Queen Elizabeth II was only 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war power. Today, 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, enjoyed a longer reign.

Here are five ways you can help our friends in Britain celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne, an event called the Diamond Jubilee. 

—Hang out at the King George Inn in South Whitehall tonight and toast the queen. Then toast the British's defeat in the War of Independence.

—Hang out at Braveheart Highland Pub in Hellertown tonight and toast the queen. Then toast the British's defeat in the War of Independence.

—Hang out at home and toast the queen with your homemade Pimms Cup. Then toast the the British's defeat in the War of Independence. 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 a recipe, go here. To buy Pimms, try the local Wine and Spirits shop at South Mall in Salisbury Township.

—Heat up a Mr. Pastie meat pie (made in Pen Argyl, Pa!) which you can find in the frozen food section of local Giant supermarkets. The meat pies are traditional Welsh/Cornish fare (Mr. Pastie also makes a chicken pie, too).

—Make plans to see a Shakespeare play during the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University this summer.

—Make a no-fuss shepherd's pie. Here's the recipe.

—Make your daughter very happy by buying tickets to a One Direction concert. The British boy band will be at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3, 2012.