Tips to make the perfect spread for any coronation celebration
Hello, friends! Are you ready to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III? We sure are at lifeisapinic! And to make our celebration unforgettable, my little princess requests mummy to host a picnic celebration fit for a king.
What makes a picnic spread “royal-worthy”? It’s all about using high-quality ingredients, elegant presentation, and attention to detail. And to give it that British touch, we’ll incorporate traditional British foods and coronation-inspired themes.
Think tea sandwiches, scones, and savoury pies – all honouring previous coronations. And for that personal touch, you can even include the New Queen Consort’s favourite gin and tonic or dishes that reflect your creativity.
But it’s not just about the food. We’ll also share tips on presenting and serving your spread, including using elegant serving dishes and decorative elements. And we’ll cover practical considerations like transportation and keeping your food fresh.
So let’s start and create a picnic spread that is fit for royalty!
Elevate your Picnic to a Royal Banquet
We’re about to spill the tea on what makes a royal-worthy picnic spread.
First things first, it’s all about using high-quality ingredients. No cutting corners here, folks! To impress your guests (and King Charles III himself!), make sure you’re using the best of the best.
And don’t forget about the presentation – a royal-worthy picnic spread must look as good as it tastes! Elegant serving dishes, colourful napkins, and decorative elements can take your picnic spread to the next level.
But here’s the real kicker – to create an authentic and memorable experience, it’s important to incorporate traditional British foods and flavours. Think tea sandwiches, scones, and savoury pies that pay homage to previous coronations. And don’t forget about the Queen’s favourite gin and tonic!
So that’s how to party like a royal, but what should we eat for our coronation spread?
A Picnic Fit For A King & Queen (Plus Your Princes and Princesses)
Here are some menu ideas for a royal-themed picnic that will please adults and children. These are finger foods and will travel well to any coronation party or street party:
Coronation Picnic Adult Menu:
- Cucumber tea sandwiches
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese pinwheels
- Mini quiches (spinach and feta, bacon and cheddar)
- Sausage rolls
- Pimm’s Cup cocktail (Pimm’s No.1, lemonade, fresh fruit)
- Mini Victoria sponge cakes
- Lemon shortbread cookies
Royal Picnic Children’s Menu:
- Cheese and ham sandwiches (cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters)
- Chicken skewers with honey mustard dipping sauce
- Mini sausage rolls
- Veggie and dip cups (carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, hummus)
- Pink lemonade (lemonade with a splash of cranberry juice for colour)
- Mini chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting
- Fruit skewers (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, melon)
As I said, these are all easy royal dine-out foods to make – follow my recipes below to make your full coronation spread in record time:
Royal Cucumber Tea Sandwiches:
- Cut the crusts off of white bread slices and spread a layer of softened butter over each slice
- The top half of the slices with thinly sliced cucumbers and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Top with the remaining bread slices and cut each sandwich into triangles or rectangles
- Optional: add a layer of cream cheese to each slice of bread for extra creaminess
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pinwheels:
- Spread a layer of softened cream cheese over a tortilla wrap
- Place a layer of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and cut it into pinwheels
Mini Quiches:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste
- Grease a mini muffin tin and place pre-made pie crusts in each cup
- Add your desired fillings, such as cooked spinach and feta or cooked bacon and cheddar cheese
- Pour the egg mixture over the fillings and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the quiches are set and lightly golden on top
Sausage Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Unroll a sheet of puff pastry and cut it into long strips
- Spread a layer of Dijon mustard over each strip
- Place a cooked sausage link on top of the mustard and roll up the pastry around the sausage
- Cut each roll into bite-sized pieces and place them on a lined baking sheet
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed up
Pimm’s Cup Cocktail:
- Fill a pitcher with ice
- Add a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 and a bottle of lemonade
- Slice up some fresh fruit, such as strawberries, cucumber, and orange, and add them to the pitcher
- Stir to combine and serve over ice with a garnish of fresh mint leaves
Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then fold in self-raising flour
- Divide the mixture between mini muffin tins and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch
- Let cool, then cut each mini cake in half and fill with whipped cream and raspberry jam
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving
Lemon Shortbread Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C)
- Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in lemon zest and flour until a dough forms
- Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes with cookie cutters
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving
Cheese and Ham Sandwiches:
- Cut cheese and ham slices into desired shapes with cookie cutters
- Layer the cheese and ham between slices of white bread
- Spread softened butter or mayonnaise on the bread if desired
- Optional: add lettuce, tomato, or cucumber slices for extra crunch
Chicken Skewers with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and brush with olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until cooked through
- Mix honey and Dijon mustard to make the dipping sauce
Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms
- Pour the batter into mini muffin tins and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean
- Let cool, then top with vanilla frosting and sprinkles if desired
Fruit Skewers:
- Cut strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon into bite-sized pieces
- Thread the fruit onto skewers, alternating colours and shapes for visual appeal
- Optional: serve with a dipping sauce such as honey yoghurt or melted chocolate for added flavour
Veggie and Dip Cups:
- Cut carrots and cucumber into sticks and divide them between small cups
- Add cherry tomatoes to the cups for colour
- Serve with a dip such as hummus or ranch dressing for extra flavour
Pink Lemonade:
- Mix lemonade concentrate and water in a pitcher according to the package instructions.
