The Soccer World Cup is finally here, and millions in South Africa and abroad will be anticipating with bated breath to see what the outcome is going to be and which team will ultimately walk off triumphant with the much acclaimed golden trophy.

Many of us will be watching the matches on our televisions at home. Although there is no doubt that this won’t really compare in atmosphere and hype to watching the event live at one of the stadiums or fan parks across the country, here are some fun tips on how to liven things up and make these gatherings something to remember:

Build the atmosphere

Many South African homeowners are doing a really good job – with great displays of flags on front garden walls and gates. Commuters too are showing huge enthusiasm, with mini flags flying loud and proud from car windows, and let’s not forget how ‘Soccer Friday’ has helped build hype around this much anticipated event.

So, if you are hosting a soccer viewing party at your home, you need to bring some of this hype and excitement indoors – recreating a vibey and fun atmosphere inside for all your guests to enjoy. You can do this in many ways – use balloons in the colours of the teams playing, by including various flags and soccer-themed souvenirs and accents dotted around your entertainment areas, and requesting that all your guests come dressed for the part in their soccer t-shirts, custom-made hardhats and of course, with their vuvuzelas (you might want to add ‘bring ear plugs’).

Food for champions:

As with any gathering based around the watching of sport, the food of choice is really good snack food – and a lot of it. Aside from the usual chips, nuts and pretzels, try to prepare or order some delicious snack platters that can be continually served throughout the game. Mini burgers and boerewors rolls, samoosas, sausage rolls, a sandwich patter, cocktail sausages, julienned vegetables with a delicious dip, bedevilled eggs – conveniently, all of these can be pre-prepared before the event and stored in the refrigerator until needed. Try and include some soccer-themed accents in the food if possible. And don’t forget those with a sweet tooth – no matter what is happening on the field – cupcakes, koeksisters and chocolate are always a winner.

Drink and be merry:

What would any sporting event be without a little bit of liquour? A good idea is to prepare some cocktails in the colours of the teams playing, which you can serve to your guests as they arrive, before kick-off. For added flair – decorate the drinks with a miniature cocktail flag of the teams that are playing. After the initial cocktail – beer, whiskey and wine are the firm favourites amongst most South Africans. However, remember to drink responsibly, as your guests will need to drive and arrive home safely after the game.

Everybody wins:

To add a bit of excitement, devise a gambling wager for all your friends to take part in. Let each of your guests predict the score and put R50 into a kitty. At the end of the game, see who predicted the nearest score – and that person wins the entire kitty! Not only will this keep guests interested in the game, but it will add a bit of spice to the evening’s proceedings.

Pictures courtesy of:

Party in a Box: www.piabsunninghill.co.za.
Bafana Jerseys: www.bafanajerseys.co.za.
Fanzela: www.fanzela.com.
Shine 2010: www.shine2010.co.za.

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