A global phenomenon is getting ready to take over Atlanta. And while there are tons of fun things around town for fans to do, the best view of the pitch is often from your living room, which is why watch parties are so popular—and so fun! Whether you’re a diehard soccer fan or just a lover of theme parties, check out these four quick tips for how you can host a world-class watch party.
1. Start with a plan and a budget
When it comes to hosting any kind of event, planning is key to a smooth and successful event. Since the , pick which game(s) you may be interested in watching, and start from there. Confirm who will be attending and that your TV package or streaming services include the games or channels needed so you’re not left scrambling on gameday.
Once you have that information, it’s time to make a budget. If you don’t have access to the games, find out how much it costs for a day package or what trial offers you may be able to take advantage of, and add that to your budget. Additionally, you’ll want to include costs for food, drinks, and decorations. This is also a good time to decide if you’re going with a global sports theme or if you’re needing specific colors to show your team spirit.
2. Review your roster
Before you hit the stores, check your inventory. If you’ve hosted previous watch parties or maybe even tailgates, you probably have some decorations you can reuse. Things like streamers, battery-operated string lights, and hanging decorations are easy to store and reuse, so if you’re buying them for the first time, be sure to pack them away properly when you’re done.
You should also check your fridge, freezer, deep freezer, and pantry to make sure you don’t buy unnecessary groceries. It can be easy to forget what’s in there, especially if it falls to the bottom or ends up in a dark corner. But buying unnecessary duplicates isn’t just a potential waste of money—it could also be a waste of food if you can’t store it all safely. And while you’re at it, go ahead and note anything you’re running low on so you can add it to your list. That’s a winning play!
3. Shop like a winner
Planning ahead can also help you save money on groceries. Since you have your game picked out, you can incorporate your list into your weekly (or monthly) grocery budget. And because you’ve checked your food and décor inventory, you’ll know you’re buying only things you really need. In fact, you may have more supplies on hand than expected, which can free up cash to stream additional games or get an extra treat.
With grocery costs rising, it’s a good idea to compare prices at a few different stores, especially if they’re all close together. You’ll also want to check the weekly sales flyers or the store’s apps to see if there are any additional discounts and consider warehouse clubs for certain essentials, like paper plates or your go-to snacks. If you’re planning to host several parties this summer, you may also consider stocking up during a sale, so you can party all summer without another trip to the store.
4. Teamwork wins championships
While you may be the host of the party, you don’t have to shoulder the burden—or costs—alone. One fun way to get game-ready and save money is to host a team swag swap. Some neighborhoods have message boards or dedicated Facebook groups, so you can post there to organize a swap with your neighbors. Or, have guests bring things along and use the swap as a party-starter.
Either way, swaps are an easy way to free up some space, get rid of things you no longer need, and potentially score new pieces for yourself. It can be helpful to set ground rules, like certain items may be borrow-only while others are traded for keeps, depending on who you’re swapping with.
Another great way to get into the team spirit is to host a potluck. One idea is—if you’re all cheering on different teams—to ask guests to bring a dish that represents their chosen country. This can be a fun way to try new foods and cut down on grocery costs. Just make sure to keep track of who is bringing what and divide things fairly, so no one takes on too much.
Key takeaways:
- A budget and plan will help make your watch party run smoothly.
- Check for sales and weekly deals or consider warehouse clubs for the best deals on groceries.
- Include a merch swap or potluck for an awesome and affordable party.
This summer is shaping up to be a (soccer) ball, and watch parties can be a great way to spend time with friends while cheering on your team. We hope these four tips help you plan a winning watch party without busting your budget. Are you hosting an event this summer? Share your best hosting tip in the comments below!
