Family Fun: Host a Watch Party During the Summer Olympic Games

The Summer Olympic Games are FINALLY upon us, ready for millions of viewers to tune in and support their country and their favorite athletes. The Olympics represent unification, from small family gatherings to entire nations. It’s an event in time that captivates the entire globe, and it’s all accessible from your TV screen. But your engagement with the Olympics doesn’t need to stop at your couch. You can take it further with fun, at-home activities that will enhance the mood and elevate excitement for you, your friends and your family. Today, we are going to give you some ideas for how to watch and engage with the Olympic games, so you can make this global competition something to remember.

Host a Watch Party at Any Time During the Games

1. Create a theme
   • The easiest way to get your party plans started is to think of a theme. Yes, we are talking about the Olympics, but don’t be afraid to get more specific. This year, the Olympics are being held in Paris, France. Make it a French or Parisian themed gathering! There are a variety of French snacks and desserts that would complete a table. Maybe some red, white, and blue stripes? Maybe there’s a particular event going on the day of your gathering. If track and field is on the TV, make it about that. A solid theme will give you the building blocks you need to get a real party started.
2. Encourage a dress code
   • Themed parties are the perfect opportunity for people to wear something that they usually would not. Wear colors that represent your favorite team, or dress like you are about to compete yourself. Maybe do a costume party where you dress up as your favorite athletes. Costume parties are a sure way to start conversations and provide instant fun for all in attendance.
3. What to eat
   • With your theme selected, you can focus on food. You can’t host a party without snacks and drinks! These can fit into your theme as well. If your theme is a location, like Paris, then try some unique French food options. Steak fries, crêpes, or macarons are great table topper ideas, with a Chicken Fricassee for dinner. If you’re looking for healthier options, a good Tomato Gratin or a Smoked Salmon and Spinach Roulade will do quite nicely.
4. What to do
   • Watching the Olympics is obviously the primary appeal, but there are plenty of fun Olympic-themed activities that can throw some competition into your Olympic watch party. A good way to come up with some ideas is to think of the Olympic events themselves and see how you can perform these at home. For example, a bean bag toss! Lay out a tape measure and see who can lob a giant bean bag the farthest. No bean bag? Long jump competition! Or you can make a bracket representing metal count per country, or even team or athletic performance through time trials and events. You could have a real competition of your own. Chalk fencing is a fun, physical activity that is sure to raise energy as well as laughs. Have each party wear a black shirt, first to draw on the other gets a point.
5. What to listen to
   • Every party needs music in the background to help set the mood. Set up a playlist! To keep in the spirit of your theme, you could begin your game by playing the Olympic Anthem. You could have music from the country of the team you are rooting for. Sometimes, Olympic athletes share their personal favorite songs with their fans. Your favorite athlete might have some recommendations for you.
6. Don’t forget to fit in workouts to balance out the screen time. Many D1 Training facilities are hosting Olympics themed workouts, testing, and events.

The Olympics are about bringing people together. Arranging social events can be stressful, but with some planning and a proper mindset, you can be assured that all your guests will leave happy and exhilarated. Fun at-home games, a good meal, and the company of others can be enough to bring the unification of the world into your own backyard.