MAIN Olympics Winter Olympics Party Ideas

How to Throw a Great Olympic Theme Party

Think snow, have plenty of fish dishes on hand in honor of Vancouver's freshest cuisine, and have guests take part in fun party games to host a memorable Winter Olympic themed get-together for friends and family.

Most people plan their parties for the opening or closing of the Olympic Games, or you can center the fun around your favorite Olympic event...

INVITATIONS

For clever homemade invitations, decorate with pictures of snow-capped mountains, Olympic atheletes, the Olympic torch, or Olympic rings clip art. Also be sure to include a front cover greeting, such as "Let the Games Begin!" or "Official Party of the Winter Olympics!"

FOOD & DRINK

A great seaport city, Vancouver is awash in fish, along with thousands of transplanted Brits who enjoy dishes from the old country, especially fish and chips!

Also check out our guide to Wines of British Columbia and learn more about the libations they'll be drinking (off the slopes) in Vancouver. Don't forget to serve bottled water or sports drinks - and, for the kids, lots of hot chocolate & marshmallows!

For dessert, may we recommend an easy homemade Olympics Rings Cookie Cake. Yum.

MUSIC

Check out your favorite music store or Amazon.com for Olympic CD compilations, or search the Web for downloadable audio files including the Olympic Hymn, Chariots of Fire, and other rousing inspirational songs.

DECORATIONS

Use an old pair of skis or ice skates as decorations to hang around your party room, or browse Allposters.com for Olympic sports posters,

Also consider these Olympics party decorating tips:

. Make a table centerpiece of international flags.

. Cut out and color 5 Olympic cardboard rings to hang from the ceiling, or decorate with balloons in the official Olympic colors.

. Keep little ones busy with snowman coloring pages, paper snowflake crafts and other fun activities of the season, and hang them around the party room to serve as decorations. The kids will love it.

PARTY GAMES:

How about a rousing game of Name That Olympic Tune! (see Music, above). For other fun group games, try an Olympic history & trivia quiz, or arrange a scavenger hunt to find Olympic Gold - such as candy or treats wrapped in gold foil.

PARTY FAVORS

Send happy guests home with goodie bags made up of Olympic sports posters or Olympic music CD's, international flags or stickers, and homemade spray-painted "gold medals".

More Olympic Party Ideas around the Web:

Olympic Games Party

How to Host an Olympic Party