The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are almost upon us – and with the luxury of a four-day weekend ahead, our thoughts are turning towards party plans and al fresco adventures.

 

To help you make the most of this historic holiday, Fortnum’s has put together a day-by-day guide filled with helpful advice on what to do, where to go, what to pack – and most importantly, what to eat and drink every step of the way. 

 

Thursday 2 June

 

Have an Open-Air Adventure
with Champagne & Nibbles

 

What better way to start a four-day weekend than with fizz, friends and endless nibbles? Whether you’re sipping a fruity Sparkling Rose, a crisp and elegant Champagne or an alcohol-free Sparkling Tea, bubbles are a must. And if the sun is out, make haste and lay your picnic blanket over a prime patch of grass in a park or green space near you, then pop open the al fresco-ready snacks.

 

Thursday’s also the day when Platinum Jubilee Beacons are being set alight around the country – and if you're close enough to see one, we heartily recommend you do. Home time is whenever the final bottle is empty – and don’t forget to raise a glass to Her Majesty.

Friday 3 June

 

Enjoy a Platinum Jubilee
Afternoon Tea at Home

 

Lay the table with the commemorative teaware, pour a pot of Jubilee tea, and bake yourself our winning Platinum Pudding recipe: because Friday is the perfect time to whip up a very Fortnum’s Afternoon Tea at home.

 

And remember, good company makes even the humblest crusts-off sandwich that little more delicious, so send for friends and family to make the occasion extra-special. Miniature Union Jack flags, face masks of The Queen and a bottle of bubbly are all optional. (But encouraged, naturally.)

 

Saturday 4 June

 

Party, for Queen & Country!

 

Today’s the day to party – Street Party, to be precise – with friends, family, neighbours, and anyone else who happens to be close-by.

 

Whether you’re planning to throw one yourself or looking for one to attend near your home, our friends at The Big Jubilee Lunch are the experts. And if you show up with something delicious or exceptionally sippable from Fortnum’s for one and all to share, you’ll certainly be a popular guest…

 

Sunday 5 June

 

Pageantry by the Hamperful

 

We’re determined to keep celebrating Her Majesty’s historic 70th year on the throne long after the long weekend is over – but Sunday marks the official conclusion to the celebrations, and we’ll be heading (jam-packed hamper in hand, of course) to The Mall, where The Platinum Jubilee Pageant – a joyful, colour-filled and exuberant four-part procession – will tell the story of The Queen’s reign through the work of artists and local communities.

 

And if you can’t make it into London, the glorious outdoors will doubtless be calling – so pack the Scotch Eggs, rally your nearest and dearest, and make a right royal day of it at the park, the beach, the back garden, or wherever else takes your fancy. After all, a four-day weekend is practically a royal decree to feast al fresco, right?