- Get prepped for your street party
- Get an idea of numbers
- 1. Organise a table plan
- 2. Put on a good spread
- 3. Make your own bunting
- 4. Have a bake-off
- 5. Prepare for guests
- 6. Unite with bunting
- 7. Jazz up your seating arrangements
- 8. Decorate with balloons
- 9. Set the scene with music
- 10. Use treasured tableware
- 11. Carry drinks out
- 12. Play garden games
- 13. Prepare a cheeseboard
- 14. Bring in textures for warmth
- FAQs
If you held a roaringly successful street party over the Platinum Jubilee weekend last year, you may have been itching to plan your next one ever since the date for the King's Coronation was announced. And with just over a week to go before the big day, now is the time to freshen up on your street party ideas so you can have a celebration to remember.
A street party is the best way to honour any patriotic occasion, as they provide a somewhat rare opportunity for all the neighbours to get together, share a drink, and have a laugh. Just like garden party ideas, the best street party ideas will make sure everyone is having a good time.
'Just because you are hosting your party outside, doesn't mean you need to scrimp on the party decorations,' says Jess Martin, Party Planning and Decoration Expert, Ginger Ray. 'With a few simple adaptations, you can create a street party with a wow-factor without spending a fortune.'
So that you can mark this special occasion in style, we've rounded up the best street party ideas for the ultimate Coronation celebration. Good planning and plenty of prep is the key to hosting a great party, but it's also going to mean you can relax on the day and enjoy the party yourself.
Street party ideas for the King's Coronation
So get ready to celebrate all things British and honour His Majesty the King the best way you can. Our guide has 14 brilliant street party ideas you can emulate on the bank holiday weekend, but first, there's a couple of admin bits to take care of. After that you can get cracking with the ultimate Coronation street party!
Get prepped for your street party
Hopefully by now, you've already got permission from your local council for your Coronation street party. This should be done 4-12 weeks ahead of the event, as the council need to give the go ahead before you close down any roads. You can find out more at YouGov.
‘If you’re going all out with your street party, you may need a licence from your local authority relating to food and alcohol, music and any raffles and tombolas you would like to host,’ say insurance experts Protectivity. They also advise considering insurance if you’re planning a big event.
If you have missed the council deadline, live on a busy road or want to hold a smaller event, there’s also the option to keep your road open and have a ‘Street Meet’, on a driveway, front garden or at the end of a cul-de-sac. Check out Street Party for more information.
Get an idea of numbers
Before you get started with planning your street party ideas, you'll need at the very least a rough idea of numbers. Post paper invites through letterboxes, or better yet, start knocking on doors and tell your neighbours in person. Don't be afraid to ask everyone to chip in as well; in a recent survey by Ocado, a huge 83% of Brits said they’d be willing to chip into the cost of a street party, with the average contribution coming in at £9.20 per person. That will certainly take the pressure of your wallet!
'Share the workload with all your neighbours, so that it’s a community effort and the stress levels get reduced,' suggest the experts at thortful.
1. Organise a table plan
Plenty of tables and garden seating ideas are a must-have for coronation street party ideas. Get together with neighbours to organise who might have tables available, perhaps garden tables that can be brought out front with folding chairs that won’t take too much effort to set up. Find out if there are any long trestle-style tables available that could be borrowed, perhaps from a local school or community hall.
Organise table cloths and linens to brighten up tables and add some celebratory colour. Opt for plain red, white or blue cloths as a simple cover-up, which can then be jazzed up with fancier tableware and party decorations. Or consider disposable paper tablecloths which are inexpensive and make cleaning up afterwards easier.
This Mega Party Bundle from Ryman has everything you need for your coronation street party. Adorn the tables with paper cups, bowls, plates, flags, cupcake cases, straws and balloons, all in the Union Jack colours. There's even face paint to keep the kids entertained.
This King's Coronation Tablecloth is both classic and patriotic, and will layer well underneath Union Jack accessories. The dimensions are 180L x 137W centimetres, and it's made from PVC for a hassle-free clean up afterwards.
