Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II was only 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war power. At 86, she remains a symbol of spirit and stamina for Britain and is the oldest person to reign over the country. Only Queen Victoria, who took the throne at an earlier age, held a longer reign.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne, an event called the Diamond Jubilee. 

— Make a no-fuss shepherd's pie: Here's a recipe to try.

— Drink a British drink. Melody Kettle of Hot From The Kettle tells us how to make the quintessential British cocktail known as a Pimms Cup. This classic drink, which does not appear on American Bar menus nearly as frequently as it should, is made with Pimms Cup No.1, a distilled alcohol made from a gin base. For her recipe, go To buy Pimms, go to a local wine shop such as on Valley Road.

— Make your daughter happy by buying tickets to a One Direction concert. The British boy band will be at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3.

— Make plans to see a free Shakespeare play in Central Park this summer. For the last 50 years, audiences have been enjoying Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. Nearly 1500 people attend each performance, and over 4 million have attended free Shakespeare in the Park performances since they began in 1954. Tickets are required for all those who want to attend. For the summer 2012 schedule, and more information on tickets, go here.