Yahoo News How to hold the ultimate Eurovision party
It’s time to bring out the shot glasses, dig out every glittery item in your wardrobe and divide your friends into two distinct groups: those who love the Eurovision Song Contest and those who just don’t get it.
Eurovision 2019 has arrived, and with it comes a chance to get sozzled, listen to some truly terrible music and appreciate the diverse talents of our neighbouring countries (and Australia).
A Eurovision watched alone is not a Eurovision truly enjoyed, so here’s your guide on how to party like it’s 1997 (that’s the last time the UK won Eurovision, as if you didn't know).
Step 1: Hide all the pale fabrics
Eurovision parties are long and messy (the BBC One coverage kicks off at 8pm and powers through to 11.35pm), so clear away any beige cushions, fancy throws, and valuable items.
You won’t be able to enjoy the night if you’re fussing over coaster marks on your mahogany coffee table, so hide anything that can’t cope with a little rough love.
If all your furniture is precious then push it to the side of the room and cover the floor with pillows and blankets. That way, your guests don’t need to put down their drinks when they get up to dance along.
Step 2: Decorate your home
Bunting is the bare minimum. For added festivities, provide some glitter, confetti or party poppers so your guests can add some sparkle to the room as a sign of appreciation when the acts get really wild. High camp is the order of the day, so bear that in mind when deciding on decor.
Step 3: Prepare an international feast
Don’t go wild. You may be able to knock up fantastic paella but tonight is not about gourmet dishes. Instead, assemble items bought from the supermarket to create a smorgasboard that your guests can snack on all night.
French pastries, German meats and British sausage rolls are all good options, and stock up on some internationally appreciated crisps. Remember: the party ends when supplies run out, because you’ll need food to soak up all the drinks.
Step 4: Bulk buy your booze
You don’t need myriad fancy cocktail options, but buy enough vodka and beer to keep everyone happy. You can also ask guests to bring in the favourite liquor of whichever country they’re representing.
Step 5: Set a dress code
Assign each guest a country before they arrive and ask them to arrive either in national dress, or a costume sported by one of their country’s Eurovision acts.
Those short of time can always pop on a token beret (or pickelhaube, as you're bound to have one kicking about somewhere; or one of those Australian hats with dangling corks.)
Step 6: Familiarise yourself with the contestants
While 43 acts are competing at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, only 26 will make it through to the final. Every year, six countries go through to the final automatically. This includes the so-called 'Big Five' – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – and the host country, which this year is Israel.
This year's entries span almost every conceivable kind of music, from heavy metal and country and western to pop, Balkan folk and highly questionable rap.
You can get familiar with all the acts of Eurovision 2019 here, betting odds and all!
Step 7: Arrange a sweepstake
Everyone cares more when there’s money involved. Ask your guests to put in a pound and draw a name from a hat.
Step 8: Make a cheesy playlist
Once all the acts have performed, it can take a while for the votes to be counted. To ensure the party doesn’t lag at this point, prepare in advance a playlist of outrageously cheesy pop.
Do not forget to include every ABBA track ever recorded. No-one ever gets bored of those. And if you can provide a karaoke system, your guests will forget to care when the UK doesn’t win.
Step 9: Embrace the drinking game
