Yes, if you can’t go to Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest can come to you with the help of our handy guide which will run through all the elements you need to throw a bouncing Bavarian party.

Jump to:

• Drink
• Food
• Décor & Dress Code
• Music
• Games & Extras

Drink

Whilst Oktoberfest incorporates many elements, the main focus has and always will be the beer!

And while you can go to your local supermarket and stock up on the big German beer brands, for a more authentic experience, you should try and source beers from the six breweries that can officially produce beer for the festival in Munich.

The Breweries

• Augustiner-Bräu
• Hacker-Pschorr- Bräu
• Löwenbräu
• Paulaner
• Spatenbräu
• Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in Munich

Whilst you may not be able to source these from your corner shop, you may find them at a specialised beer shop or online.

Party On Tip – If you’re looking to keep costs down, you can either make sure your guests bring a few bottles of each or you could just stick to whatever is available to you cheaply.

Claim 8 free beers today!

Food

If your backyard Oktoberfest is going to be a solely boozy affair, or whether you’re going to go the whole hog and have a smorgasbord of German cuisine, you simply have to include a cornerstone of every Oktoberfest beer-fuelled festivals: Pretzels!

Pretzels (Brezen) are large, soft and salty – the dream snack to enjoy with a frothing pint of German beer and a cheap and easy way of giving your Oktoberfest that authentic feel.

Oktoberfest Bites

• Bratwursts or Currywursts
• Hendl (1/2 Roast Chicken)
• Sauerkraut
• Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
• German Potato Salad (Veggie Option)

Condiments 

• Mustard
• Curry Ketchup

Decorations & Dress Code

Decorations

Get the full beer hall experience by erecting a marquee and adorning it with the traditional blue and white Bavarian colours, and set up a table at one end with all your German beers and cuisine.

If you don’t have a marquee and don’t fancy splashing out for one, simple Oktoberfest table covers, bunting and streamers can really transform your outdoor space.

Dress Code

Lederhosen and dirndls (traditional German dress) spring to mind straight away, however, we understand not everyone has these lying about in their closets.

A simple solution, if you don’t have either, is a simple checked-shirt and suspenders combo.

Music

If you can’t afford to draft in an oompah band, there are many playlists knocking about with all your authentic Bavarian tunes to get the party started and keep it pumping.

Games

As well as a beer-drinking contest, there are plenty of other great games to play!

1. Stein Racing – Not only do you have to carry as many steins as you can at once, you’ve got to try and do it without spilling a drop of beer (water also works if you don’t want to waste beer!).
2. Stein Holding – Who can hold a stein the longest with their arm extended out in front of them?
3. Yodelling Competition – Get your yodel on!
4. Fancy Dress Competition – This will at least encourage guests to dress up if you incentivise them with a prize!

The post How to Host Your Own Backyard Oktoberfest Party appeared first on Party On.

There’s a little bit more to consider than that.

Our speedy and straightforward guide will show you all the elements you need to have your guests talking about your wine tasting for years to come.

• The Basics
• Palate Cleansers
• Receptacles
• Tasting Cards
• Wine
• Food

The Basics

Yes, first of the bat, you’re going to want to make sure you have enough wine glasses, a corkscrew and some way of cooling the lighter wines (fridge or wine cooler).

All obvious elements people will normally have, but remember to do a swift headcount before the event to ensure you have enough glasses to go around.

Palate Cleansers

Now, this is one component people do forget… often!

Cleansing your palate is a must if you want to enjoy each wine at its very best (which, if you’ve spent a bit of money on them, we reckon you’re going to want to do).

If you don’t cleanse your palate after each tasting, the residual wine left on your taste buds will impair the flavour of your next taster.

The internet serves up a whole load of bizarre suggestions of what you can use, but we’ve found the two most effective options are white bread or plain crackers plus some water.

Nice and easy!

Receptacles

Spittoons/receptacles are optional, but even if you’re intending on swallowing your wine samples, some of your guests may want to taste them and then spit them out (particularly if they’re driving), so it’s worth purchasing some to give people the option.

Tasting Cards

Tasting cards are also an essential part of a successful wine tasting as you need to be able to remember each aspect of the specific wines when it comes to comparing notes.

Plus, if you have a vast array of wines on offer, it can be easy to lose track of which was what (even more so if you aren’t using a receptacle!).

It is also a good idea to print off menu cards with descriptions of each wine, but obviously don’t do this if you’re wanting to do a blind wine tasting as it will spoil the fun!

Wines

Now, if you’re already a self-professed wine connoisseur, you’ll probably have ideas for what to do yourself, but if not, keep reading for ideas and inspiration.

