Eurovision enthusiasts dedicated to this weekend need no excuse to celebrate! Get our top party ideas and DIY Decorations
It’s Eurovision in Liverpool
Hot on the heels of the Coronation, we’re now preparing and looking forward to the next excuse for a party, which needless to say, is Eurovision 2023 Liverpool. The dates of the semi-finals are 9 th and 11 th May, with the glorious final being held on Saturday 13 th May, so there’s time to organise a party or two and perhaps to brush up on some festive food and drink ideas to get into the swing of things.
Glassware and accessories, Talking Tables
Organise a Eurovision House Party
Some Eurovision enthusiasts dedicate their weekend to the contest, with themed fancy dress costumes, karaoke competitions, dressing up as favourite contestants and enjoying a spread of Eurovision themed food! Fancy dress choices always seem to involve Abba costumes, the Swedish superstars won the Eurovision song contest in 1974 with Waterloo.
Regarding party food, with so many countries taking part in the competition it’s rather easy to pick a couple of favourites and shop accordingly. As each semi-final lasts around four hours, when you take all the voting and chit-chat into consideration, a steady supply of plates and nibbles, tapas-style, is the way to go! The easy ones to prepare can be a French cheese-board, Greek olives and dips, Spanish tapas, a Swedish smorgasbord and some British sandwiches and desserts … we’re thinking elegant little triangle sandwiches and some freshly made cream scones! After all, everyone needs to keep their strength up, it’s a three-day process if you’re doing the whole thing!
Perhaps some Eurovision Cocktails should be offered around as well. There are two that spring to mind … for a classic British summer drink, mix up a batch of Pimm’s. See the story of the brand and some official recipes here. And of course, the very obvious cocktail to be offering to friends and family to celebrate Liverpool’s hosting of Eurovision 23 is a Buck's Fizz. The classic recipe is fresh orange juice and champagne, but there are dozens of options, such as different fruit juices – using peach juice creates a Bellini, and of course it doesn’t have to be champagne, we’ll be just a happy with Prosecco or Cava!
Good Home Denia dining set and accessories, B&Q
Throw a Eurovision Garden Party
Assuming the weather behaves itself and doesn’t disappoint, a Eurovision garden party is a great idea. Don’t annoy the neighbours though … forward planning is essential and as ever, if you think it’s going to get noisy, give them a heads-up, or ask them round to join in. Each concert can be streamed on BBC Sounds, so get your wireless speakers out and check everything is charged up and the connections are working. Alternatively, put up an outdoor screen or move the TV (closer to the main windows or patio doors – not outdoors completely, of course!). Get your garden party-ready by finding all the garden chairs, bringing some from indoors if necessary, and perhaps getting out some throws and blankets for later in the evening. Outdoor lighting is a must, candles and lanterns are pretty and add a very nice atmosphere. It’s worth having some more reliable options though, and strings of lights can be looped around the garden for a festive touch. Try Lights4fun, Dobbies and Sparkle Lighting for all sorts of outdoor options, from battery or mains operated to solar-powered.
If you’re thinking along the lines of a lunchtime barbecue, make sure you’ve got all the supplies to hand – there’s nothing more annoying than trying to light last year’s charcoal which has somehow managed to get slightly damp. Outdoor cooking equipment has become very sophisticated in recent years, it’s not just all about barbecues now, there’s pizza ovens, and electric or gas grills, as well as built-in ovens and chimineas and fire-pits than have added grill/cooking accessories. Take a look at the options from Wayfair if you need to supplement your existing outdoor gear.
Eurovision tableware and games, Talking Tables
DIY Decorations & Party Supplies
As Eurovision is happening so quickly after the Coronation we’re betting that there are still strings of bunting and streamers hanging around, especially in the garden. So re-cycling the Union Jack décor is perfectly acceptable if you are supporting our UK performer, Mae Muller. Perhaps a pre-final lunch is on the cards? In which case, a Saturday afternoon lunch party could be a great way to get things going. Party table decoration supplies are available from the very creative team at Talking Tables, with quizzes and games to get everyone started, as well as napkins and paper plates. DIY decorations can add a fun element to proceedings, keep it simple with colourful balloons and streamers in the colours of your favourite countries.
Enjoy the Eurovision weekend with outdoor accessories and furniture, all Wayfair