Keep the Union Jack theme going strong with these placemats from The Stripes Company, perfect for layering if you've opted for plain paper plates and bowls. Placemats are ideal if your street party is more of a sit-down dining experience.
2. Put on a good spread
When it comes to food and drink, easy-to-prepare dishes are best, with a few classics thrown in to add a patriotic flavour, such as Coronation chicken sandwiches, scones and strawberry jam or Victoria sponge cakes.
‘Asking people on your street to bring a dish not only shares the responsibility, so less pressure, it also means you’ll have a variety of tasty treats to try,' say the experts at Talking Tables. 'Plus, it’s a surefire way to make sure everyone has something they like to eat. A nice idea is to ask everyone to attach a label to their dish stating the ingredients, so those with food intolerances know what they can/can’t consume.’
For street party ideas with large numbers of people, it can be helpful to have some quick and easy food options on hand as well. You don't want to be sat there with rumbling tummies if all the guests fail to turn up with anything! Check out the party food at supermarkets, such as Iceland's bespoke coronation range, where you can get 3 for £5 mix and match on party food.
A quiche is the perfect royal addition to your street party if you fancy trying out the coronation quiche recipe. And why not serve yours in this beautiful fluted quiche dish from CookServeEnjoy, with a blue rim that will tie in perfectly with your coronation party colour scheme.
To serve your food in, why not stick to the red white and blue colour scheme with this matching serveware set, including an afternoon tea stand, plate, platter, and some bunting to boot. The platter and plate are plastic, so need to worry about them breaking, but unlike paper option they're reusable.
Keep the serveware simply but stylish with this all-white bowl from Luminarc, available at Wayfair. Perfect for keeping any freshly cooked dishes warm, or you can use it to serve picky bits and party food if you prefer. There's a variety of sizes to choose from too.
3. Make your own bunting
No street party is complete without lashings of bunting. Whether red, white and blue or Union Jack style banners, hang lengths of bunting between houses or running diagonally across the street strung from lamp posts to add patriotic colour.
And go all-out when it comes to decorating your house and front garden for the celebrations. Deck out window boxes and planters with cheery blooms in red, white and blue (or opt for purple at a push), hang flags at windows and on gates and consider decking out your front door with a garland of greenery or brightly-coloured blooms. Add some King Charles III Coronation Emblem Stickers, £12 at Snow Windows, to your windows for a simple touch.
If you’ve plenty of time pre-party, why not make your own inexpensive fabric or paper bunting to deck the street. From tassel bunting to Union Jacks, follow a how to make bunting guide to show you exactly what to do and what supplies you’ll need.
This Do It Yourself Bunting Kit allows you to create a fun piece of bunting for your coronation street party. It's super affordable, and also easy to do, so you won't be embarrassed to hang up the finished result and tell all your neighbours you made it yourself!
These bunting flags from Baker Ross provide a blank canvas for you to creative. Paint the Union Jack over some then mix with the England flag on others for a bit of visual variety. If you're feeling extra creative, why not paint some iconic British features on there, like the red bus or maybe even the King himself?
Royal Blue, Bright Red & White Classic, these paint pots are perfect for creating your own bunting for your Coronation street party. They can be used on flags and faces, so when you've finished making your bunting, save them for the party so the kids - and adults - can have the flag on their faces too.
4. Have a bake-off
Get in the party spirit by organising a street bake-off competition. Neighbours can take part and bake a celebratory cake or classic dish, with residents then voting on the winner. It will make a fun way of finishing off the proceedings and then the bakes can be enjoyed with a cup of tea at the end of the day. A mini bake-off for children is another option that makes a fun idea for younger residents.
Go the extra mile and use British grown ingredients in your baking, like the Ginger & Juice Raspberry and Rose Jam, £4.80 at Ginger & Juice, which would be a lovely addition to a Victoria Sponge cake. If you're making cupcakes, finish with some Union Jake Cake toppers to tie in with the Coronation theme.
If baking really isn't your thing, you can still put out a showstopper with some coronation-themed goods. Why not display some melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme Coronation Doughnuts, which include King's Trifle, Berry Bakewell, and Lemon Shortbread flavours? These mouth-watering delicacies will be difficult to resist.
