A parade of boats is exciting. A regatta boat race is also spectacular but a flotilla pageant is an extravaganza! One Sunday, June 3, the pageantry for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years of reign begins on the River Thames in England. One thousand boats will participate in the seven-mile showcase honoring Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. It will be a world-class event.

Any maritime celebration with friends is in order for summer festivities. If the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event is highlighted, the festivities can be played on a large screen as crab salad, shaped into a crown mold, is served. For royal celebrating, ask the ladies to wear their favorite hats and offer the guests tea selections and canapés fit for royalty.

Crab Salad

Boil fresh crab and remove the shell. Add 2 teaspoons of fresh squeezed orange juice and a touch of orange zest. Add finely chopped celery, a touch of celery salt and a dollop of sour cream. Add finely chopped fresh tarragon or parsley and finish the mixture with mayonnaise. Chill.
Option 1: Add the whites only of boiled eggs that have been finely chopped. Form the mixture into a crown mold. Serve with crackers or serve on canapé bread shapes.
Option 2: If served on canapé toast, roll the crab mixture into small balls then roll the balls in finely chopped pistachio nuts. Place the crab balls onto hors d’oeuvre crusts. Serve both options chilled.