The King’s Coronation is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Embrace this momentous occasion with street parties, games, and chocolate cupcakes…

For many of us, the coronation of King Charles III will be the first time we experience a new monarch taking the throne. As a huge moment in British history, it seems pertinent to mark the occasion. A time to gather with friends, neighbours, and loved ones, the King’s Coronation offers the perfect opportunity to toast to new beginnings, enjoy wonderful treats (including chocolate, of course), and have a bit of fun. 

If you’re wondering how to celebrate this special May bank holiday, read on for some regal inspiration.

When is the coronation of King Charles III and what will it involve?

The King’s Coronation marks the official moment that Charles III takes the throne. The coronation itself is taking place at Westminster Abbey in London on the 6th of May, starting at 11 am. At this time, the King and Queen Consort will arrive at the Abbey in a procession, with thousands of people attending to witness the momentous occasion. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct the service, following traditional ceremonies. These include anointing the King with consecrated oil, delivering the royal orb, and the enthroning itself.

Celebration ideas for the King’s Coronation

During the Queen’s coronation in 1953, us Brits celebrated with street parties, feasts, and other festivities. Following the Second World War, people felt it was high time we had something positive to focus on — and so communities came together to celebrate the occasion and support the new monarch. Since then, we’ve celebrated the Queen’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum Jubilees in elegant retro style.

Did you celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last year? We created a cacao-inspired menu for the occasion — and many of these chocolate recipes will work beautifully for the King’s Coronation, too.

Here are some other ways to make this special May bank holiday even more memorable.

Bake a coronation cake

Baking a cake is a great way to celebrate the King’s Coronation, and there are many options to choose from. For a quick and easy option, ideal for sharing with loved ones, consider baking chocolate cupcakes. Red, white, and blue royal icing will add a patriotic touch.

A traditional Victoria sponge cake is another apt bake. After all, it’s named after Charles’ great-great-great grandmother. With its layers of jam and cream, it’s a sophisticated addition to any royal celebration.

Alternatively, you can create a showstopping tiered cake with multiple layers and intricate decorations. Why not experiment with edible gold leaf or sculpt a spectacular royal crown with white or milk chocolate? Add a chocolate ganache filling for further opulence — our Batons and Slabs will bring nuanced cacao notes and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Enjoy a Great British picnic

What better way to celebrate the King’s coronation in a quintessentially British way than with a Great British picnic? Finger food and miniature nibbles are a great way to bring people together with minimal fuss. Try preparing classic British lunch items like sandwiches with cucumber, smoked salmon, or cheddar cheese and pickle.

When it comes to sweet treats, butterfly cupcakes, scones with jam and cream, and classic British tidbits like carrot cake and Chelsea buns will no doubt be a big hit at your picnic. To add an element of chocolate opulence, incorporate our Caramel Chocolate Bar Selector. With its buttery notes of dulce de leche it’s the perfect addition to your favourite millionaire shortbread and caramel cookies recipes.

If you’re looking for some small, delicious-looking indulgences, why not sample from our Small Packs or Patisserie Chocolate collection? Inspired by perfectly British desserts, our delightfully delicate Selectors offer bitesize decadence when a slice of cake is just too much. Petite yet satisfying, our Selectors are available in classic varieties — from sumptuously smooth vanilla-custard Raspberry Panna Cotta Selectors to luxurious Tiramisu. For an oh-so-British dessert in nibble form, try our summery Eton Mess White Chocolates.

These treats are great for a  picnic, and look impressive on a tiered platter.

Get the community together with a Coronation Big Lunch

As well as planning your own celebrations from scratch, there are several organisations with resources to help. The Coronation Big Lunch is a fantastic opportunity for communities across the United Kingdom to come together and celebrate the King’s Coronation. Hosted by The Big Lunch team at The Eden Project, the event is a nationwide act of celebration and friendship, encouraging neighbours and communities to share food and fun together on Sunday 7th May 2023.

From a street party, or a simple cup of tea with a neighbour, to an extravagant Coronation Big Lunch, there are plenty of great ways to get to know your community better and enjoy the festivities with loved ones. So, pop open some Prosecco, indulge in our Best Selling Chocolate Gifts and get ready for lunch with us here at Hotel Chocolat this coronation day.

Toast with some cacao cocktails

The King’s Coronation is a significant moment in history — and we feel that deserves a big celebration. Bring an extra dimension to your toast with cacao-inspired cocktails. The humble cacao bean has so much to offer beyond our favourite chocolates. It can add depth of flavour and nuanced notes of toasted malt to an array of alcoholic drinks.

As the only chocolatier to run two bars, we’re rather proud of our unique cacao-infused spirits and liqueurs. Why not incorporate them into your King’s Coronation cocktails?

Our Cacao Gin unites premium gin, cacao, and a hint of citrus — it’s ideal for creating a refreshing and zesty cocktail. Try making a Cacao Citrus Gin Fizz by mixing the gin with fresh orange juice, lime juice, and soda water — it’s the perfect citrus zing on a warm May day.

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, a Chocolat Martini is sure to go down a treat with the deep, decadent notes of our Chocolate Velvetised Cream with dark rum and ice for a high-cacao, velvety cocktail.

To add a fruity twist to the festivities, try mixing Cacao Gin, fresh raspberries, and a dash of Prosecco. With these cacao-inspired cocktails, the King’s Coronation celebration will be elevated to a new level of luxury and sophistication.

Play some party games

No coronation party is complete without a few games, especially if you’re planning a family celebration and want some creative ways to occupy the little ones.

We suggest kicking off the festivities with a Royal Fancy Dress competition where your guests can show off their best regal attire for a chance to win the title of best dressed. Of course, the best costume also deserves a prize fit for royalty. Our chocolate boxes offer the perfect amount of decadence. Opt for the Everything Sleekster for a surefire winner that explores a variety of recipes across all our chocolate genres. Alternatively, present your winner with the Summer Desserts H-Box for a vibrant selection of treats ideal for an afternoon in the May sunshine.

Another game to try is “Pin the Crown on the King”, a fun twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”. For older kids, try the “Who Am I?” game where players pick a famous royal or someone with a royal connection and others guess who they are using only yes or no questions.

You can also test your guests’ knowledge with a Royal Quiz — again, don’t forget some thoughtful prizes.

Celebrate the King’s coronation with Hotel Chocolat

However you choose to celebrate the King’s coronation this May bank holiday, add a dose of decadence to this once in a lifetime event with Hotel Chocolat.

From nibbles for your extravagant Great British Picnic, to game prizes and desserts for a Coronation Big Lunch, we’ve got you covered with our range of indulgent delights for every occasion. Explore our chocolate collection today.