Throw an English-themed party for the Summer Games

The Summer Games take place in London this summer. Why not use jolly old London to inspire your menu for your Olympics party?

Throw an afternoon tea

If you plan on having people over in the afternoon to watch some of the sports being telecast, an afternoon tea makes perfect sense. Prepare pretty, dainty tea sandwiches (popular fillings include cucumber and cream cheese, watercress, smoked salmon, egg salad and tuna salad). Be sure to have a variety of teas on hand so your guests can choose one to their taste. For sweets, a tray of petit fours, chocolate-dipped strawberries and, of course, scones with jam and clotted cream are essential.

Cook up some pub grub

If a tea party is much too quaint and charming for you, then perhaps some good old pub grub will be more to your liking. Have a good selection of beers on hand; if possible, look for English brews at your beer store. For the menu, think bar food, such as peanuts and chips for snacks, or cold plates of nibbles, including bread, cold meats and pickles (which make up a traditional English dish called a ploughman’s lunch). If it’s lunch or dinnertime, your mains could include fish (such as fish and chips), bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes) and shepherd’s pie (which you can prepare in advance).

Prepare English-themed Summer Games party favours for your guests

If you can get a hold of some faux gold medals from a party supply store, give your guests fun awards: one for the person who can predict the most gold-medal winners of the sports you watch that day, for example. Other ideas: English Rose and English Breakfast tea from David’s Tea, or bake some scones. If you have access to a shop that sells British foods and items, pick up some traditional English snack foods, such as the chocolate bars and crisps sold only in London.

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