Jubilee party time in Exmouth!

AS EXMOUTH gets dressed up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, many of us are planning street parties or smaller gatherings to mark the occasion. Here are our top tips to make your party a right royal success!

We're all hoping for a sunny long weekend, but with the British weather being as it is, you'd be wise to invest in a gazebo if you're planning to eat outdoors, so a trip to B&Q on the Liverton Trading Estate would be a good place to start. If you're thinking of having a BBQ, you'll be able to pick up your charcoal and firelighters at the same time, and if you're expecting extra guests, you'll find a choice of folding tables and chairs, too.

A friendly Jubilee welcome, fresh strawberries and local produce await you at Lakes on Exmouth's Exeter Road
Fly the flag for Exmouth by buying locally sourced meat for your Jubilee party from Porky Down in the Magnolia Centre
And, if you've got room for it after your Jubilee party meal, you must try the gorgeous Jubilee fruitcake fudge from Roly's Fudge Pantry on Emouth's Rolle Street

Next you need to decorate your venue – flags and bunting, of course, are traditional, and we have lots of ideas for you in Exmouth flies the flag for the Jubilee. it's a posh do, you might like to consider a themed floral arrangement from Floriade or Elida, both on Rolle Street, or Daff-O-Dils on Church Street. missannthrope says that Floriade 'put so much care and attention into what they do that you're sure to be bowled over by the results', while meclo87 says she 'would recommend Daff-O-Dil's flowers for any occasion'.

There's a huge choice of Jubilee-themed partyware and tableware to suit all budgets available around the town, from tablecloths and napkins to plates, glasses and tea sets. We love the selection at Garners on the Strand – the souvenir cake and biscuit tins are sure to become much-loved family heirlooms. AuntDahlia says: 'The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to help'.

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Food, glorious food

With the venue arranged and the tables laid, it's time to think about the food! We know lots of you will be having BBQs, so fly the flag for Exmouth by buying locally sourced meat from Porky Down, Reynolds or Lloyd Maunder. ExeCellent rates Reynolds as a 'proper traditional butchers with a range of top quality meat and game'.

Alternatively, how about some freshly-caught local fish from Exmouth Fisheries or The Wet Plaice? TheGreenMan gives The Wet Plaice five stars and says their products are 'tremendous'!

Pasties are another great patriotic choice, and you can't get better than the ones produced by Exmouth's own pasty-maker Moores. chloe_246 says: 'I only wish I could make pasties and pies like them so that I could be able to eat them everyday!' You can also find pasties, along with a variety of cakes and sweet treats, at local bakeries including The Crusty Cob on Rolle Street, The Crusty Cob on The Strand, The Crusty Cob in Littleham, and The Granary in Withycombe.

If you prefer to do your own party baking, make sure to check out Fancyflours Cakes in the Exeter Road for a fantastic range of Jubilee-themed cake cases and decorations.

Bring on the strawberries!

And what else would you want for dessert except some lovely strawberries from Stokes ('great fruit and veg' according to CoastalMummy) or Lakes, served with a nice big dollop of clotted cream from Dairy World in the Exmouth Indoor Market? If you still have a bit of room after that, you simply have to try the gorgeous Jubilee fruitcake fudge from Roly's Fudge Pantry.

The downside of all parties, of course, is that even if you used disposable tableware, there will still be washing up! Not to worry! A jolly Jubilee teatowel will lighten the burden – choose a traditional style at Panter's, or a funky contemporary design from INC.

So have a great party – we're keeping our fingers crossed that the sun shines on you!

Are you having a Jubilee party? Tell us all about it – we'd love to see your pictures in the Exmouth People photo galleries!