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1Set the scene
Arrange bistro chairs around a trestle table dressed with vintage-style accessories, crockery and mugs in a patriotic palette of red, white and blue.
2Lay the table
Such a special occasion warrants a new tablecloth – this jaunty red and white striped design, with a pretty ruffle, is easy to make and can be recycled for other red-letter days:
- Measure the diameter of the tabletop, add an extra 10cm for the seams, then cut out the circle of fabric.
- Next, to create the frill, cut long strips of fabric, 25cm wide, making sure the stripes run vertically.
- Sew the strips together to make a continuous length: you will need roughly five times the table circumference.
- Next, hem the bottom and then sew the top to the circle, gathering it as you go to create the ruffles.
3Put out more flags
A vintage bicycle – or a retro style, like the Pendleton Somerby – draped in union flags adds a nostalgic note to the proceedings.
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4Create party favours
A homemade gift – such as this packet of wild-flower seeds in honour of the King's passion for organic gardening – will add a personal touch to the celebrations.
To make these seed packet party favours:
- Fold a piece of A5 ivory card into an envelope by laying the card on a surface in a landscape position. Fold about 1cm up from the bottom, then fold the sides in at 6.5cm.
- Glue the bottom and back seams together and leave it to dry.
- Next, fold back the top to make a flap so the packet can be sealed.
- Taking inspiration from royal imagery, draw your design in permanent pen and paint with watercolours.
- Finally, fill the packets with wild-flower seeds and seal the top by gluing or sticking down the flap with tape.
5Pile on the finishing touches
Display cottage-garden blooms – such as roses, lilacs and delphiniums – in a riotous hotchpotch of red, white and blue. Add your best china, vintage flags and commemorative mugs to complete the retro look.
6Decorate a cake fit for a king
A classic Victoria sponge – oozing with fruit-laden buttercream and crowned with homemade miniature flags – makes a stellar centrepiece for a celebratory tea party.
To make the flags:
- Paint or draw two Union Flag designs next to each other (horizontally) on a piece of card and cut out the long rectangle.
- Wrap around a cocktail stick and use double-sided sticky tape to fasten the two sides together.
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7Arrange cosy seating areas
Spruce up a garden bench with a curated collection of blankets, cushions and flowers in the red, white and blue palette.
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