To make your baking simple but special, you can just make some cupcakes and decorate them with these edible wafer toppers, so that they're appropriate for your coronation street party. They'll instantly elevate the look of your cakes, and bring a touch of royalty to the table.
Gin can be used for more than just a tipple - this alcoholic drink is many bakers' favourite ingredient to add to cakes for an extra zing! Why not add a splash of some Hayman's of London Dry Gin to your baking? Available to buy at Waitrose, if you shop in store you'll be able to purchase it in a gorgeous Limited Edition design especially for the Coronation.
Present your cupcakes in style with these Union Jack cupcake cases. Using these means you can keep the buns simple, and you won't need to bother with other Coronation related decorating. The cupcake cases will provide all the patriotism for you, and they'll look great on the table.
5. Prepare for guests
'While it’s not uncommon to advise party guests to bring their own alcohol, a good host should still have some food and drink available,' say the experts at Pink Boutique. 'In advance of the big day, hit up your local supermarket for some beers, wine, soft drinks, BBQ food, and a few ‘picky bits’.'
If space allows, put a trestle-style table out dedicated just for nibbles, from sausage rolls and pork pies, to cupcakes and sweets. Try to include some vegan-friendly alternatives, like the PLAYIn CHOC Vegan Chocolate, £5.42 at Amazon. Throw some crisps into bowls so everyone has something to graze on; Tyrrell's Coronation Chicken Flavour English Crisps, £2.50 at Tesco, are definitely fitting.
Then turn your attention to your garden bar idea to get it stocked and ready to go for the festivities. Celebrate in style with a bottle of Luc Belaire Luxe Sparkling Wine, £24.98 at Amazon, or opt for pre-made cocktail cons, like Shake Baby Shake's Strawberry Daquiri, 12 for £24 at Amazon. Keep it simple for the kids with bottle of pops and cordial, served in paper cups.
A nice non-alcoholic drink option is a must-have for any street party, and this limited edition sparkling elderflower drink from Belvoir Farm almost looks like it should be part of the decor. With bunting, the crown, soldiers, and even 'happy & glorious' written across the neck, it's as patriotic a drink as you can find.
Premium tonic and mixers brand Double Dutch have launched a Coronation Party Starter Pack ahead of the special weekend, including 1 case Cucumber & Watermelon mixer and 1 case Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil mixer. The bottles look beautiful, and there's a matching cushion and bottle opener.
This Limited Edition Coronation Devon Red Cider is a fabulous cider created from apples grown and pressed in Devon by Sandford Orchards. It's a celebration of all things British and its bold union jack branding make it a fun addition to any Coronation celebrations.
6. Unite with bunting
'Embrace the party vibe and decorate with union jack flags and hang bunting between the houses or crisscrossed over the road to unite the street and bring colour to the party,' say the experts at thortful.
Nothing says street party ideas like bunting, especially flags in Union Jack colours. Hanging bunting between the houses on your street will create sense of solidarity and patriotism, and really get you in the mood for the Coronation. In many parts of the country, the bunting is already in place to make the streets feel alive with colour.
Who doesn't love overly patriotic street party ideas? These Union Jack bunting flags from Ryman are affordable, and can easily be hung across the street. They'll let everyone know that the street party is happening and encourage them to join in!
These hand waving flags are a great alternative if hanging bunting on the street feels like a hassle. Put them on the tables and allocate one to each place, then all the neighbours can use them to grab each other's attention and wave from the other side of the gathering.
A different take on the classic Union Jack bunting, these ones are a little more subtle but just a patriotic. British flags are printed over the white background, and there's a nice blue rim at the top to tying them together.
7. Jazz up your seating arrangements
If you don't have the space, or perhaps don't even have a table, all you really need is your chair. Whether it's one from inside or a garden chair, you just need somewhere comfy to sit for the afternoon. Make it feel more party ready by decorating it, with colourful ribbons and even freshly picked flowers.
If you want to create seating for friends and neighbours without having to buy anything new, there are plenty of DIY outdoor furniture ideas that might fill the bill.
