How To Throw a Royal Wedding Watching Party

Raise your hand if you are already pretty much over the “Wedding of the Century” before it’s even begun?  Yes, me too. Don’t get me wrong – I’m excited to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton, but could definitely have done without the 24/7, wall-to-wall breathless news coverage on everything from “what we think he will say in his groom’s speech even tho we have no idea!!” to “where they may – or may not!! – go on their honeymoon!!”  Sigh.

With that said, it’s not terribly difficult or expensive to throw a perfectly kick-arse (hat tip to the UK) party for you and your girlfriends – we KNOW the boyfriends/fiancees/hubbies will be making themselves scarce that day – that is easy, fun and won’t break the bank. Adding Kleenex to the mix is totally up to you. If you do,  no judgments here because I already know I’m going to be bawling.  My tear ducts went into overdrive on my 30th birthday.

English Breakfast Tea

Lest we forget that coverage starts at 4 a.m.!!!! (that’s me shouting like a news anchor) and continues well into the night, it’s going to be important you remain caffeinated.  Get your fix with a lovely English breakfast tea.  I recommend Twinings, simply because it’s available in most grocery stores and fairly inexpensive. (Less than $8).  I like mine with a lot of milk and two teaspoons of sugar. I’m not at all sure that’s the English way, but go with what works for you. Remember – pinkies out.

Crumpets

The English may not be known for great food, but who can resist the temptation of a buttery crumpet? Basically, this is an English muffin. You know where to find those and they are delicious. Get on it.

Beer

After the outpouring of emotion you’re likely to experience – whether it’s your own or the weepiness of the media – you’re going to need something to relax with.  A good old Newcastle Brown Ale will do the trick.  According to RateBeer, this beer ”Dates back to 1927 is the best selling bottled beer in Europe. It’s one of Britain’s most well-known brews, famous for being the first Northern-style Brown Ale.”

Good enough for us!  Pinkies up!

A Photo of Robert Pattinson

Though the big day is very much about William and Kate, let us all just remember to take a moment and remember Britain’s finest export, Robert Pattinson.  Place a small photo of him next to your TV screen and remember that there are still plenty of good-looking English bachelors to be had. (Kristen Stewart be damned.)

Roses

More than just England’s national flower, the rose is the perfect party favor to send each of your party guests home with.  Buy a few single ones at your local grocery or corner store, and send each one of your friends on their way with this sweet-smelling flower.  Or, if you find that you or a guest is stressed about not discovering Prince Charming yet, and the Royal Wedding has only driven that point oh-so-home, consider a rose-smashing party. Crumple them, stomp on them, whatever feels good! Then, draw yourself a hot bath and stick the remnants in there.  I think that sounds like even more fun than the TV watching, personally.