- Add a splash of cranberry juice to the pitcher and stir to combine
- Serve over ice with a garnish of fresh berries
And there you have it – some recipe ideas to help you create a royal-themed picnic spread that will impress your guests, young and old. Enjoy!
Styling Your Royal Picnic
Presentation and serving are essential to creating a royal-worthy picnic spread that your guests will remember for years. Here are some tips to help you elevate your presentation and make your spread fit for a king or queen.
- Use Elegant Serving Dishes – Choose serving dishes that are functional and elegant. A combination of white and gold dishes can add a touch of luxury to your spread. You can also consider using tiered trays to create a more visually appealing display.
- Incorporate Decorative Elements – Adding flowers, decorative napkins, and other embellishments to your spread can make it more visually interesting. Use colourful flowers, greenery, or small potted plants as centrepieces for your spread. Add decorative toothpicks or cocktail umbrellas to your appetizers to make them stand out.
- Pay Attention to Color and Texture Contrasts – A visually appealing picnic spread should mix colours and textures. Use fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to add pops of colour to your dishes. Incorporate a variety of textures, such as crunchy crackers or soft cheese, to keep things interesting.
- Consider Transportation – Remember that transporting a picnic spread can be tricky. Choose dishes that are easy to transport and won’t spill or leak. Use a sturdy picnic basket or cooler to keep your food fresh and secure during transportation.
- Serve Appropriate Serving Sizes – Consider serving sizes appropriate for a picnic set when planning your menu. Mini quiches, tea sandwiches, and bite-sized desserts are all great options that are easy to eat and won’t require utensils.
- Keep Food Fresh During Outdoor Events – The last thing you want is for your food to spoil or become unappetizing during your outdoor event. Keep perishable items chilled in a cooler or insulated bag, and avoid leaving food in the sun for extended periods.
Following these tips, you can host a picnic celebration fit for a king, impress your guests, and make your celebration memorable.
Make it a Celebration Of All Things BRITISH
Incorporating traditional British foods and flavours is a great way to add a special touch to your royal-themed picnic spread. Classics like tea sandwiches, scones, and savoury pies are easy to make and transport.
Consider adding Queen Elizabeth’s favourite gin and tonic to your drinks menu to toast our former monarch. Or create dishes that pay homage to previous coronations for a unique twist. Add your personal touches to make the spread unique and memorable.
When creating a memorable coronation celebration through food, it’s important to remember the role of tradition, creativity, and attention to detail. You can create a sense of authenticity and connection to the monarchy using traditional British ingredients and flavours. At the same time, adding personal touches and unique twists to the spread can make it special and memorable for you and your guests.
And don’t forget about the importance of attention to detail. From elegant serving dishes to decorative elements, the little things can make a big difference in creating a royal-worthy spread.
In the end, creating a royal-worthy picnic spread is about celebrating the coronation of King Charles III in a way that is both authentic and personal to you. So, whether you’re sticking to traditional favourites or adding your creative flair, use these tips and ideas to host a picnic celebration fit for a king.
Want more ideas for planning your perfect Coronation celebrations for this May? Check out these blogs:
Celebrate the Coronation with these 10 Fun Ideas!
How to Plan a Perfect Garden Party for the Coronation of King Charles III: The Ultimate Guide
Coronation Cocktails and Delicious Drinks for the Royal Occasion
