Show Some Spirit: Throw a Last Minute Olympic Watching Party

I’ve talked a lot about the Olympics this week.

And I’m not gunna stop.

At least not today!

Have I mentioned yet that the Olympics truly shaped who I am.

Don’t laugh but they have.

You see if it weren’t for the Olympics I probably would not have taken gymnastics for several years when I was in elementary school. Neither would my sisters.

And my other sister probably wouldn’t have done years and years (like her whole life, ever since Tara Lipinski) of ice skating competing at competitions all over the country.

But even if the Olympics don’t have you running out the door to go run laps you can still have fun and celebrate things!

So if you are looking to have a last minute Olympic watching party, large or small, check out these party tips in an article I wrote for meal planning/recipe site Food on the Table.

(Photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net)

The Olympic Games are an exciting time for all! Countries unite to cheer on their home team and show their support. And while competition is fierce, the world comes together and is focused on this one special event.

Over the next couple of weeks all eyes will be on the Olympic Games. Even if you are not sitting poolside in London, show your support in true Olympic style by hosting an Olympic watching party! Below are a few suggestions on how to successfully put together a last minute Olympic themed party to cheer on your favorite athletes.

Décor: Keep the international sprit of the games alive by representing countries from around the world. Hang copies of flags, found on the internet, from participating countries. Choose solid colored paper products in the colors of the Olympic rings; blue, yellow, black, green, and red. Or show your support for Team U.S.A. by hanging American flags and decorating in the good ‘ole red, white and blue.

Entertainment: Of course all eyes will be glued to the television screen, so make sure there is a clear view and plenty of seating. Need a break from watching? Step outside and host a backyard Olympics, based on your favorite Olympic sports! Play a game of soccer or basketball, create a relay race around your neighborhood passing off a homemade Olympic torch, or simply swim laps in the pool.

Or consider watching some Olympic themed movies such as Cool Runnings, Miracle, or The Cutting Edge. Sharing some Olympic facts at the dinner table and letting the kids color some Olympic themed coloring pages are other fun family friendly activities.

Food: Of course no celebration would be complete without a spread of tasty food! With London being this year’s Olympic host city, plan to serve traditional English fare. From popular English beer, to traditional fish and chips, a little English grub will transform your kitchen to an English pub. Other traditional English food options include: Shepherd’s Pie a casserole made of lamb meat and topped with mashed potatoes; Bangers and Mash simply mashed potatoes and sausage; tea and scones or biscuits and jam.

If English cuisine not your thing, serve a spread of international fare with favorites from around the world; such as cheese and wine to represent France, stir-fry for China, hummus and fresh veggies for Greece, and an American favorite, hamburgers.

Want festive, kid-friendly Olympic food? This Olympic Ring Pizza, Fruit pizza or gold medal cookies are super fun!