KAREN’S TIPS/UPCOMING/EVENT: TIPS ON WATCHING THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES

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TIPS ON WATCHING THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES

I cannot believe that the Coronation is finally upon us! And I’m giving you more time than usual to get it all together. This way, you can enjoy watching the pomp and circumstance in the best ways possible.

Truth be told, I’m still not over the September death of Queen Elizabeth, whom I absolutely adored. However, I’m looking forward to this gigantic event because I’ve slowly become a fan of King Charles over the years, and I know that it’s time to move on now.

Then-Prince Charles and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

Then-Prince Charles and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

By the way, Camilla, who will now be Queen, has also grown on me. As a fan of Princess Diana, I was never in Camilla’s corner back in the day. But I love a tale of true love, and that is what the royal couple obviously has. It’s an especially interesting one because it’s very unusual for a man to basically choose an older, unattractive woman over his beautiful young wife. (I saw a TV movie like that once, where Hal Linden’s character chose Anne Meara over Madolyn Smith. I didn’t think it could happen in real life, but Charles and Camilla have proven that it can.)

Along with the rest of the world, I’m so glad that the Markle woman won’t be there to spoil everyone’s time, as she surely would have. But did you notice that she announced she had just signed with a big show business agency this week, just to steal a little of the Royals’ thunder? What a rotten person she is.

All of us are giving waaay too much coverage to the evil Royal Family member, the Markel woman, so I figured I need to counteract all that with this glorious pic of perfect Princess Kate with her grandmother-in-law, the Queen.

All of us are giving waaay too much coverage to the evil Royal Family member, the Markel woman, so I figured I need to counteract all that with this glorious pic of perfect Princess Kate with her grandmother-in-law, the Queen.

I covered all the drama with Harry and his creepy wife last week, so I have only happy topics here today. (But, if you missed my rant, and are a fellow Markle-eschewer, here’s that link—you do not want to miss it!: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/karens-rantsgossip-upcoming-the-creepy-sussexes-vis-a-vis-the-kings-coronation.)

On a side note, this is something that amused me about the Coronation: King Charles’ former butler recently said, “This event is going to be so completely different to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.” Duh. For some, that was an actual lifetime ago!!! It’s been seventy years!!! Most everything in the world has changed! That’s not the profound statement he thought it was.

It's perhaps the last occasion on which to share an image of the glowing young Queen, so here she is on her 21st birthday.

It’s perhaps the last occasion on which to share an image of the glowing young Queen, so here she is on her 21st birthday.

Now let’s get to the important info. The King’s Coronation takes place on this coming Saturday morning, May 6, at the crack of dawn United States time. I believe that means 1AM west coast time. It will be shown on many TV stations and streaming services. But I’m hoping to find it on the BBC feed, of course. (Or rather, hoping that Mr. X can find it, because he’s the one who does that stuff in our house.) That’s really the only way to watch the festivities, in my opinion.

Of course, I have a few tips for watching the Coronation to make it the most fun. I know we can all just watch it, period, but if you are into making it an event for yourselves, I’m here to suggest some ways to optimize your Coronation experience.

I’ve shared some of these before, for two of the Royal Weddings, but this grand occasion presents the perfect time for a refresher course, don’t you think?

MAKE IT A TRUE FETE

How lovely would it be to have a Coronation-themed soiree? If, as am, you’re on the west coast of America, a late-night gathering will be perf. You can begin at midnight, which will be so unique that everyone who’s able to party at that hour should love it. (And invite me, please!) For you east coast-ers, how about a very early morning week-end pajama party brunch? (My readers in the rest of the world can figure it out accordingly.)

WARDROBE

Karen Salkin modeling one of her many fascinators. (And jewelry and nails!) Photo by INAM staff.

Karen Salkin modeling one of her many fascinators. (And jewelry and nails!) Photo by INAM staff.

Women–you absolutely must wear a fascinator on your head. (If you’re not familiar with that type of chapeau, I’m modeling one in the pic on the left.)

And don’t forget the skinny gloves. Even if the rest of your ensemble is pajamas and a bathrobe, (which I hope will both be made of silk,) thin gloves, (when you’re not eating, of course,) and a fascinator are the order of the day. (And you can continue to rock that rare chapeau for the Kentucky Derby a bit later that same day!)

And, of course, all nail polish must be light pink. (I’ll show you mine in my Coronation review next week. I even filed my long nails down for the classy mani, which I’m proud to say I do myself, by the way.)

FOOD AND DRINK

What you feast on during the proceedings just might be the most important aspect of watching the Coronation, as opposed to just lying there with the TV on, (which could also be fun, actually, since it will be the middle of the night.)

As I hope that many of you know, my real area of dining expertise is Afternoon Tea, and I’m very exacting about it. Even though I’m usually super strict about the official rules* of this repast, I’m loosening them a bit for the Coronation, or else we would not be able to enjoy all that deliciousness at this early morning hour. *[Note: If you’d like to be in the know about the differences among the several possible tea meals, you can learn it all right here: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/national-daydiningkarens-lessons-happy-national-tea-day.]

The perfect tea for the occasion! Photo by Karen Salkin.

The perfect tea for the occasion! Photo by Karen Salkin.

Since we’ll all be celebrating a happening in Jolly Old England, (where Afternoon Tea was invented,) I suggest you partake of at least some of these treats during the festivities, (even if that means that you’ll be adding crumbs to your bed!)

~ I’m sure that a few of you will love the excuse to sip a spot of sherry or champagne at this hour, so I say go for it!

