Hosting a watch party

Essential items for hosting a football or soccer watch party

A winning watch party starts long before the first whistle. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party, soccer watch party, basketball watch party or gathering friends to cheer on another big event, a little prep can help everyone settle in for showtime.

Get your living room and kitchen ready with comfy seating, plenty of snacks and a setup that gives every guest a good view. Once everyone’s in position, all that’s left to do is pick a side and save room for seconds.

Seating for all your watch party goers

A packed house calls for a seating game plan. Give everyone a comfortable place to catch the action with watch party seating options like:

• Folding chairs that are easy to bring off the bench when extra guests arrive
• A roomy sectional for stretching out through every quarter, inning or half
• Recliners for kicking back when the game goes into overtime

Mix a variety of seating options so every guest feels like they scored a front-row seat.

Themed watch party decorations

Set the scene before you press play. These watch party decorations can help turn an everyday living room into a space that’s ready for anything:

• For a sports watch party: Bring in team-inspired colors with throw pillow covers, themed posters or wall decor. Coordinated napkins and table linens can help carry the theme from the sofa to the snack table.
• For an awards show watch party: Go for a little more glitz with candles and decorative glassware. Use string lights to create a red carpet-worthy photo spot where guests can show off their own best-dressed looks.
• For a series binge watching party: Keep the watch party decorations cozy with soft lighting, throw pillows and blankets made for “just one more episode.”

You don’t have to go big with decorations to make a difference – even a few small touches can help make the night more memorable.

Serveware and utensils to help feed the guests

Every good watch party needs a strong snack lineup. Put together a spread that’s easy to prep, serve and reach without missing the best part.

Before guests arrive, set out serveware like platters for finger foods or serving bowls for chips and dip. Serve drinks in plastic cups for a low-fuss option that can handle a little game day excitement.

Need some menu inspiration? Browse our recipe hub for appetizer, meal and drink ideas.

A TV setup to watch the big game

When it comes to hosting a watch party, the screen is the MVP. A sturdy TV stand gives it somewhere to take center stage, while TV entertainment centers keep remotes, devices and other entertainment essentials organized. Give everyone a clear view of the screen and get ready to settle in for the show.