Coronation Street Party Etiquette

British markets and online sites are bursting with street party treats, drinks and festive decor. For over a century, street parties in England have been localized festive celebrations for Coronations and Royal weddings. The British love these street parties are use them to mark all kinds of special occasions and build community spirit with one’s neighbors at the same time. —Image source, Instagram

How About Some Royal Manners for the Coronation of Charles III and His Queen?

Grant Harrold was butler to Prince Charles at Highgrove from 2004 to 2011. For a well-mannered Coronation street party, he says everyone should be invited ‘and that means everyone’.

Don't be a fancy-dress fascist, he says: ‘Not everybody is comfortable with fancy dress, so if you do want a theme, make it clear the dress code is optional with a “or come as you're comfortable”. There's nothing worse than making your less-showy guests dread the day.’

And have a team of hosts. 'The King is an excellent host because he's always thinking of others and making sure everyone feels personally welcomed.

‘At my job interview, he served me tea and biscuits himself.

‘Get a team of hosts together and space them out evenly along the tables. It's their responsibility to make sure everyone in their section has their glass topped up, plenty to eat and is feeling included in any conversation or games.’

Don't forget to lay your tables: this isn't a school canteen: ‘Not only will a fully laid table look wonderfully inviting, it's also the best way to ensure everyone seated has a glass, plate, cutlery and napkin.’

Grant’s biggest bugbear is people who text at the table. ‘Only get your phone out to take pictures and videos of all the fun going on around you. And if you really can't manage to keep your phone on silent, at least set your ringtone to God Save The King.’

And don't let everyone just sit next to their pals: ‘The temptation at a party like this is to make a beeline for the neighbours you know best, have a riotous time and ignore everyone else. But a street or village party is a brilliant chance to build a sense of community. The royals are consummate minglers and always opt for “how nice to see you” as an opener.

‘They also talk to the guest on their left during the main course, and the one on their right during pudding.’ — From Mail Online, April 2023

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia