The World Cup is finally here and I’m so excited!
I’m the first to admit that I’m not a huge football fan but I love any excuse to get people together and the World Cup feels like the ultimate summer event. It combines everything I love: friends, family, food, sunshine and those moments when everyone collectively jumps off their seat and starts cheering.
One thing that’s slightly different about this year’s tournament is that some of the matches are being played at times that aren’t exactly family-friendly for those of us in the UK! While some games are perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden, others are kicking off late into the evening or even the middle of the night!
Rather than seeing that as a problem, I’ve decided to embrace it. This year I’ll be hosting not one but two different World Cup watch parties. One will be a relaxed garden gathering for the daytime matches and the other will be a cosy bedroom setup for the kids for those late-night games when staying up feels like a mini adventure.
Here’s how I’m planning my ultimate World Cup watch party this summer.
Creating the perfect garden watch party
The garden is my favourite place to entertain during the summer months. It feels relaxed and effortless and there’s so much more space for the kids to play. My kitchen is open plan with bifold doors opening out onto the garden so we can mix the indoor/outdoor vibe if the weather turns. I also have an outdoor heater which is a god send in the UK!
For the daytime World Cup matches, I’m creating a casual garden setup with plenty of seating, outdoor cushions and blankets for when the evening gets cooler. The aim isn’t perfection, it’s about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable enough to settle in for a few hours.
Something about being outside makes this so much easier. Expectations are lower and everyone happily embraces a mish mash of chairs and cushions and food served on paper plates!
The biggest game-changer with hosting a garden party is taking the TV outdoors. I have this 50” smart TV which we take outside for the matches and movie nights. There’s something extra special about watching TV outside!
One of the biggest game changers for outdoor entertaining is having great sound. A good set of portable speakers means everyone can hear the commentary and soak up the atmosphere, even when they’re chatting around the garden or helping themselves to food.
The great thing about portable speakers is that they make the whole experience feel bigger. Whether you’re listening to the pre-match build-up, the national anthems or celebrating a last-minute goal, great sound creates that stadium atmosphere without having to leave home!
Planning a world-inspired barbecue
Whenever I’m hosting, food is always a big part of the occasion.
As a travel blogger, I love taking inspiration from places I’ve visited around the world, so a World Cup watch party feels like the perfect excuse to create an international menu.
Rather than sticking to traditional barbecue food, I’m planning a spread inspired by different countries taking part in the tournament. Think tacos, grilled halloumi skewers, chimichurri steak, fresh salads and sharing platters packed with flavour.
The best watch party food is food people can eat standing up, balancing on their lap or grabbing between exciting moments of the match. Finger food is always a winner.
My biggest hosting tip is to prepare as much as possible beforehand. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the game.
Making it fun for everyone
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that not everyone enjoys sport in the same way.
Some guests will want to analyse every pass while others are mostly there for the social side of things. That’s completely fine.
I like adding a few simple activities to keep everyone involved. A friendly score prediction competition is always popular and gives everyone something to cheer for.
If children are joining us, I’ll usually set up a few football-themed garden games as well (games that need to be kept well away from the TV on the other side of the garden!) Simple activities like penalty shootout challenges or football target games help keep younger guests entertained while the adults watch the match. Games like Swingball are also great to avoid balls flying towards the TV!
I also have a woodfired hot tub in the garden but this is dangerously close to the TV so it’s definitely for before or after the match!
The best gatherings are the ones where everyone feels included, regardless of how much they actually know about football.
My late-night bedroom watch party setup
Now for the fun part that is for me and the kids.
Some of the matches are being played so late that I know I’ll be struggling to stay awake on the sofa. Rather than fighting it, I’ve decided to create the ultimate bedroom viewing experience.
There’s something incredibly fun about turning a late-night football match into an event.
I’ll be piling the bed high with cushions and blankets, making snacks and settling in for the game from the comfort of my duvet.
At the heart of the setup is a huge TV! Having a large screen at the end of the bed transforms the whole experience. It feels immersive, comfortable and surprisingly luxurious.
The best thing about a Smart TV setup is how simple it is to access all the coverage, highlights and analysis. Whether you’re watching live matches or catching up the next morning, everything is right there when you need it. With my TV you can also set it to turn on at a certain time on a particular channel so we won’t miss the match!
My top tips for hosting a world cup watch party
If you’re planning your own watch party this summer, here are a few things that always help:
Keep food simple
Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and don’t require lots of last-minute cooking.
Think about seating
People will stay longer if they’re comfortable. Extra cushions, blankets and folding chairs are always useful.
Don’t overcomplicate things
The football is the main event. Focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere rather than trying to make everything perfect.
Test your technology beforehand
Whether you’re using a Smart TV indoors or portable speakers outdoors, check everything is working before guests arrive.
Cater for football fans and non-football fans
The best parties bring everyone together, regardless of how invested they are in the score.
Bringing people together this summer
At its heart, my World Cup parties aren’t really about football.
For me, it’s about having an excuse to gather the people you love, spend time together and create memories. Whether that’s a sunny afternoon in the garden with a barbecue and friends or a cosy late-night match watched from a bed full of cushions, it’s those shared moments that make the tournament special.
This summer I’ll be doing a bit of both.
And honestly, I can’t wait.