Whilst you can get a random selection of reds, whites and rosés, you could try themes such as sampling wines in specific vintage years (one wine producer, but several vintages), or have wine from a specific year but from various producers.

If you’re unsure, speak to a wine merchant or even follow some experts on social media for tips and advice.

Be sure to get everyone to bring a bottle rather than forking out for loads of different wines yourself which will be quite a costly affair.

Food

Specific foods complement specific wines, so do your research beforehand and get people to bring a food accompaniment with their chosen drinks.

Or, why not have a meal once your tasting session is complete?

The post A Short and Simple Guide to Hosting a Wine Tasting at Home! appeared first on Party On.

Don’t be like Zoe and Alex. Crank up the celebrations by giving your BBQ a flavour-packed tropical twist! Yes, say goodbye to BBQ blues and “Aloha!” to a Hawaiian-style Polynesian Party! We’re talking vibrant colours, delicious drinks, big bites and chilled vibes, all for minimal effort and minimal expense.

Throw a BBQ that people will be talking about for years to come!

Jump to:

• Food
• Drink
• Décor & Dress Code
• Music
• Games & Extras

Be sure to sign up to the afterparty for more helpful articles like this!

The Food

The cornerstone of any cookout!

Hawaiian cuisine is big on tropical flavours with a burst of Asian fusion thrown in for good measure, and it’s guaranteed to transport you and your guests to the beaches of the island paradise with every bite.

Our Top Hawaiian Recipe Ideas

• Kalua Pork
• Chicken Long Rice
• Squid Luau
• Lomi Lomi Salmon

For the Meaties

Kalua Pork is a Hawaiian staple and the perfect topper to a sizzling burger.

Throw some teriyaki spiced chicken wings into the mix along with pineapple rings, salsa, mint yoghurt and a side of pasta and you’re onto a winner.

You could even make some Hawaiian-inspired bacon, pineapple and chicken skewers which can be cooked to perfection on the grill.

For the Veggies

A rainbow salad will bring some colour and vibrancy to your Polynesian spread, whilst baked sweet potatoes will bring the substance.

You can also add in some Hawaiian coleslaw and some spicy pineapple fritters to broaden your options further.

Alternatively…

If the food isn’t the be-all and end-all or your BBQ (we all have our own views on what makes a good BBQ get-together), order in some Hawaiian Pizzas so you spend less time glued to the grill and more time relaxing, chatting and enjoying the party!

The Drinks

People come for the food, but they stay for the drinks!

Big, bold, and fruity – Hawaiian cocktails reign supreme!

The Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii, Mango Martinis are all top choices which will go down a tropical storm with your guests.

Below we’ve given you our favourite recipe ideas, but you can tailor them to suit your own tastes.

After all, the fun of cocktail making is experimenting!

The Mai Tai

• 45ml White Rum
• 15ml Dark Rum
• 25ml Cointreau
• 50ml Orange Juice (Or Pineapple Juice/Or Both)
• 25ml Fresh Lime
• Garnish: Lime & Mint (Or Maraschino Cherries/Pineapple)

Party On Top Tip: An orange flavoured Mai Tai is a good way to go, particularly if you serve a lot of pineapple in the food!

Blue Hawaii

• 25ml Light Rum
• 25ml Blue Curaçao
• 50ml Pineapple Juice
• 25ml Cream of Coconut (Optional)
• Garnish: Pineapple Slice or Maraschino Cherry (+ A Cocktail Umbrella, Of Course!)

Mango Martini

• 50ml Vodka
• 20ml Triple Sec
• 25ml Mango Puree
• 25ml Grapefruit Juice
• Garnish: Mango Wedge

The Décor & Dress Code

Tropic like it’s hot!

Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts are the minimum requirements for a Polynesian-themed party, but why not elevate it to even greater heights by throwing in a few palm trees, tiki torches, flower leis and much more!

The Music

Do you wanna go, straight to Hawaii (Hawaaiiii)?

If anyone can play the Ukulele (or learn it pretty quickly), then you’re all sorted!

Otherwise, you’re going to want to check out our ‘Groupia Home Hawaiian BBQ Playlist‘ featuring a massive mix from Hawaiian Folk and Reggae to the Beach Boys, Jack Johnson and more.

The first couple of hours set the early evening tone before it kicks into gear when the Mai Tais have set in and you’re just about ready to party.

Games & Extras

Polynesian Party Starters!

Shot Limbo

Crank up the chaos by lowering the bar as you go head-to-head in the battle of the bendy.

