THE platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday is almost upon us.

A chance for us to have a bit of summer fun and revel in a little pomp and celebration of Britishness – lets face it we all need a bit of fun after the last couple of years.

And what better way to celebrate than with that ultimate British treat afternoon tea? Whether it’s a gathering in your street, back garden or back kitchen it’s an excuse to polish up grandma’s best china and enjoy.

Here at Room Forty we know a thing or two about Afternoon Tea and Cream Tea’s so here are a few tips to make it special.

Dress up the table – if you haven’t got a tablecloth, iron a clean white sheet. If the kids are involved and it is likely to get messy, invest is a couple of cheap paper or plastic over-cloth sheets just to protect the linen. Tea and coffee can be a devil to remove as stains. Pick some flowers and pop the in a jam jar and get some napkins (paper will do - and there are some lovely Jubilee ones in the shops). Accessorize the table, if you have got some bunting or even a candelabra use it!

Dig out or borrow your best crockery. Nothing says afternoon tea and celebration like vintage china (and tea tastes even better in a china cup and poured from a pot). We have a huge collection for hire at Room Forty available for the entire Jubilee weekend – we can arrange delivery, collection and will even wash up!

Jen Perry from Room Forty

Traditional Afternoon Tea is made up of dainty ‘finger’ sandwiches, then scones with clotted cream and Jam followed by dainty cakes. But this is your day, and you can serve whatever takes your fancy. We make and bake everything at Room Forty but if you don’t want to bake, just buy it in. Make sure that it is fun for you too.

Get dressed up – nothing feels more special than when you have dressed for the occasion.

Set the mood – ask Siri or Alexa for some traditional 1930s music

Think about the weather (lets face it, this is Britain) so plan for the worst, hope for the best. If you are going outdoors, see if you can borrow a gazebo and have a plan B at the ready to shift indoors if needs be.

Bubbly, glass of wine, a jug of Pimms? Yes please. Cheers and here’s to the next 70 years.

Jen Perry runs Woolston based Room Forty

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