~ Then don’t forget the actual tea. An English variety, (such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey,) is the most appropriate, of course, but I always find subtly-flavored ones, (such as vanilla, grapefruit, or cinnamon,) to be more delicious. I always add honey to mine, and sometimes a bit of milk, which is very British.  (Just remember to hold your teacup with your pinky out to the side!)

~ I wholeheartedly recommend that, at the very least, you dine on some scones with clotted cream and jam (my mouth is actually watering as I write that.) Scones are very filling, so even one of those treats should get you through most of the hours of Coronation coverage.

One of the Iveta scone mixes...

One of the Iveta scone mixes…

...and the gorgeous and delish scones that Karen Salkin baked from an Iveta mix herself! Photo by Karen Salkin.

…and the gorgeous and delish scones that Karen Salkin baked from an Iveta mix herself! Photo by Karen Salkin.

What I’ll be doing is the easiest and most delicious of all. Over the years, I’ve whipped up the absolute best scones from Ivéta mixes. You just add a cup of cream to the mix, sprinkle it with sugar, bake it for a few minutes, and that’s it! No other ingredients or measuring or worrying. I think that Ivéta’s scone mixes are actually the reason I make an Afternoon Tea to begin with! My fave, of course, is their Chocolate Chip, but if I can stop being married to that flavor, I’m also planning on trying their Cinnamon Chip, Maple, new Apricot,  and Vanilla (which I’ve never seen anywhere else!)

In a pinch, you can just get a package of crumpets, (if you can find them.) They’re a good enough substitute for scones, but far less satisfying.

The best and official Clotted Cream, also from Iveta.

The best and official Clotted Cream, also from Iveta.

~ And please do not forget the clotted cream and jam with which to top the scones! You can get official Clotted Cream, Lemon Curd, and all kinds of upscale jams from Ivéta when you order your scone mixes. It’s one-stop-shopping without leaving the house! www.iveta.com

I’m making it all as easy as possible for you, so you have no excuse not to celebrate the Coronation in the best way possible.

~ Some fresh strawberries and cream, in any form, will be a lovely accompaniment. (And, with that dish, you can be satisfied knowing that you’re fulfilling a “fruit portion” of your diet so early in the day!) The easiest way to serve them is to have a bowl of fresh, washed, and hulled berries, and another bowl of whipped cream to dip them in. If more than just you and your fam are in attendance, provide individual ramekins of whipped cream for each guest to dip into, for health purposes.

~ It’s probably too early in the morning/day for anything heartier, but you can always also feature a few finger sandwiches. Cucumber and cream cheese ones will be the classiest, and a bit more early-morning-friendly. And most proper for the occasion. And an interesting flavored cream cheese spread, such as a nutty or sweet one, on cinnamon-raisin bread, will be perfect. (And it’s so easy to make—just spread it on the two sides of the sandwich, press together, and cut into quarters!)

~ Tiny desserts, such as petit fours or bite-sized brownies or cookies, are perfect to not only end the meal with, but in this case, to munch on throughout the Coronation and attendant events, such as the concert following it. But the most appropriate dessert, if you have time to whip it up the day before, (and the inclination, of course,) is English trifle.

Karen Salkin's tea-at-home for yet another Royal event. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Karen Salkin’s tea-at-home for yet another Royal event. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And serve everything in pretty cups and dishes. Remember, this is a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime event, people!

AUXILIARIES

I absolutely adore this picture of Prince Phillip and the Queen still having a bit of a giggle together after all those years!

I absolutely adore this picture of Prince Phillip and the Queen still having a bit of a giggle together after all those years!

I suggest you have at least one big box of tissues handy, just in case. You may think you’re above the emotion of it all, and are just watching for the history of it, but I have a feeling that many of us, (and definitely yours truly,) will wind-up a tad teary over the proceedings.

And, more importantly, I’m praying for the safety of the entire United Kingdom during what will be one of the most important times for that country. I hate that these days we have to give even a second’s thought to what crazies might be planning. What a supreme shame it is that the world has gotten so scary.

Now back to the happiness of it all. Whether you watch live, (as Mr. X and I plan to do,) or record it to view later, I wish you all a fabulous Coronation Day. Ta-ta for now. And cheerio! And, especially, Long Live the King!

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9 Comments

  1. Char Charles (CC) on

    I don’t care about any of the rest of it, but I’m going to order those scones right now!!!

  2. Carol Austin on

    Oh my gosh! My mouth is watering for thos scones. I know you’ve written in the past about not being a great cook or baker yourself, so you must be correct that those mixes are easy for them to look so perfect. I’m going to see how far away the can send the mixes to. Thanks for making us aware of them.

  3. Hi Karen.
    I’m really into the Coronation too! So thanks for these suggestions. I’m going to follow them ALL, I wouldn’t have know how to bake scones, or that mixes even existed, so your info is very helpful. Now I just have to figure out where to get one of those tiny hats!
    Lulu

    • Karen Salkin on

      Hi Towie.

      I asked your question to someone at Iveta, and the asnwer is…Yes! You can use that boxed cream! I’m sure they’ll be just as yummy either way.

      Thanks for the comment, and your enjoy your scones!

      Karen

  4. I’ve been a long time reader of this site, and enjoy most of the articles, but this is the first time I’m commenting. And that’s to say that it’s very helpful for you to give us exact products to use to make it easy for us. Great idea on your part. Have a good time yourself.

  5. Wasn’t it all beautiful? I hope your going to give us your thoughts about it soon. I know they won’t be the same that we read anyplace else. Please please please.

  6. Pete Moses on

    I looked for your comments on the coronation today, but was disappointed to not see any. Did I miss them? Or are they coming? Or will we have to wait twenty years for them?

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