Let this red, white and blue ribbon stream behind the chairs at your street party for a lovely whimsical effect. The colour tie in with the patriotic theme, and it's an easy way to jazz up old garden chairs so they don't out of place at the party.
These paper chains are Coronation themed and will look great draped across tables and over the back of chairs. They don't come ready made but they're simple enough to put together, and with a pack of 100 for £6, they won't eat up too much of your street party budget.
This blue and white striped ribbon is made from a lovely poly mesh fabric, which would beautiful draped over the back of chairs as it floats in the wind. There's also a red version, so you could alternate colours on chairs and create a classy, but still patriotic, scene.
8. Decorate with balloons
'Use red, white, and blue balloons to add pops of colour,' says Nathan Angus, Managing Director, Wildfire. 'You can create balloon arches or clusters for added visual impact.'
Teaming your bunting with balloons is the ultimate backdrop for British street party ideas. Grouping several together forms a more impactful cluster, meaning they add more of a statement when united.
'You can create a focal point perfect for pictures with a showstopping balloon arch,' says Jess Martin, Party Planning Expert. 'To elevate your balloon arch display, add some coordinating bunting in a classic Union Jack design to get everybody in the party spirit!'
Brighten up your street party decor with these balloons in the classic colours of red, white and blue. This super affordable pack from Ryman will give you 15 balloons; tie a few together or let them float freely down the street. Kids love to play with them!
These spectacular red white and blue balloons can be tied together to form a wonderful arch or garland. 75 balloons come in the kit, so you won't miss it! Tie at the end of your trestle tables or prop between two chairs to make an eye-catching focal point.
Upgrade your street party ideas with these special King Charles III Coronation balloons. Keeping with the classic colour scheme of red, blue and white, they're also embossed with the royal crown and Charles Reigns emblem. Perfect for the occasion.
9. Set the scene with music
'Music can make or break a party, so why not create a public Spotify playlist and ask everyone attending to drop in a few of their favourite songs,' say the thortful experts.
It's not really a party until the music is playing. Be respectful with the volume, as there may be those on your street who are not joining the festivities. But a little background music can make all the difference to create a party vibe. Simply take your wireless speakers or radio outside and pick an uplifting playlist - preferably one with great British hits!
'Your playlist can include classic British artists, like the Beatles, Rod Stewart, and Oasis, as well as artists from across the Commonwealth, like Jamaican artist Bob Marley or Australian singer Kylie Minogue,' suggests Linda Salt, Corporate Affairs Manager, Denby. 'You can also take inspiration from the coronation concert which will feature a range of artists from different genres, including Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Take That, and Andrea Bocelli.'
Marshall, the iconic British music and audio brand, recently launched its Middleton speaker in a cream colourway. This stylish speaker will look great amidst your street party decorations, and will easily provide music that everyone can enjoy.
For a more traditional vibe, this record player will really create the atmosphere on the day. It can easily be moved around, and does a fabulous job of playing music while looking like a decoration. Dust off the old vinyls and put on all the British classics.
For a more affordable option, this Anker Soundcore bluetooth speaker will do the job of providing music just fine. One of the big benefits of adding this speaker to your street party is that it can be easily passed around for guests to connect to, giving them the option to play their own music.
10. Use treasured tableware
Dust off the cake stand, because nothing says fancy afternoon tea quite like this tableware accessory. That goes for all your other 'best' pieces for serving party food, such as platters and your finest serving bowls.
'Styling your party tables will give your event a real wow factor,' says Sarah Allsop, Creative Manager, Party Delights. 'There is an abundance of options for tableware, cups, plates and cake stands to create a show-stopping tablescape.'
Whether you're serving cake or scones, make it fancy – it's a party after all.
If you want a gorgeous tiered cake stand that you can show off at the coronation street party and then reuse again and again, look no further than this beautiful design from British heritage brand Spode. Available at Wayfair, this two-tiered stand is ideal for little cakes and fingers sandwiches.
A showstopper Victoria Sponge cake should really take centre stage in a showstopper cake stand. The soft pastel blues in this cake stand from Yvonne Ellen will look beautiful amidst the rest of the street party decor, and the gold rim gives it a classy regal touch.
