Let's raise a glass to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

While the last few months have been tricky for many of us (to say the least!), let's try to imagine the mood of the UK on 8 May 1945, when Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that the six-year war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender.Legendary street parties followed, with even the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, allowed to leave the Palace to join in the celebrations. 8 May 2021 marks the 76th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (otherwise known as VE Day) and, even though our celebrations may look different this year, we still want to raise a glass to all those who bravely fought in the Second World War!So, although we might have to follow a few social distancing guidelines, we can still get out in the garden &ndash; or on the balcony, patio, or front lawn &ndash; to join in the toast. Or, if you have no outdoor space, there's always Zoom or Facetime, right? And, since it's a bank holiday, we may even have time to whip up a batch of scones or finger sandwiches, to really get into the spirit of things.Here are some of our top tips to throw a quintessentially British VE Day celebration…<h2>have a traditional tea party</h2>Search your cupboards and see what you have available to make finger sandwiches, cakes, and nibbles. Here are some of our favourite ideas…Scones Dig out any jars of jam and serve with homemade <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/scones-clotted-cream" target="_blank">scones</a> (or pick some up in store) and clotted cream, for an afternoon tea staple &ndash; the humble scone. What could be better?<img alt="scones-clotted-cream__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/scones-clotted-cream__square_GL?scl=1">TiffinWho could forget the tiffin, hailed as one of Her Majesty's 'favourite afternoon tea cakes by far'? As if we needed another reason to make it… <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/tiffin" target="_blank">Our recipe</a> is ultra-indulgent.<img alt="tiffin__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/tiffin__square_GL?scl=1">Queen Cakes How about rustling up a batch of these irresistible <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/queen-cakes" target="_blank">Queen Cakes</a>? Make the decorations as patriotic as possible!<img alt="queen-cakes__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/queen-cakes__square_GL?scl=1">Seasonal strawberry recipes You may be tempted to embrace sweet and seasonal English strawberries, with this <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/strawberry-cheesecake" target="_blank">gorgeous cheesecake</a> recipe, or these simple <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/basil-strawberry-cupcakes" target="_blank">strawberry cupcakes</a>.<img alt="strawberry-cheesecake__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/strawberry-cheesecake__square_GL?scl=1">Savoury nibbles Afternoon tea wouldn't be complete without a savoury treat or two! You can keep things simple with crustless cucumber sarnies, or make a stack of these moreish <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/coronation-chicken-finger-sandwiches">Coronation Chicken finger sandwiches</a>. Our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/egg-mayo-sandwiches" target="_blank">Egg Mayo sandwiches</a> would go down a treat, and <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/street-party-mini-quiches" target="_blank">M</a><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/street-party-mini-quiches" target="_blank">ini quiches</a> are hard to resist…<img alt="coronation-chicken-sandwich-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/coronation-chicken-sandwich-web__square_GL?scl=1">Showstopper cake Every party needs a showstopper cake, and we think our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/elizabeth-sponge-cake" target="_blank">Elizabeth Sponge Bunting Cake</a> has the wow factor. We particularly love the postage-stamp bunting &ndash; have fun with your decorations, and don't forget to tag @asda with your creations, adding in the hashtag #GetYourCookOn. Another bonus with this cake? You'll be enjoying the leftovers for the next week!<img alt="queenselizabeth-sponge-cake__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/queenselizabeth-sponge-cake_GL?scl=1"><h2>how to create your BRITISH tea party</h2>Whether hanging bunting from our windows or going all-out and festooning the entire garden, we'll be embracing the colours of the British flag with homemade decorations this bank holiday.Here are a few other tips:Set the tableA tea party wouldn't be complete without a tea set! From traditional florals to geometric styles and cocktail themes, just make sure it matches.Decorate!Get the kids involved &ndash; set aside any scraps of fabric, paints, and paper and let them get creative with paper chains, banners, posters and colourful bunting. You can download a bunting template from the BBC website <a href="http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/england/pdf/bunting_template_bbc_local_radio.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.Create a playlist Whether you choose to keep things authentic with wartime tunes or prefer a more contemporary playlist, we suggest opting for British bands and artists for this particular occasion!<img alt="gin-tea-party-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/gin-tea-party-web__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Have a socially-distanced street party</h2>Perhaps you and your neighbors have already arranged a 'street party' of sorts? It's easier than it sounds! Simply set up some chairs and a picnic table at the end of your drive or front lawn, and keep the refreshments coming.Mix up a refreshing pitcher of lemonade &ndash; or, weather-permitting, these <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/pimms-ice-lollies" target="_blank">Pimms ice lollies</a> will hit the spot. (Our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/strawberry-ice-lollies" target="_blank">strawberry ice lollies</a> make a fantastic, non-alcoholic alternative). Failing that, you can't go wrong with a chilled bottle of fizz.<h2 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="pimms-lollies__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/pimms-lollies__square_GL?scl=1"></h2><h2>Plan a virtual celebration</h2>Want to celebrate with your nearest and dearest friends and family, while in lockdown? There are so many video chat options &ndash; from Zoom to Facetime or Google Meet &ndash; that a virtual party has never been easier to organise.You could encourage everyone to dress up for the occasion, before joining you in raising your glass (or cuppa) in a toast.Are you inspired to plan your at-home VE Day celebration? Pop into your <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/" target="_blank">local store</a> to pick up everything you need.

How to celebrate VE Day from home

By ASDA Admin,7th May 2020

TAGS

RELATED ARTICLES