Looking to host an Olympic Games-themed party and unsure as to where to start? That is ok. Sometimes, a theme is sitting right there, and you just aren’t sure how to execute it! There are a few elements to creating a well-themed party, and I will break them down for you.
Ultimately, Olympic Watch parties are about team spirit and camaraderie. However you see fit to foster those will work out just fine. Just don’t forget the television!
Table of Contents
Olympic Color Scheme
The Olympics have managed to both solve and create a problem for party planners because they have already predetermined the color scheme for you. The most obvious choice is to base your color scheme on the Olympic rings. This gives you plenty of options and allows you a bit more freedom when it comes to planning out your decor.
The Olympic rings also create a small problem by giving you almost too many color options. Be sure to balance out your use of the colors well so that it feels cohesive and the theme is still obvious. Take note of how much yellow, red, blue, and green you have in one particular space. White and black are safer in larger doses.
If you are not a fan of basing the entire party scheme on the Olympic Games’ logo, you can opt to make the flags of the various countries your theme or choose to support one country and use their flag colors as your color scheme.
Olympic Symbols in Your Decor
Consider the major tropes, colors, and symbols of the event. The Olympics are about international teams, the Olympic Torch and rings, the colors of the rings, and your home team. Seek out ways to lean into those elements in ways that stick to your personal style.
When looking for ideas, literal ideas and translations are great, and a few here and there work well, but don’t forget to go a bit more abstract by leaning into color schemes, flag representation, or things like the cuisines of the countries being represented.
This can also apply to your decor; lean into the Olympic ring colors, gold, or your team colors when decorating, but skip out on the banner that reads “Olympic Watch Party”. Instead, search up your home for pieces you already have and decorate with those things first. Then, head to the store for small additions like candleholders, ribbons, or cushions!
The real reason people show up to a watch party, however, is the food. The food is also a major chance to display your creativity and push the theme. Take a look at your menu and see if anything can be adjusted in color or composition to better fit the theme.
If you prefer to leave the creative thinking to someone else, that’s fine as well. I’ve compiled 20 food and drink ideas that are inspired by the Olympic Games or Olympic Symbols that you can try out at your Olympic watch party!
Olympics-Inspired Eats
1. Olympic Charcuterie Board
Incredibly easy to put together, all this creative olympic charcuterie board needs are some select fruits and veggies. The board uses rings of fresh fruit to replicate the iconic Olympic rings. It’s an incredibly easy way to involve the theme with something you are likely to already have!
2. Patriotic Fruit Skewers
Another incredibly easy option is themed fruit skewers! These ones are perfect if you are pulling for America, but if you want you can do different fruits to match different countries’ colors!
3. Star-Studded Watermelon Appetizers
Once again leaning into color scheme and symbolism, these appetizers are on theme without being literal. All you need for these easy appetizers are a few toothpicks and cookie cutters! The sweet and tangy combinations in the flavors make these a crowd-pleaser!
4. Flag Layered Dip
While the small bites are perfect for a crowd, sometimes you need something a bit more substantial. This super cute flag-themed dip is the perfect option. The best part is that you can decide how much to put in each layer, so it is easily scalable, just be sure to finish off the top with the adorable flag.
5. Fruit Torches
Outside of the Olympic rings, the torch may be the next most notable symbol when it comes to the Olympic Games. So how about making a few of your own with an edible replica? Stuffed with yogurt and a variety of red and orange fruits, these are too good to pass up.
6. International Dish Flight
If you want to lean more into the cultural aspect of the Olympic Games, consider doing a few easy dishes from a variety of countries and creating an international dish flight. Not only can you learn more about the countries that are represented in the games, but also more about their food and culture. Bonus: it’s a great conversation piece.
Olympics Inspired Sweets
7. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cones
If the healthier fruit cones aren’t for you, here is a sweet, sweet alternative. Opting for chocolate, sprinkles, and cookie straws, these patriotic sweet treats are a need!
8. Gold Medal Oreos
What are the Olympics without a few gold medals? These gold medal Oreos are super easy to put together and fit the theme so well. Want to go a step further? Use a strip of candy to create the lanyards when you display them!
9. Olympic Ring Oreo Pops
While you already have those Oreos open, consider dipping them into some chocolate so that you can create a super cool Olympic ring display.
10. Flame Suckers
Don’t be intimidated! These Isomalt suckers are much easier than you would think and are perfect for adding in more Olympic Torch elements. Even better, skip the stick, and you can use some to decorate other projects!
11. Mini Pies
It just does not get much cuter than these bite-sized pies. The best part is that they are easily customizable. This author uses the iconic star and red and blue fruits to make these more patriotic!
12. Olympic Donuts
I mean, you cannot skip out on Donuts when doing anything ring-themed! Plus, every party can benefit from donuts! This idea is so perfect that I have two options!
Dipped
Easily done with homemade donuts or premade donuts, only a few simple ingredients stand between you and these perfectly themed donuts.
Sprinkled
If you prefer the sprinkled look, here is an option for you as well. Either way, you cannot go wrong with donuts.
13. Olympic Cake Pops
While making cake pops for a party is not a new idea, instead of just decorating them on theme, consider creating a 3D display by organizing your cake pops into the shape of the Olympic rings!
14. Flag Cookies
An easy way to bring more of the international aspect of the games to your party, these flag cookies are decorated with sugar crystals and are super cute.
Olympics-Inspired Drinks
15. Olympic Sugared Rims
Want a subtle but chic option? Consider sugaring your rims in the Olympic colors. It only takes a few minutes of prep but shows an amazing attention to detail.
16. Red, White, and Blue Mocktail
An easy way to sneak in a bit more team representation is through your drinks. This delicious mocktail has sweet, tangy, and floral notes. Want to switch it up for your team colors? Just search up those colors and mocktails or cocktails and see what you get.
17. Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
Jello shots work well for parties because they barely involve you after they’re made, meaning guests can grab them and go with relatively little mess. These ones are perfect for an Olympic watch party with the delicious red, white, and blue flavor choices!
18. Olympic Torch Martini
*This drink should be made carefully and responsibly. Do not drink this while it is still on fire.* A bit more of an advanced drink option, this Olympic torch martini is not only delicious, it is sure to win you some showmanship points.
19. Olympic Themed Jello Shot Display
Reconfiguring things you would have already have to match the theme is one of the easiest ways you can lean into a theme. Like the Olympic cake pops, this user displayed their jello shots in the formation of the Olympic rings. Simple but good.
20. Assorted International Beers/Liquors
Creating a bar with an array of international beers and liquors is probably one of the coolest ways you can use the international aspect of the Olympics! It is a more subtle approach but it gives you a reason to open up the conversation with guests and to try something new!
Olympic Watch Party Games
The Olympic Games can have quite a bit of downtime between and during the events. To keep your guests in the spirit, consider offering up some Olympic Games of your own. Some of them can be set up outdoors, especially fo the Summer Olympics, and some can be done inside!
Indoor Game Ideas
- Bingo
- Brackets
- Eye Spy
Outdoor Game Ideas
- Obstacle Course
- Backyard Soccer
- Archery
- Axe Throwing
- Corn Hole
The most important thing to remember is that the games are in the spirt of competition and sportsmanship. So sporting a fun attitude is the best way to host an Olympic watch party! Take note of the tips we went over at the beginning and have fun! Good luck!