Serve your baked treats on a plate designed specially to honour the King's Coronation. This beautiful plate is part of the King Charles III collection from Spode, and would make a lovely addition to any street party celebration. You'll then have the plate to always remember this special occasion.
11. Carry drinks out
With all the fabulous drinks that will be on offer at the party, let's not forget to have something practical to carry them in. Take your cooled drinks outside in a handy carrier, preferably one that's large enough to hold big bottles too. A spacious bucket with a handle means you'll be able to transport larger spirit bottles, like a bottle of Amarula African Gin, £25.44 at Master of Malt, that the neighbours will go nuts for.
Remember to display the non-alcoholic drink options nicely too. Mini bottles paired with colourful paper straws helps to make drinks feel more 'special', or you can opt for soft drinks with nice packaging. The Gut Lovin' Soda Cans, £12.50 for 6 at Hip Pop, will look fabulous on the table and they're a gut-friendly alternative to regular fizzy drinks, which is a win win.
This bottle carrier will make your life a lot easier on the big day. No need to make multiple trips to carry the drinks up to the tables, simply pop them all in the basket and be on your way. There's space for six bottles of beer and there's even a lid opener on the side, which all the guests can make use of.
Paper cups are great, but you might prefer to serve drinks in glasses if you're creating a more sophisticated aesthetic for your street party. This set of four blue tumblers are stunning, and will keep in line with the colour scheme - they do come in green too, so maybe you could mix and match.
To keep the drinks cold and fresh, a cooler bucket is a must-have. This one from Amazon has a capacity of 24L, so you can fill it with all the drinks the party needs, and keep them on ice so they'll still taste good as the sun goes down. The handles make it easy to carry round, so everyone can share the fun.
12. Play garden games
'You can’t host a street party for the Coronation without hosting some fun and games,' say the experts at thortful. 'It’s the perfect time for you to play musical chairs, or, in this instance, musical thrones. Host two games, one for the kids and one for the adults, and play some great, British music!'
Having some games to play is a sure way to keep street party ideas fun and entertaining. If your party looks set to go onto into the night, you could also look at how to create an outdoor cinema, so everyone can watch the Coronation together.
'When it comes to deciding on what activities to do at your street party, keep your guests in mind,' says Jess from Ginger Ray. 'For example, will it mostly be families or elderly people? From there you can consider whether some classic games like a treasure hunt and pinata might be more suitable, a tea party or even a combination of the two.'
For some light entertainment that is very appropriate for the Coronation theme, this game will have kids and adults like joining in. It's a simple pin the diamond on the crown game; nothing complicated whatsoever, but something that everyone can join in with and have a laugh over.
Is there any game more classic than four in a row? And a giant version means everyone at the party can have a go! This is sure to keep everyone entertained - especially the young ones - and its counter are in pretty pastel shades of blue and pink, so it won't be an eyesore.
The pass the parcel King's Coronation game includes 10 A6 postcard sized rhyme cards plus two spot win prizes. Follow the rhymes to pass the parcel and play the game. You just need to wrap up a gift of your choosing for the winner - maybe something Coronation themed?
13. Prepare a cheeseboard
What celebratory day is complete without a cheeseboard? You could use a piece of slate and write the names of the cheeses in chalk beside them, so everyone knows what they're eating.
'We know King Charles is a champion of British cheese, and Paxton & Whitfield has the royal seal of approval,' says food expert Laura. 'A picture-perfect cheese board is the icing on top of the cake when it comes to Coronation tablescaping.'
Add a selection of cured meats, fruit and olives to your cheeseboard so that it becomes a naturally decorative element on the table. We love Olly's Olives, Mixed Pack, Pack of 12 for £19.99 at Amazon; they come in a variety of flavours that will perfectly complement your cheeses.
The wedge-style design of this bamboo cheese board swivels out to form 3 tiers, perfect for cutting and presenting a variety of cheeses and tasty appetisers for the ultimate cheese board platter! Fill with a selection of cheese, meats and fruits and it could be a natural centrepiece on the table.
