Over 10 million Brits are expected to take part in nation-wide 'thank you' parties on Sunday 5th June to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The celebrations, which fall on National Thank You day, have been backed by gardener Alan Titchmarsh, The Great British Bake Off's Prue Leith, England football manager Gareth Southgate, and Eastenders actor Ross Kemp. The Diamond Jubilee in 2012 saw an estimated 8.5 million Brits celebrate, but even more are set to gather for the upcoming get-together in June.
Backed by some of Britain's biggest businesses, the aim of the parties is to say thank you to the Queen, and each other, whilst enjoying a lunchtime picnic in the sunshine. Whether you want to host a party for neighbours or celebrate with family, it's a great way for everyone to come together and raise a glass to Her Majesty.
"There are more reasons than ever to get together this year and we're really excited to be bringing the spirit of the jubilee into every neighbourhood with the Big Jubilee Lunch this June," Peter Stewart, executive director of the Eden Project and the Big Jubilee Lunch, told The Guardian. "It's a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and to say thank you to our neighbours and communities after all we have been through over the past two years."
Read more on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
- Queen’s Platinum Jubilee set for record-breaking picnic with 1,600 people at Windsor Castle
- Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022: Dates and celebration plans confirmed
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, added: "There are so many people, including volunteers, who have gone the extra mile over the last two years and I look forward to getting together with others on the day to celebrate and recognise their contribution."
National Thank You Day first launched last year to spread joy in the pandemic, and exists to draw communities closer together. This year, it will be part of the four-day celebrations to celebrate the Queen's 70 years of service.
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
