Watch Party Ideas for the Summer Games

The Summer Games are a time when countries all around the world come together for competition and celebration. Take this opportunity to get your own friends together by hosting a watch party for the Summer Games. Plan your party for a day with many broadcast events so there will always be something for your guests to watch. Or, if you and your guests are excited about one event in particular, plan the party around it. Below are some Summer Games watch party ideas to help make your event gold medal worthy.

• Outdoor Screening: Take advantage of the summer season and warm weather by hosting your party outdoors. Hang a white sheet in the backyard and use a projector to display the games. Keeping the party outdoors where there is more space allows you to invite more guests. Bonus: the projection will be much bigger than your TV so all the extra guests will be able to see! Tip: Make sure you set up a good sound system so everyone can hear, and be sure to let the neighbors know your plans.

• Choose a Color Scheme: An easy color scheme is to use the bright red, blue, green, yellow, and black of the Summer Games rings. Assemble a simple snack table with a white tablecloth and five bowls in these colors arranged like the Summer Games rings. Continue the color scheme in decorations such as garlands and balloons throughout your party space. Some other Summer Games party ideas are to base your color scheme on Red, White and Blue (the colors of whatever country that the majority of your guests will be cheering on), the colors of the host country, or Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

• Set Up Party Games: This party doesn’t have to be about just watching the games. Entertain kids or restless adults by setting up party games. Make sure they are in a different area than the TV viewing so run-away balls or loud kids won’t bother the people who are watching. Use games that are mini-versions of Summer Games events (like the long jump) or classic party games with a Summer Games party theme (like ring toss with Summer Games theme colored rings). Make or buy medals to “award” to kids after each game.

• Make it a Potluck: In addition to having everyone sign up to bring one type of food (the Potluck feature on Punchbowl is perfect for this) ask them to each bring food from a different country. This is a great way to have guests show off old family recipes or try a new recipe. If they don’t have any favorite international dishes, suggest an American recipe. Ask them to print out a small flag of the country that their dish is from and display it on the serving table to show all the different countries that inspired the food.

• Send Digital Invitations: Plan your event on Punchbowl to access beautiful free Summer Games invitations for your party. Using online invitations helps you save money so you can splurge on decorations or food. You can also easily manage your RSVPs and potluck list, and take a poll to find out which event your guests are most excited about watching.

Combine some or all of these party ideas for the Summer Games and your event is sure to be a success!