Named after the Roman Emperor Augustus, who was a nephew of Julius after whom July was named, August is the month of the Perseids shooting stars. It’s also the month when wealthy Brits traditionally made their annual migration from London to the seaside for their holidays. So hold a beach party in the backyard or organise a star gazing session or perhaps use one of the ideas below.
Lammas Day Party Ideas
August 1st was traditionally known as Lammas day. It was the day when bread baked from the newly harvested wheat would be offered to the church. It was also the day when tenants of the Cathedral of York had to take a live lamb to the Cathedral to be dedicated at high mass hence. Hence there are two suggested derivations of Lammas: Lambs Mass from the sheep and Loaf mass from the wheat.
A harvest themed party would be suitable on this day. Make corn dollies and dress up as country yokels with smocks and caps and fake scythes or as shepherds. Serve lamb burgers in buns or host a barbecue where lamb is the main feature. Lamb cutlets or chops in a redcurrant glaze are ideal. Serve with the old punch from ale and apple puree called lambs wool.
Celebrate Cowes Week and the National Eisteddford
Cowes Week held on the seas off the Isle of Wight and the National Eisteddford held in Wales both fall into the first week of August and could provide the inspiration for a themed party during this time. Celebrate Cowes Week by hosting a yachting party in the back yard even if there’s not a drop of water nearby. Get guests to arrive dressed in sailing gear and serve seasonal salads, champagne and Pimms.
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a week long event where poets, writers and musicians get together to perform and show off their skills. Host a musical and poetry reading event to coincide with this week. Consider offering a prize to the best performer. Base menu and drink ideas on traditional Welsh foods.
Cecil B DeMille’s Birthday and Notting Hill Carnival Parties
August 12th 1881 was Cecil B. DeMille’s birthday. Celebrate it by hosting a Hollywood film star party. Get guests to dress up as their favourite film star or as a character from one of DeMille’s films such as Cleopatra or The Buccaneer. He was born in Massachusetts so consider planning food and drink based on traditional dishes from that area of the US.
The last Monday in August is a bank holiday in the UK and is the day that, since 1966, a carnival celebrating everything Caribbean has been held in the Notting Hill area of London. Theme a party on this day around the culture and food of the Caribbean and invite guests to wear bright shirts and shorts.
Sources:
- All the Year Round journal 1887
- Notting Hill Carnival Website
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