How to Throw an NHL Playoff Party
Wow, does time ever fly! It feels like hockey season just got started, and now we’re already at the the Playoffs! Oh, wait…
No matter, playoffs mean parties, and parties mean awesome fun if you’re prepared, and catastrophe of you’re not. We’ve talked about this already, people, so don’t act like you’re surprised you need to get it together to throw a bash worthy of its own victory parade.
Chances are good if you’re reading this, you’re invested enough to do more than rip open a few bags of Cheezies and throw some random beers in the fridge 10 minutes before your guests arrive.
And that’s good: your friends have chosen to spend the Big Game with you, not at some bar where they can eat and drink what they want and have a better than average chance at picking up a tipsy hottie who’s ready to cozy-up to either celebrate the win, or get consoled over a loss, so you better make it worth their while.
Don’t worry, take these tips, and it will be.
1. Entertainment
It goes without saying, you need a killer entertainment system, so if you don’t have one, rent one, or book out the media room in your building. Consider borrowing a few additional laptops and live streaming the game in the kitchen, back deck and even the bathroom so no one misses a minute of the action-packed fun.
2. Drinks
Have plenty. Some of you may decide to make your hockey soirée BYOB, and that’s fine, but for those of you who are employed adults, you will definitely need a decently stocked bar.
Beer is de rigour for sporting events, so consider getting mini kegs and plastic pint cups like they have in arenas.
Let’s take it one step further, shall we? Every party needs a good theme to keep it focused, like tying up all details in one neat ribbon.
Why not create a Team Drink, inspired by the Good Guys? For example, let’s say you’re cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs (just sayin’) – why not feature the cocktail by the same name, which everyone gets as a welcome drink, and then must sip for every goal, penalty, fight, assist, fist pump, group hug, off side… you get the idea.
The Maple Leaf
- 2 ounces Canadian rye whiskey
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Food
Theme comes into play here. For example, cheering for a Canadian team? Line the buffet table with platters of Tim Hortons doughnuts, bowls of poutine, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and Nova Scotia Scallops wrapped in Canadian bacon. Or, stay team neutral and take inspiration from the arena: whip up buckets of buttered popcorn, platters of cheese nachos, barbecue foot long hot dogs, and warm pretzels with mustard.
4. Ambience
So yes, this is where you go back to your theme. However, be careful, when it comes to decor, themes can quickly go from the sublime of being an undercurrent of awesome that gives the party focus, to the ridiculous onslaught of juvenile antics, that can mimic a 6-year-old’s princess party.
So, sticking with your chosen theme, begin to beg, borrow and steal all the elements that will make your home a true Fan Cave. Here are some ideas to help you set the tone, and if you have more leave them in the comments below!:
- Photos of the athletes playing placed around the house. If you happen to have a collage of photos already lining the living room wall, replace your family pics with those of players, for a visual point of interest
- Not your friends’ first sporting event? Find old photos of the gang in their team jerseys or at the game and put them on display
- Ask guests to wear the team colours – make sure you get a group photo for prosperity
- Fill glass vases with hockey pucks, referee whistles, maple leafs (if you’re cheering for Toronto), or even miniature hockey helmets
- Get floral arrangements in the team colours
- Invest in a replica Stanley Cup (on sale from amazon here) and use it as a serving bowl on the buffet table, or several miniature Stanley Cups to use a glasses for a toast after the game wining goal
Are you throwing a Playoff Party? Let us know what you’re doing to be the host with the most!