This creamy cheddar from Snowdonia Cheese Company will be a delight to serve to your street party guests. The purply blue wax covering will look great on your cheese board, if you want to keep it covered until everyone starts eating. It even looks somewhat regal, which is very fitting.
This set of six mini cheeseboards are perfect for displaying not just the cheeses, but a selection of other food as well. Make them look nice with an array of fruit and cured meats, and you can have them spread across the tables, so everyone gets a bite.
14. Bring in textures for warmth
As much as we like to think that street party ideas will be enjoyed in glorious warmth and sunshine, that might not be the reality. In true British style, it might be chillier than we'd like on the day, especially if the party carries on after the sun goes down. Cosy throws and blankets will make a huge difference here, encouraging your guests to stay and enjoy the celebrations instead of retreating indoors.
Keep it in the patriotic theme and splash out on a Union Jack blanket. Alternatively, ask neighbours to bring their own throws, so there'll be enough for everyone.
This gorgeous knitted blanket has been made especially in honour of the King's Coronation, so is the perfect way to bring in extra warmth to the street party. Not only will it look lovely draped over a couple of chairs, but guests will love snuggling under it if the party continues into the evening.
Woolroom's patriotic Union Jack throw would be perfect to keep warm with. Celebrating what it means to be British in its classic red, white and blue colours, it's British made, British design, and British quality from one of the UK's last remaining vertical woollen mills – currently available at 25% off for £112.49.
If you want a throw that you can reuse again and again, this soft velvet blanket from Wayfair is a nice affordable option that will still keep you and guests toasty warm outside. The blue will still tie in with the Coronation theme, but you won't be too precious about drinks getting spilled on it.
FAQs
What can you do at a street party?
Though food and drink is really the main event at a street party, having other sources of entertainment will keep the fun going throughout the day. You don't have to go to lots of trouble; have a couple of packs of playing cards on the tables, and suggest games that don't require any equipment, like charades.
'How about hosting your own Royal Variety Performance show, where people can show off their secret skills?'' suggest the experts at thortful. 'It’s the perfect time for the children to show off and have fun, and the adults can even join in with a magic trick!'
You can also incorporate food into the entertainment too. A bake off will give everyone a source of conversation, and after the judging's finished, everyone can enjoy a slice of cake together. Serve with some easy pre-made cocktails to mark the special occasion, like the NIO Cocktails, Box of 6 for £36 at NIO Cocktails.
'Another idea is to decorate some biscuits with faces of King Charles III and Camilla, which everyone can join in with,' Laura says. 'If you don’t have biscuits, you can find printouts online, or simply host a drawing competition where the best artist is throned king or queen!'
Think about activities that everyone can participate in, especially the kids. And ask the neighbours to bring any games they have, so there's plenty of options.
Are street parties legal?
Street parties are legal, but there are a couple of things to consider when planning one.
'If you’re planning on hosting a party on your street, you will need to contact your council or local authority to get their permission to close the road,' says Chris Hopkins, Regulatory Law Barrister. 'It’s best to do this as soon as possible as areas may require you to fill out some permission forms for them to process.'
Chris says there usually won't be a problem getting permission from the council to host a street party, but the sooner you can get it done, the better. And you may be surprised to know that if you're hosting a tombola and selling raffle tickets, there are rules to adhere to or you may need to apply for a licence.
'Selling tickets before the event itself and making the announcement of the winners could get you into legal trouble if you don’t have the necessary licence to do this,' Chris from No5 Barristers’ Chambers explains. 'All profits generated from sales should also go to a charitable cause and not be kept as private profit. The best course of action is to only offer tickets on the day and make the tombola or raffle a fun side game alongside the celebrations.'
In terms of food and drink, it's going to be a lot easier if you're offering everything free of charge rather than for sale, otherwise you may need to register with your local authority as a Food Business Operator. Check with your local council for more info.
'Lastly, as the celebrations continue, to ensure you don’t disrupt others, it’s best to move the street party elsewhere once quiet hours begin often after 11pm,' Chris says. 'And as the organisers of the event, you are responsible for any clean up that may be needed on the following day.'
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