Burberry has supplied its iconic trench to many a royal, and soon, to you as well. If something a little lighter suits, then take inspiration from HRH herself and invest in a cardigan. The Fold’s cashmere one is finely knitted yet snug. 

Loro Piana’s red, white and blue silk dress will do perfectly for flying the flag on this most British of occasions, especially with a belt to cinch your waist. Then slip on Brunello Cucinelli’s sparkly leather mules, which are comfortable enough for partying all day and night.

Last but not least, you’ll need a scarf for cooler evening temperatures. This special-edition silk one from Hermès supports the Queen’s Green Canopy – a tree-planting initiative created in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee – and makes a perfect conversation piece for fashion-conscious neighbours.

Hermès Queen's Green Canopy edition scarf, £370

The food

Put a smile on your guests’ faces with cute iced Jubilee buns from the Anya Cafe. Available for a limited time from 30 May, each one comes topped with a golden crown that little ones will love. West London’s favourite sweet treat-makers, Biscuiteers, has also created something special for the Jubilee, with a cute selection of hand-iced London Guardsmen biscuits available from Harvey Nichols. 

For something savoury, might we suggest trying your hand at coronation chicken canapés or, ever the crowd-pleaser, smoked salmon blinis? Those who aren’t culinarily inclined will be pleased to know that one of our favourite plant-based eateries, Holy Carrot, has excellent catering options.

Anya Cafe iced buns, £4 each

The drinks

Tea, anyone? It wouldn’t be a street party without a good cuppa, which is all the better when served in this stylish bone china set from Tiffany & Co.. English breakfast is a universally popular choice, but be sure to allow attendees to add their own milk and sugar – it’s a very personal preference, after all. 

If something stronger appeals then a coupe of Her Majesty’s favourite champagne, Bollinger, is an obvious choice, while Whitley Neill’s special Jubilee edition dry gin – distilled in the City of London – will please the gin connoisseurs among your neighbours. For another locally sourced tipple, head to Mother Vine on Pavilion Road and pick up one of England’s most exclusive sparkling wines, Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs 2017 – the Chardonnay grapes are grown and hand-harvested on the Rathfinny Estate in Sussex.

The invites

Go all out with invitations personalised with the name of your street from Smythson, which will make for such a sweet memento of the occasion. Be sure to handwrite them, too – it’s a personal touch that will place you firmly in your neighbours’ good books (perfect for the next time you need to borrow some sugar). 

Alternatively, the shimmery cameo atop Smythson’s readymade invitation cards is just right for a regal celebration, and since the company is also a Royal Warrant holder, they’re even more fitting. And if you’re attending someone else’s party, don’t forget to thank your host afterwards with a handwritten note of gratitude for organising the festivities.

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