THE CORONATION COLLECTION (FROM ROYALLY BRILLIANT UK SMALL BUSINESSES)
13th April, 2023
Looking forward to the coronation weekend? I know I am — but not for the reasons one might think (sorry in advance, King Charles!). I love seeing all the craft and creative elements of UK makers that come out on occasions like this. Even the official invite, designed by Andrew Jamieson and hand painted in watercolour and gouache, was a beautiful representation of spring and rebirth. Plus whether you’re a royalist or not, I think street parties can really help bring communities together. There’s something wonderfully out of the ordinary about all choosing to stop the traffic, down our tools and unite for a moment — all ages and people — to just talk to each other, share what we have and have fun in this small moment of history.
And speaking of history, did you know that it was after World War One when women first held ‘Peace Teas’, originally designed to treat the children who had nothing, at a time when deadly flu was rife? Now post-pandemic, it’s the hospitality industry that’s on its knees (among others) and as the pubs and restaurants can open later on the coronation weekend, they need all the custom they can get. The same goes for the UK’s creative small businesses. With 57% at risk of closure in 2023, I’ll be doing all I can to show them my support too, which is why I’ve pulled together this Coronation Collection. Everything below has been made by an independent UK business and is an ode to their talent, skill and innovation. I hope you enjoy it. Now I’m off to find some bunting… and to raise a toast to how royally bloody brilliant they all are. Cheers!
For reliving your own childhood parties…
Traditional oval or round glass jelly moulds (and a delicious elderflower recipe to try in them), by Re-found Objects.
For a high tea at home…
Hand painted ‘The King’ egg cup, fired in West Yorkshire by Katch Skinner.
For bringing a little ‘star status’ to the picnic…
100% linen napkins in a variety of colours, each one emblazoned with an embroidered star, by Killy & Co.
For an easy way to make an effort (without really making an effort)…
Contemporary, technicoloured bunting (that can be reused for all sorts of celebrations), by the ribbon rebels at Rebel Bunting.
For a guaranteed Hollywood handshake…
Hand painted ‘Long Live The King’ wooden cake topper (which doubles up as an heirloom to cherish forever), by Amy Swann.
For serving up those summer tipples…
Hand engraved, heirloom ‘Gin & Tonic’ board (customisation optional), by The Oak & Rope Company.
For remembering a moment in history…
Wooden ‘Crown For A King’ hanging decoration, by multi-talented artist and printmaker, Elizabeth Harbour.
For the ones who really rule the roost..
Handmade and personalised ‘Crocheted Crowns’ for all ages, by Eka Wear. A reusable alternative to throw-away party hats.
For something to mark the occasion…
Limited edition HM King Charles III coronation screenprint (made using sustainable materials), by Cambridge Imprint.
For winning ‘best dressed table’ at the street party…
Cotton ‘Hip Hip Hooray’ table cloth, linocut by British artist Hugo Guinness for Daylesford Organic.
For inviting the King’s Guard to the party…
Edible ‘toy soldiers’ by The Chocolate Gift Co. Every product is created in small batches from their Bedfordshire-based HQ.
For a royal ‘plus one’ for your mini…
Handcrafted ‘King Coronation Mouse’, made with organic wool and adorned in ceremonial uniform, by Sew Heart Felt.
For bringing the coronation to your cupcake…
‘Coronation Cake Topper Set’ (featuring four embroidered toppers that will reign for many years longer than the cupcake will), by Lotta’s House.
For your (or their) own crowning moment…
Velvet, limited edition, fabric crowns (with gift wrapping available), by Fable Heart.
For accompanying the champagne…
‘Strawberry Serving Bowl’ (in mini or jumbo strawberry design), made by ‘chunky china’ creator Bronwen at Marigold and Lettice.
For drying the royal dishes…
‘God Save The King’ tea towel, printed in England by Pentreath & Hall (who have now been making commemorative tea towels for over a decade).
For remembering ‘all creatures great and small’ on the guestlist…
Customisable coronation ‘Party Animals’ (with accessories to suit all royal subjects), by Bow Beaus.
For the other Kings in your life that need celebrating…
‘Birthday King’ card-come-party-hat, made with FSC-certified paper (and citrus peels), by Hadley Paper Goods.
For help flagging the essential streetworks taking place…
Wooden ‘Street Party Ahead’ sign. Made to last for many more future events, by The Prop Factory.
Like what you see? Discover more one-of-a-kind gift ideas, for birthdays, 18-year-olds, stationery lovers and more, on my Inspiration Hub.