Throw a platinum party

With an extra bank holiday in June to celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne, it’s time to break out the bubbly and throw the ultimate jubilee garden bash

Seventy years on the throne is a milestone achievement and one that requires more of a knees-up than a few coronation chicken sandwiches and a pot of earl grey. To mark the platinum jubilee in style, Zowie Rees of Heart, Smoke and Soal recommends throwing one heck of a party – while simultaneously showcasing the best of British craftsmanship.

Zowie shares her tips on how to spruce up your garden or outdoor space into a cheerful and functional place to eat, drink and celebrate the occasion.

A perfect plan

If you’re hosting, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen all day missing out on the fun, so planning is key. Prepare as much as you can in advance, so that when you’re hosting you can enjoy the party as much as possible.

Vlaze, based on the Isle of Wight, makes wonderful free-standing enamel units which you can store inside or outdoors. They’re perfect to prep or serve food from, so guests can help themselves.

A foodie feast

While smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches were once de rigueur at garden parties, we can now get away with serving almost anything, particularly as there are so many outdoor cooking options.

British brand DeliVita make wonderful handmade wood-fired ovens which are excellent for sharing dishes like pizza and chilli. Or fire up the barbecue and slow cook a juicy piece of meat. For the perfect finishing touch, try Chimilove’s excellent South American-style sauces and marinades.

Keep it cool

A party isn’t a party without a selection of cold beverages, but on balmy days it can be a challenge to keep drinks cool when they’re outside. If you have the space and an outdoor bar set-up, an alfresco fridge is a no-brainer. However, if space is tight, Bristol’s Utoka crafts excellent cool boxes.

Day to night

If your party is in full swing and extends into the evening, you’ll want to make sure your guests stay warm. A fire pit will add warmth and atmosphere, so stock up on sustainably sourced fuel from a brand like Certainly Wood, which supplies 100 per cent British kiln-dried logs. Blankets and throws add extra cosiness – check out Cornish design company Atlantic Blankets for its super stylish and snug wool range.

For more inspiration, visit Heart, Smoke and Soal in Holsworthy, Devon – or check out its outdoor-cooking open days on June 1 and June 24.

heartsmokesoal.co.uk