Since the 2012 Summer Olympics are set in London, miniature Union Jack flags are a great decorative touch for any Olympics party.
We’re less than a week away from the Opening Ceremonies of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, and you might be wondering how you can take part in all the action. If you haven’t figured out where you’re going to watch the events yet, why not throw an Olympic-themed party at your apartment? Invite a few friends, deck out your place with some fun decorations and plan a menu filled with delicious snacks to enjoy while you watch your favorite competitors in the world’s most famous athletic event. Here are our tips to throwing a last-minute Olympics party that’s worthy of the gold medal.
Guest List
This one should be simple. Think about if you have any friends or family members that are interested in sports or just like theme parties in general. If you’re new to a city, think about inviting over some of your neighbors as a way to get to know your surroundings and familiarize yourself with the people in your apartment complex. You never know, you might make some new friends.
Invitations
If you want to go all out, you can quickly and easily design your own invitations and print them at home on heavy cardstock. To get started, look online for Olympic ring logos, international flags and sports-related imagery and since this year’s games are going to be held in London, search for fun London-themed artwork like double-decker buses, Union Jacks and other imagery that would be suitable. If you’re short on time or money, websites like Evite or Punchbowl are free and do all the heavy lifting for you so you can turn your attention to more pressing matters, like how you want to decorate.
Décor
Part of the fun of watching the Olympics is learning about all the different countries and cultures in the world, particularly that of the host country. So head to your local party supply store and pick up miniature flags from various countries to pass out to guests or place on the food table. Or, keep it simple and hang up an American flag. Set up a tiki torch to represent the Olympic torch, or make your own version of the Olympic rings to hang on your wall by taping together a blue, black, red, yellow and green hula hoop. Since England’s Union Jack flag is red, white and blue, it shouldn’t be hard to find decorations that fit. You can find the Union Jack on just about anything these days, from pillows to posters and everything in between, so pick up something inexpensive and get into the Olympic spirit.
Snacks
Now for the fun part. No party would be complete without food, so serve up some American and English treats that the crowd will love. On the American side, you can’t go wrong with grilling up some hamburgers and hot dogs, while offering classic comfort side dishes like macaroni and cheese, potato salad and corn on the cob. On the English side, serve favorites like bangers and mash, tea sandwiches of cucumber and egg salad or scones with lemon curd. Or, turn the party into a festive international potluck and have guests bring a country-themed dish (pasta for Italy, paella for Spain, dumplings for China, etc.)
Drinks
Since the Olympics are smack dab in the middle of summer, you’ll want to offer an array of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages that will keep guests cool in this heat. Round up an assortment of English beers and hard ciders, like Strongbow, Woodpecker, Samuel Smith and Newcastle. Or offer guests a refreshing martini made from iced tea. The gin-based Pimm’s Cup cocktail is another classic English favorite. You can also provide non-alcoholic iced English Breakfast tea and lemonade for guests who don’t want to imbibe.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/AnthiaCumming
