How to make a State Banquet

All eyes might be on the tiaras but if you're going to have a white tie and diamonds dinner then someone needs to do some cooking. And one of the best parts of day one of the State Visit to China was watching preparations for the big event unfold. Thanks to social media, we got a real insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes for this showpiece of the royal season.

The Queen checks the table settings for the State Banquet for the President of China held at Buckingham Palace on October 20th 2015

(photo British Monarchy Instagram)

The build up began in the afternoon when images of the cooks getting to work in the kitchens were shared on the British Monarchy Instagram page. While the guests viewed items from the Royal Collection, the cooks got to grips with the menu for the Royal Banquet and we got a glimpse of a terrine that promised at least two of the five a day veggie recommendation.

It'll be ready in an hour....dinner is prepared at Buckingham Palace for the State Banquet

(British Monarchy Instagram)

Never mind Kate's dress, one of the most eye catching bits of the Banquet was the stunning set of floral arrangements and thanks to Instagram we got a close up of the clematis that featured in the flowers.

Mauve over for the stunning set of flowers on show at Buckingham Palace

But preparations are all very well, the end product has to make the cut. And there was a chance to see the Queen making her last minute inspections of the State Banquet thanks to Twitter.

The Queen inspects the table ahead of tonight's #ChinaStateVisit Banquet pic.twitter.com/w8saXZS6sG

— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 20, 2015

Once the ballroom had passed muster there was some last minute polishing to be done...

 

Over 100 candles in silver-gilt candelabra, many from George IV's reign, are lit before tonight's guests arrive pic.twitter.com/vayHiEGBqK

— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 20, 2015

And while the guests were mingling ahead of their meal, we got a glimpse of the menu - trout, venison and chocolate and mango - plus details of the wine list.

 

The menu for tonight's State Banquet, which includes Venison from Balmoral and West Coast Turbot #ChinaStateVisit pic.twitter.com/iTxBo18AAR

— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 20, 2015

And then it was tiara time...