Shot Limbo is your classic game of limbo but, you guessed it, with shots!

Whether you give someone a shot for each successful limbo or each fall to the floor is up to you…

Looking for Further Inspiration?

Get all our latest blogs and articles sent directly to your inbox so you’re always a step ahead when you’re planning your next group get-together by signing up to our email list! Come on, join the afterparty!

The post Throw a Low-Cost Hawaiian BBQ and Transform Your Big Summer Celebrations! appeared first on Party On.

“What’s there to think about? Just get a couple of bottles of gin and taste them. Sorted…!”

WRONG!

There’s more to hosting a gin tasting than some people think!

Whilst it can be done simply and cheaply, people often miss crucial steps which ruins the whole event.

So take a look at our stress-free six-step guide on how to host a gin tasting like a pro.

• Gin Glasses
• Ice, Garnishes & Tonic
• Palate Cleanser
• Spittoon/Receptacle
• Taste & Menu Cards
• And… Gin!

Gin Glasses

Thirst things thirst, you could have the greatest gin in the world, but if you don’t have a suitable vessel to drink out of, it’ll spoil the experience.

You can’t go having a spectacular oriental spiced gin out of a Sports Direct mug, can you?

We’re not saying you have to break the bank and get some crystal-encrusted glasses, you can pick up proper gin glasses cheaply online or in the shops.

Ice, Garnishes & Tonics

There’s more to a G&T than ice, lime and tonic water. Specific gins are paired with specific garnishes to enhance their flavours.

Additionally, while we’re at it, why buy poor quality tonic water when it makes up such a large proportion of your drink?

(See below for a list of our recommended gins and their pairings)

Be sure to get quality tonics and the right garnish combinations if you want to enjoy the gin in all its glory!

REMEMBER – this step is optional. You may not want to add anything if you’re solely wanting to taste the gins au naturel!

The Gin

You could try and have a gin tasting without any gin if you wanted… not sure it will go down too well with the guests, though!

Yes, it’s what we’re all here for – the gin!

But what gin?

How many gins?

What type of gins? 

Well, first off, we’d avoid any supermarket home brand stuff, but other than that it’s entirely up to you.

Have a look about, research a few types.

We’d recommend four-five different gins for a solid tasting session.

However, even three will suffice if there’s only a small handful of you, but the more the better!

Obviously, the more you buy, the more expensive things get (well… price dependent, but that’s usually how things work!).

Groupia Home Top Tip: Instead of, as the host, buying them all yourself, why not get everyone to bring a bottle themselves! Make sure you let everyone know what you bought though, you don’t want to end up with five bottles of the same gin (unless it’s a real belter!).

Palate Cleansers

A crucial step people often miss.

If you don’t cleanse your palate in between gins, you won’t get the true taste of each (well… apart from the first one), so it’s important to get your taste buds back to base levels for every gin.

There are many weird and wonderful palate cleansing suggestions littered around the internet but we find the two best options are either white bread or plain crackers and water.

Simple. Easy. Reliable.

Spittoon/Receptacle

Now, some may just skip this section (we certainly won’t judge you!), but some people won’t want to actually swallow each taster, particularly if you have a massive selection of gins to try!

If you don’t want people gobbing up into your finest china mugs, buy a few cheap spittoons or receptacles and people can decide whether or not to use them.

Taste & Menu Cards

Part of the fun of gin tasting is not only discovering a new selection of fabulous gins but ranking and discussing them.

Again, if you’ve got quite a few gins on the go, people may lose track of which ones they preferred, so make some tasting cards so people can rate each one and remember their favourite for when you all have a ‘proper taste’ at the end!

Also, make sure you write down or print off-menu cards so you each know what is in each gin… OR… keep that info to yourself and do a blind tasting session to see if people can identify the flavours.

Yes, it’s a palate off!

Our Top Ten Gin Suggestions

1. Abelforth’s Bathtub Gin – Garnish: Orange Wedge
2. Conker Spirit Dorset Dry – Garnish: Lime Wedge
3. Cotswolds Dry Gin – Garnish: Slice of Pink Grapefruit & Fresh Bay
4. Death’s Door – Garnish: Orange & Mint
5. Ealing Gin – Garnish (Either): Fresh Mint OR Pink Grapefruit & Sprig of Rosemary OR Scented Rose Petals
6. Fatty’s Organic Gin – Garnish: Cucumber Wedge
7. Lone Wolf Cloudy Lemon Gin – Garnish: Lemon
8. Muff Liquor Potato Craft Gin – Garnish: Orange & Sprig of Rosemary
9. Ophir Oriental Spiced Gin – Garnish: Orange OR Chilli (for an extra kick)
10. Whitley Neil Rhubarb & Ginger – Garnish Orange

The post How to Host a Gin Tasting at Home Without Breaking the Bank! appeared first on Party On.

