As the world eagerly anticipates the coronation of King Charles III this weekend on the 6th May, many have already planned their celebrations to mark the occasion, but if you’re still looking for the perfect way to celebrate, why not host a classic British barbecue? With an extra bank holiday to commemorate the day, a coronation barbecue will be a memorable and enjoyable event for all! Whether you’re wanting to gather in the streets like the Queen’s Jubilee, looking for ways to update your restaurant menu, or having a garden party, we have put together the best tips and tricks for throwing a patriotic royal barbecue.
So, get your chef hat on and let’s get started!
Decorations for a Royal-themed Barbecue
Whilst the food is probably the best part of a barbecue, we must not forget about the decorations – especially as this is such a monumental event! A patriotic theme, decorations, and outfits can really help to boost the spirits of your crowd and it is a great way to bring even more fun to the day.
Below we have listed some fantastic decoration ideas:
- To mark the occasion, you will probably want to include red, white, and blue in your theme. From confetti, Union Jack bunting, dinner table flags, and napkins, there are so many ways to introduce a pop of colour.
- Be creative and add a bit of humour! Put yourself in the royals’ shoes and purchase some themed masks and dress-up accessories. These will be great for adults and children alike.
- There will be no coronation without a crown, so why not add some paper ones to your table setting? This is also a fantastic opportunity for children to get creative with some crown-making kits – it will be a great way to keep them occupied whilst the pitmasters are at work!
- If you’re catering for numerous guests, don’t just buy plain paper plates and cups, now is the time to go all out! We have seen Union Jack cups, plates with gold trimmings, as well as tableware specifically designed for the occasion with the coronation emblem.
- Don’t forget about the atmosphere – make a playlist of some classic British tunes, organise some games, and have a best-dressed contest.
A Menu Fit for a King!
Although some of you will really enjoy the decorating, the food is where you will want to pull out all the stops. We know that some of you will only be hosting friends and family, whilst others will be catering for a crowd full of people, so we have accumulated some BBQ ideas that are fit for all.
Finger Foods
You can’t host a BBQ party or buffet without some appetisers to start with, to give your taste buds a hint of what’s to come.
- Bite-size corn on the cob – corn on the cob is a BBQ staple that nearly everyone loves. Although you can grill the entire cob, we recommend slicing it into smaller cylindrical chunks for the perfect appetiser. Plus, they are simple to make, so you can quickly dish them out to your hungry guests.
- Sticky glazed chicken wings – although slightly messy, chicken wings always go down a treat, they are the ultimate finger food. You can glaze and season your chicken with any flavours you like, but we particularly like this recipe by Tesco Real Food for a sweet and savoury taste sensation.
- Smoked pigs in blankets – yes, you heard that right, pigs in blankets don’t have to be just for Christmas time! Not many people will turn down pigs in blankets, so why not BBQ some mini ones for your coronation party? All you need to do is wrap cocktail sausages in bacon and grill them until they’re evenly crisp – it is as simple as that.
The Main Event
Now that your guests have lined their stomachs, it is time to move on to the showstopping mains. As this BBQ is dedicated to the coronation of the King, we have collected a variety of Great British BBQ recipes for you to try. You can accompany these dishes with a variety of sides including coleslaw, fries, a summer salad or grilled vegetables, it is completely up to you.
- A gourmet British burger – near enough everyone loves a juicy, fat burger, filled with meaty goodness and a variety of flavours. Not only are burgers a fan-favourite, but they are simple to cook, making them a fantastic choice for restaurant owners and caterers cooking for numerous guests. This recipe by Jamie Oliver will have your mouths watering – charred meat, English mustard, Leicester cheese, and Worcestershire sauce, you couldn’t get more British!
- Bangers and mash – if you’re looking to host a sit-down event, bangers and mash are definitely a winner. You can cook both of the main ingredients on your barbecue, waiting until the sausages are caramelised and the potatoes have become soft and fluffy. For instructions on cooking times, check out this recipe by BBC Food.
- Stuffed veggies – to cater for vegetarians and vegans, stuffed vegetables are an excellent choice. They’re quick to make, jam-packed full of flavour, and can be made in batches to serve a crowd. They are a perfect addition to any menu! We think grilled peppers and mushrooms are the best vegetables to stuff, however, you can experiment with others if you wish. This vegan recipe by From My Bowl looks delicious – you can always swap vegetarian ingredients for vegan alternatives too.
Royal Desserts
We Brits definitely have a sweet tooth – the list of desserts can go on and on, so we have limited it to just a few.
- Victoria sponge cake (or cupcakes)
- Strawberries and cream
- Trifle
- Scones, jam, and cream
- Apple crumble
- Jelly and ice cream (for the kids)
High-quality Barbecue Manufacturers
Here at Cinders, we manufacture reliable and trustworthy barbecues and equipment that will allow you to host the ultimate cookout on the coronation weekend. Whether you’re a chef, caterer, or someone looking to plan a BBQ garden party, our equipment will ensure your event is a success! If you only need a barbecue for the royal celebration, we offer a local search for barbecue rental service for temporary requirements.