It’s no secret, one of the biggest sporting events of the year is fast approaching, the 2022 Qatar World Cup!
32 nations battle it out for the ultimate football title, and whether you’re a football fan or not, it’s hard not to get swept up in the loveable patriotic chaos.
If you’re hosting friends and family for World Cup celebrations, we have some top tips to make your party run as smoothly as possible.
Setting the scene
First thing is first, the TV.
You’ll need to make your screen accessible to your guests, whether you move it outside or rearrange the furniture, everyone needs to be able to see everything from the fancy footwork to the winning goal.
Once you’ve decided where the main event will be viewed, you can start to consider the area around it.
Here is your opportunity to go as big as you like; think bunting, banners, and balloons. If you’re going for a specific theme, let’s say ‘England’, why not kit your home out with all things patriotic and quintessentially British?
You could even offer a fancy dress theme for that added element of fun.
Prepare for the weather
Speaking of typically English, you’ll need to prepare for the unpredictable British weather to ensure you and your guests stay comfortable.
If you have enough outdoor space, consider putting up a gazebo, this will extend your space for your guests and allow a safe haven from the (very likely) wind and rain.
But how do you battle the cold? Fire!
Alongside offering blankets to guests and making sure they bring a nice warm coat with them; your guests will feel toasty and warm around your Olive & Wild football fire pit.
We have two perfectly sized fire pits to impress your guests at your World Cup party, both sizes have the option for personalisation with your name or your team’s name!
Keep the kids entertained
We know more than most that keeping your little ones entertained throughout the beautiful game can be challenging to say the least.
Why not get them excited with some football fun of their own? Pre-plan a light-hearted competition with some football-themed activities to keep them occupied.
- Classic penalty shoot-out
- Keepy uppys
- Dribbling obstacle course
- Colour in your own kit (find a print-out online)
- Football shirt cookie decorating
Top it off with a trophy presentation at the end!
Of course, nothing beats toasting marshmallows around your football fire pit! Grab some supervising adults with a sweet tooth and make sure you have wipes for sticky fingers.
Stay refreshed
You want to enjoy your party as much as your guests, that’s why pre-preparing food and drink, and making them easily accessible is a must!
We’re battling a Winter World Cup, so hearty and warming food is always favourable. To keep things simple, prepare something in a slow cooker prior to your guests’ arrival; chilli or curry paired with rice, and garlic or naan bread are much-loved classics.
Once you’ve stoked up your fire pit, you can use the grill attachment to cook added extras, including tinfoil-wrapped potatoes, for the perfect jacket potato with hardly any effort.
For snacking in between goals, it’s a good idea to provide some strategically placed bowls of nibbles around the screen area.
In keeping with ‘ease of access’, fill up some buckets with water, add beers, ciders, bottles of wine, or soft drinks and place them outside. Guests can easily help themselves and the winter weather will keep drinks cool.
If you’re looking to offer other drinks options, perhaps prepare a small area with a hot drinks station, mugs and glassware, spirits, bottled soft drinks and maybe even a pre-mixed jug of cocktail if you really want to impress your guests.
Kick back, relax, and keep your fingers crossed!
Now your food is cooking, drinks are chilling, and your fire pit is lit; there’s not much else to do except keep everything crossed that your team score that winning goal!
Where to find your football fire pit
Find and personalise your very own football fire pit on our Etsy shop or see our full range of products on our products page.
We can’t give you advice on the winning team, but if you need help with your order, or simply have a question about our products, contact us on 01268 439 535 or email us [email protected]
Fingers crossed; it’s coming home!