A festival is the ultimate summertime celebration; partying in the blazing sunshine with all your mates, listening to your favourite artists without a care in the world…

… well… apart from the huge crowds, extortionate prices and the questionable toilets!

Yes, we’re all guilty of painting these idyllic pictures of festival-going in our heads, when in reality they’re far more taxing than we imagine!

Well, with your own at-home festival party, you can remove all the bad parts of the festivalling experience and celebrate in style.

Whether it’s a birthday, hen weekend, or just an excuse for a party, it’s a memorable choice you’ll be talking about for the rest of your lives.

And from inexpensive ideas to bigger-budget additions, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to throwing your own festival party at home.

Get inspired below!

Festival Party Ideas

• Invites
• Décor
• Lighting
• Food
• Drinks
• Entertainment
• Outfits

The Invites

Invitations

The first part of the festival process is the tickets (invites)!

Now, if you’re on a tight budget, this could be as simple as sending out a text announcement to all your guests or even creating that WhatsApp chat entitled Homechella (or whatever you’re calling it), where the excitement can really build!

Give rumours about headline acts and special guests to get the chat popping off!

Tickets, Wristbands & VIP Passes

Depending on how creative you’re feeling, you could mock-up festival tickets, entry wristbands and even lanyards with VIP passes to instigate the festival vibes.

If you’re wanting it done professionally, you could get a company to make them for you, or you can use festival ticket templates online and print some off yourselves!

The Décor

You can create a fantastic festival atmosphere cheaply and easily as well as going all out with all the bells and whistles!

It’s amazing what you can do with some bunting, mirrors, throws and blankets. You can transform the most ordinary of gardens into a real boho haven.

Seating

If you’re keeping things relatively low-key, blankets on the grass is a good option (even just sitting on the ground itself is very festival) or why not get everyone to bring a camping chair along for a more authentic feel.

If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic and chic, get hold of some hay bales and cover them in patterned throws

Tents & Teepees

Depending on the size of your garden, you may even be going full-festival mode and having a campout!

Get people to bring their tents and set them up out the way or, if your budget allows, erect a festival-style teepee which you can all gather under.

Party On Top Tip: Mosquito nets can be used to create makeshift teepees and, with a bit of flair and style, can really look the part!

Bunting & Mirrors

You can purchase vibrant and colourful or quaint and rustic bunting pretty cheaply online and it’s a brilliant, low-cost way of really giving off that festival feel.

Plus, if you have it all on one side, you can angle mirrors on the other side to reflect it, making it all-encompassing.

The Lighting

When the sun starts to dip down and the party starts to crank up, you’ll need some lighting so you can keep the good times rolling on into the night!

Outdoor fairy lights, lanterns and tea lights are all solid options, and if you’re pushing the boat out or going for a Polynesian-vibe, tiki torches are a suitably stylish addition.

The Food

At festivals you’ll find every type of cuisine under the sun, so you can get really creative with this bit.

From a classic BBQ to a full-blown hog roast, the world is your oyster… “Hmm… oysters. Not a bad shout, actually!”

Classic BBQ

• Burgers (Veggie and Non-Veggie Options)
• Sausages
• Chicken Wings
• Sauces
• Salads
• Corn on the Cob

All the big hitters!

Hog Roast

If you’re not clued up on how to do this yourself (and who is?), you can hire people in to rustle you up a succulent hog roast if you’re really looking to take your festival to the next level.

Curries

Make a selection of curries, get all the extras in (poppadoms, naans etc.) and let people dive in.

Perfect for sharing and cheaply done if you’re feeding a fair few.

Our Suggestions

• Beef Madras
• Chicken Tikka Massala
• Veg Korma

Something for everyone!

Fajitas & Burritos

Another one where you can make a couple of big batches and people can pick and choose their fillings.

Party On Top Tip – Rather than using your actual plates, add to the festival-feel with some patterned paper plates.
The minor details all contribute to the overall ambience.

The Drinks

As well as ice-cold beers and ciders (yes, not hot tinnies that have warmed up in your tent), why not serve a selection of cocktails which you’d struggle to get hold of at you usual festival!

Yes, this isn’t about replicating the festival experience, it’s about elevating it to new heady heights, and cocktails are certainly a way to do that!

