Royal weddings – you’ve got to love them, haven’t you? That chance for the whole country to get together, and for a day at least, revel in the experience of just enjoying something nice. From speculation over the dress, aah-ing over the bridal flowers and waving Union Jacks around, wedding fever is well and truly upon us. But for those of us not lucky enough to have received an invitation, here are some ideas for a right Royal celebration you and your family can have wherever you’re likely to be tuning in.
HOLD A PARTY CHEZ YOU
The Royal wedding is a perfect excuse for a family get-together. Think tea parties, cucumber sandwiches, Earl Grey and plenty of Victoria sponge. Or what about some scones and clotted cream or home-made lemonade? If you really want to go all out Royal, you could even try this recipe for Her Majesty’s own Scotch pancakes. HRH is said to have made these for US President Dwight Eisenhower when he visited Balmoral Castle in 1959.
If you don’t have family nearby, check out local listings for details of community screenings – many village halls and community groups up and down the country are joining in the fun. If you have little ones, why not consider a teddy bear’s picnic or ask your guests (or even the teddies!) to dress up in red, white and blue for the occasion? Don’t let the weather put you off either – for Kate and William’s wedding in 2011, we held a family get-together in my Mother-in-law’s garage. Treehouses and sheds can also be great fun!
DECK THE HALLS
Wherever you’re partying, if you’re having a Royal wedding celebration, why not dress the place up with bunting, balloons, fresh flowers and Union Jack flags? It doesn’t have to be expensive – we made flags ourselves with some card and coloured paper (you’ll find lots of wedding-themed craft ideas online). And remember, bunting isn’t just for Royal Weddings. I’m actually of the opinion it should be an all-year-round thing myself 😉 .
VISIT A CASTLE
What better time than the Royal wedding weekend to visit a stately home or castle? Great Britain is full of places with royal connections, many of them open to the public at this time of year. We live close to both Dunrobin Castle (pictured) and the Castle of Mey, which was once owned by the Queen Mother. Wherever you live, there’s likely to be a venue in keeping with a royal-themed weekend nearby to explore!
AND RELAX
After all that partying, you might be in need of some Saturday evening relaxation. What about winding down with that all-time British classic – a plate of fish, chips and mushy peas? And to round your royal-themed Saturday off, what about a bit of Netflix binge-time? I hear The Crown and Suits are both very entertaining stuff….
What about you, what will you be doing to celebrate the Royal Wedding? Are you going all-out on wedding fever, or are you keeping it low key? Will you even be tuning in to watch on Saturday? Whatever you’re doing, I’d love to know your plans!
Gx
