Jubilee party tips: jam jars of flowers

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This is perhaps one for the smaller Jubilee party, mostly for health and safety reasons. But when we’re celebrating the Platinum Party, it will be almost midsummer and that means lots of pretty flowers. And one of the best ways to show off the best blooms of the season is in jam jars.

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It is a simple but really effective way to let the fabulous flowers of summer do all the work. You just need a jar, some hot water and washing up liquid and a few minutes of elbow grease. Soak the jar for a while, scrape off the remnants of the sticky label and then give it a good clean and rinse. Leave to dry and you have the startings of a centre piece.

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The great thing about empty jars is that they lend themselves to any kind of display. The simplicity of the shape and idea means there is no pressure on colour combinations or structure. Just snip the stems of your flowers so they aren’t towering too high or drooping under the pressure and pop them in your jar of cold, clear water.

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They are also super easy to decorate. I think the best and most effective way is a simple ribbon around the neck of the jar, bows are optional. For a Jubilee, there are endless possibilities. Three jars together with red, white and blue or a long line of them with platinum coloured ribbons. Anything goes.

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But the real star of this centrepiece will be your flowers and this design idea taps right into that English country garden feel. Whatever is growing in your patch will look lovely in a pretty jam jar. Whether it’s your best roses or a coy cornflower that always springs up in summer, they all work well. Given the amount of glass involved, this idea might not be the best for a long trestle table that will be jolted and bumped by dozens sitting on either side of it. But for a smaller gathering, start grabbing the glass and keeping it clean as this could turn your table into a showstopper.

About Post Author

Lydia Starbuck

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.