In this article:
Save the date: Essential infoYou're royally invited to celebrate the CoronationSeed the idea...Coronation kit-outOn the tablePractically perfectSustainable soft furnishingsSolar lightingRoyal activitiesTriviaGreat British Bake Off and the Great Coronation Cake Off...What we'd bake...Celebrate King Charles’ Coronation in Royal Style – Part 1

The Coronation of King Charles is a historic occasion marked by an additional bank holiday. Plus there are official encouragements from The King and The Queen Consort to spend time and celebrate with friends, family, and community! Social Pantry has put together the ultimate guide to help you plan your Coronation celebrations!
Here in Part 1, we will be discussing all the party-planning essentials. Think stylish invites and memorable decor, al fresco essentials, activities your guests will actually want to get stuck into, and how to rival Mary Berry hosting your own Bake Off! In Part 2, we will dive deeper into what to feast on, with menu suggestions and recipes inspired by Charles’ dining habits.
So whether you’re organising a street party for your entire neighbourhood; putting out an open invitation to colleagues and friends to gather for a garden party or bringing your nearest and dearest together around the table, these ideas and tips will add some royal splendour!

Save the date: Essential info
People across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events on 6–8 May.
The Coronation Service will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023. And on Sunday 7th May, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios.
The Coronation Big Lunch – a large charity initiative encouraging neighbours and communities to share food and fun together – will take place across the country on the same date. On Monday, 8th May 2023, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.
You’re royally invited to celebrate the Coronation
Poppy and Thistle Paper Studio specialise in eco-friendly invitations made from recycled wildflower seed paper – a sustainable biodegradable paper with wildflower seeds embedded within it. The range was conceived with weddings in mind. However the wording is fully custom, and the extensive range of formats and sizes means there is a product to suit any additional stationery needs. For example, posters, signage, flyers, place cards or menus.
Seed the idea…
To ensure your wildflower paper stationery is planted, consider factoring it into the day’s activities. Ask each guest to bring their wildflower paper invitation on the day (like a ticket), and prepare a ‘planting station’ with as many pots as guests, filling 2/3 full with good potting soil. Upon arrival, have each guest place their invitation in the prepared pot, cover with a 1/8 inch layer of soil, tamp down gently on top and give it a good watering. Planting signifies a new beginning and future prosperity. It’s therefore the perfect way to mark this historically significant occasion. Guests can take their plant home as a reminder of the celebration.

Coronation kit-out
Whilst it can be tempting to go all out and buy Coronation-themed novelty decorations, these come with an environmental and financial cost! Make the most of what you already have! And don’t be shy about asking friends and family what they might be able to lend you! This goes for all aspects of party planning. You won’t know what resources are already available to you until you ask! From décor such as bunting, flags and tablecloths to more instrumental items such as music speakers, portable barbeques, beer buckets and games.

On the table
It’s best to avoid single-use or limited use items, but if you decide your coronation celebrations call for some novelty decorations, look out for sustainable materials and features. This disposable King’s Coronation Table Cover from Thoughtful Living is plastic-free and 100% recyclable.
Practically perfect
Although more functional than purely decorative, glass domes add style and luxury as well as covering sandwiches, cheese, cakes and other treats to keep them fresh and hygienic! These H&M Home glass domes with a wooden board are an affordable option. However for extra sustainability and style points, consider Nkuku Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand.
Sustainable soft furnishings
Soft furnishings such as blankets and cushions make outdoor seating and chill out areas comfortable and cosy. Especially as it can get nippy in the shade or evenings! Brolly Bucket hire sets of soft fleece wraps, heavier throws or recycled wool picnic blankets presented in rustic upcycled apple crates so that guests can make themselves at home sitting on the grass or snuggle up as it cools.
Solar lighting

Moreover, if you anticipate your garden or street party continuing late into the evening, outdoor lighting is an important consideration! Solar garden lights that draw power from sunlight rather than electricity are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution! They add ambience and atmosphere as well as marking pathways and lighting activity areas.

Royal activities
Trivia
How much do you know about our new King? A game of trivia is a fun way to engage guests and stir up excitement around the table. In 2018, Clarence House released a list of 70 facts about the then-Prince Charles to mark his 70thbirthday. These cover everything from Charles’ favourite tea to the time he made a cameo appearance on Coronation Street. (No pun intended!) The list is the ideal basis for a unique and memorable royal trivia!
Great British Bake Off and the Great Coronation Cake Off…
There is a rich and delicious British tradition of celebrating royal occasions with cake. Recently King Charles was presented with a magnificent white chocolate and Victoria sponge cake during a visit to Borodwin Farm in Barndenburg on the second day of his state visit to Germany.
The Victoria Sponge was named after Queen Victoria, and in 2022, Jemma’s Lemon Swiss Roll & Amaretti Trifle was crowned the winner of Fortnum & Mason’s Platinum Pudding competition to become the official pudding of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee celebrations. However, at present, there is no particular dessert associated with King Charles.

Host a Coronation Cake Competition! Invite guests of all ages and baking abilities to create a cake ‘fit for a king’. A table filled with magnificent cake creations will command attention whilst also doubling up as an impressive dessert station for guests to feast from (post-judging!).

What we’d bake…
If a Victoria Sponge is considered the queen of cakes, then surely a crumble is the undisputed king of desserts! And there is no more regal a biscuit than shortbread! Nigella Lawson’s Strawberry Streusel Cake brings these winning bakes together in a cake rippled with fresh strawberries and strawberry jam. The batter forms a thick shortbread crust and there is copious amounts of crumble on top. Now that’s reason to celebrate!

If you’re interested in planning your Coronation celebrations with the help of Social Pantry, please get in touch!