How To Host The Ultimate IPL Watch Party At Home
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has held everyone in its thrall since its inception over a decade ago and now it is very hard to imagine summers without being crouched in front of the screen in the evening to watch the day’s game unfold. IPL season is around the corner again which means all of us will soon be glued to our television or mobile screens rooting for our favourite teams to win. This is also the time when home hosting endeavours are taken to the next level and IPL viewing parties are organised which raise the roof of your apartment.
Hosting a large gathering at home for sports night can seem a very frightful affair but it’s actually quite straightforward if you plan right. And you can do so much more than just a simple pizza party to turn this IPL screening into the event of the season. We have some tips and tricks in our party planning handbook that will help you to curate an IPL viewing party worthy of its name.
Read on below to know more about some of the ways in which you can level up your home hosting game during IPL season:
Beers And Classic Batch Cocktails
You will of course have plenty of booze in store when you are hosting a watch party. But along with pints of beer, also leave some room on your home bar for classic cocktails to add flavour to the evening. You can prepare margaritas, mojitos, palomas and other drinks that can be prepared in large batches. Another way to mark the IPL theme is to introduce thematic changes into some of your favoured concoctions and name them after your favourite teams.
Elaborate Snack Bar
Along with chips, dips and nachos, put some more inventive dishes on your snack bar to elevate the feel of your IPL viewing extravaganza. You can go for cricket ball shaped desserts, spicy kachoris or aloo chaat, and feature cuisine found in the regions each of the contesting teams is representing on the evening of your party.
Set Up A Projector Or Large Flatscreen
A watch party requires a good television or flatscreen so you can enjoy the game without missing out on a single over. This means you will have to make provisions beforehand and set up a projector if your TV feels smaller compared to the guest list. Check your projector before guests start arriving so you have it up and running without glitches before the match begins.
Comfortable Seating
Most IPL games begin in the evening, meaning guests would arrive at your place directly after a day in the office. What they would want on such evenings is comfortable seating to lounge upon after working all day long. Arrange sofas, lounge chairs and warm rugs so they all point to the TV and everyone experiences utmost comfort while watching the game.
Cricket Themed Decor
Take that extra step and decorate your home with the colours of the teams playing the game on the eve of your party. Hang up their flags and use throws, rugs and pillows covered in blues, pinks and golds that reflect the myriad teams of the IPL roster. Alternatively you can also turn your home into a Jaipur pink or a Mumbai blue if you are a fan of a particular team.
Warm Lighting
Make sure the lighting for your viewing party is layered, without becoming too harsh or bright. Start with smaller bulbs, and as the evening gives way to night, switch on your floor lamps, and then warm yellow lights as the match progresses. This way, guests can ease into the relaxed ambience instead of being assailed by shockingly illuminating lighting.
Games And Music
Keep the spirit of your party at an all time high by curating a playlist which reflects the best music representing the regions participating in the IPL play. You can also arrange for some games like IPL bingo or IPL trivia to be played when the cricketers on screen take a break, to test the IPL knowledge of the fans assembled for the party!
