Mumbai: It is time to bring your flags, hats, whistles, and jerseys out of your closet.
After four years of wait, the 20th Fifa World Cup is finally here. And what better way to celebrate the football season than hosting football-themed bashes for your loved ones?
In preparation of the football season, the experts and celebrity hosts we spoke to give us a head-up on everything you need to know to have fun while watching the big game from the comforts of your home.
Among celebrity hostesses in Mumbai is socialite and interior architect, Nisha Jamvwal, who organised football parties for her friends for the last World Cup.
She advises to go “thematic” while hosting the perfect football party. “I always enjoy handing out hats and assorted headgear for the World Cup, depending on the team my guests are supporting. The dress code should be casual yet sporty.”
When it comes to food, plan a menu comprising cuisine from the two countries that are playing against each other, Nisha says.
She adds, “Last time, I had football-designed cupcakes and open sandwiches with themes based on football memorabilia. Snacks, beer, wine, even Pimms makes for a good addition.”
Etiquette consultant Chetna Mehrotra further adds, “Try going Brazilian this season with your food menu instead of the normal spread. You could try the moqueca de camarão (a shrimp stew), romeu e julieta (a dessert made of fresh white cheese and sweet fruit pulp) for instance.”
While your guest list may be elaborate, it is important to make practical arrangements for those who may want to stay away from unhealthy food and alcohol.
Life and wellness coach Dr Veechi Shah says, “You could hold the party in a relaxing place: A garden or a terrace or even the pool side. For food, you could also add fresh fruits and even Mediterranean platters. Fresh fruit juice or health drinks instead of alcohol is a workable option too.”
An average football game lasts for a maximum of two hours. Make sure your guests are comfortable during the match. It’s advisable to offer them seating options such as a large couch or club chairs.
Straight-backed dining seats are a complete no-no. To lift up the mood, try to customise your room on the lines of the matches being played, in the kind of flags, hats and jerseys.
If hosting a party in a closed room seems inconvenient, opt for a terrace. Chetna says, “A bash on the terrace with a big television screen is a good idea if you have too many guests on the list. Also, an outdoor space, if partially covered to help against the cloudy weather, would help your guests take a breather should the tension become too much.”