Check out our favourite summer creations below!

Mojito (or Blighty if you prefer gin!) ?

• 50ml Rum (Or Gin)
• Soda Water (As much as you like)
• Mint Leaves
• 1 Juiced Lime
• Garnish: Sprig of Mint

Pornstar Martini ?

• 50ml Vanilla Vodka
• 25ml Passoa
• Lime Juice
• Sugar Syrup
• Shot of prosecco

Tequila Sunrise ?

• 50ml Tequila
• 100ml Orange Juice
• Splash of Grenadine
• Garnish: Slice of Orange or Maraschino Cherry

Party On Budget-Saving Tip: – Why not just do a big bowl of Pimm’s!

The Entertainment

The big draw of festivals is seeing your favourite artists hit the stage and perform!

Now, unless you’re a millionaire, we’re guessing you’re probably not going to able to get Ed Sheeran to come a do a solo performance in your backyard.

So you’re gunna want to get creative!

Speakers

These are the minimum requirement if you’re throwing your own festival party!

People will be turning up expecting to throw so shapes to some certified bangers!

Check out our very own ‘Party On Festival Playlists’ on Spotify

Silent Disco

A trend which has sky-rocketed in recent years, the silent disco has taken off all across the nation because it’s not only brilliant but downright hilarious!

If you have the budget, you can hire the equipment from a professional vendor, or, you could all stick your headphones in and dance to your own tunes!

There’s no excuse not to do this one!

Hire an Act

We’re not talking about Kanye or Beyonce here, but you could hire an acoustic performer to come and perform an intimate gig for you and your mates to really cap off a fantastic day of festival fun. You could even book your own personal hen-fest in Bournemouth for a hen do or friends getaway.

Outfits

The best part about hosting a mini-festival is getting to put all the gear on!
From glitter and flower crowns to ponchos and wellies, you need to get everyone looking the part to get you in the mood for an all-day party!

Festival Themed Party Outfit Ideas

• Glitter
• Bodypaint
• Flower Crowns (which you can make yourselves)
• Wellies
• Ponchos
• Hawaiian Flower Leis
• Colourful Beads

The post The Ultimate At-Home Festival Party Ideas Guide for Budgets Big and Small! appeared first on Party On.

Who doesn’t want to party like it’s 1920s industrialised Birmingham?

OK, when we put it like that, it doesn’t sound particularly appealing!

But when you think of it as partying like the Peaky Blinders (when they become rich and successful, obviously!), it suddenly becomes a whole lot more glamorous…

And, let’s face it, whatever your opinions on the notorious murdering gangster family, they’re always looking fresh!

So check out our straightforward and inexpensive ways of throwing your very own Peaky Party!

As party themes go, this is a real Blinder (not sorry!)

Peaky Blinders Themed Party

• Invites
• Outfits
• Décor
• Drinks
• Music

Invites

Get the party off to a blinding start (sorry, the last one, we promise!), with some Peaky Blinders themed invites.

Outfits

Men

To get the authentic Shelby ensemble could set you back a fair old whack, but copying the hairstyles, donning smart suits and wearing a trademark Blinders’ hat (minus the razor blade sewn on the inside), you’ll be looking fit for a day at the races in no time.

• Tweed Suits
• Matching Waistcoats
• Penny Collar Shirts
• Cap
• Tie Clips
• Pocket Watches

Women

The 1920s was a glamorous time as the fashionable ‘Flappers’ burst on to the scene.

Polly, Ada, Grace and Posh May are all elegant examples of the glitzy style which came to prominence!

• Slip Dress
• Feather Scarves
• Cigarette Holder
• Tiaras
• Elbow-Length Gloves
• Silver Jewellery

Décor

This is where you can get really creative.

Whether you’re going for a posh ballroom, the beer-soaked floors of the Garrison or day at the races vibe is up to you, the outfits on their own are a strong enough effort if you wanted, but the little extras elevate it further.

Party On Top Tip: Seen as the Blinders’ loved a flutter (or at least encouraged it), why not deck your venue out like a casino so you can all have a friendly game of Blackjack or roulette in your flash attire!

Drinks

The Shelbys loved their whiskey, they were partial to a beer, Tommy started making his own gin, when they had a bit more money, they were more than partial to a glass of champagne – so you’re well and truly spoilt for choice for your drinks menu.

Why not throw some retro cocktails into the mix?

Music

Check out our Party On Peaky Playlist on Spotify for you big Blinders evening!

The post How to Throw Your Very Own Peaky Blinders Party! appeared first on Party On.