The acts are in and the stage is nearly set: Eurovision fever is about to storm the country.
This time, Switzerland’s Basel takes the spotlight as the host city following last year’s win by Nemo with their song “The Code”. Millions will tune in on the night of Saturday, May 17 to watch contestants and countries battle it out on the St. Jakobshalle stage for this year’s crown and associated bragging rights.
Among them will be the UK’s entry, Remember Monday, an all-female band singing country-pop hits. Their song? It’s called What the Hell Just Happened?, which could be interpreted as both a response to the modern world and the iconic Contest, now in its 69th year. Hopes are high for a decent score after the UK finished in 18th place last year, with Olly Alexander’s Dizzy track.
If you’re not one of the folks who managed to get a ticket to the live event in Basel, you can still join in the fun by hosting a Eurovision party at home.
All you really need is the right decorations to create a festive vibe as well as canapes inspired by cuisines from the various competing nations.
We’re talking balloons, flag bunting and fun food picks to stick into snacks. Join in with scoring at home with paddles or laugh along to the most bonkers song competition in the world with a bingo game (extra points for power ballads and power tools used as props). Elsewhere, disco and rainbow themes will work well and have the added bonus of being reused for parties later in the year. You’ll also need the costumes but more on that here.
We’ve found the party pieces to take your Eurovision party to the next level.
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Terry Wogan Life Size Cutout
As the UK’s greatest Eurovision host, the late Terry Wogan presided over the annual competition with his warm humour and trademark dry wit.
Though the presenting baton has since been handed over to the likes of Graham Norton and Alesha Dixon, Wogan’s crown as the father of Eurovision (in the UK, at least) remains untouched.
Honour the legend by adding his life-size cardboard cutout to your party decor. The 2D version can greet guests by the door, join in with selfies, or stand next to the TV as your own personal host.
Buy now £44.87, Amazon
AhfuLife Eurovision Flag Bunting
Bunting is the fastest route to dressing up a plain old room. For Eurovision, what could be more fitting than this 37-flag version, which features all the participating nations?
String up the 12m-long decoration around the telly or over a wall to create a selfie backdrop your guests will love.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
Talking Tables Eurovision Song Contest Food Flags
Make like Strictly and bring the scoring paddles to your buffet table. The pack of 24 covered everything from ‘Out of Tune’ to ‘12 points’, the highest score it’s possible to get.
Buy now £4.95, Amazon
NOW That’s What I Call Eurovision
From ABBA’s Waterloo to Gina G’s Ooh A.. Just A Little Bit and Conchita’s Rise Like A Phoenix, Eurovision is responsible for bringing some of the catchiest tunes to the world’s collective consciousness.
Remind yourself of their greatest with a classic NOW compilation which packs in three discs of party bangers. One to stick on before, during and after the viewing party to get you all in the Eurovision mood.
Buy now £3.24, Amazon
Gejoy Disco Helium Balloons
The legendary Eurovision Song Contest gave the world one of the best-loved bands in disco: ABBA. Give a nod to the genre with this 10-pack of mirror ball-themed balloons. The large silver-foiled orbs can be inflated with helium as well as air.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Eurovision Bingo Game
A family-friendly game to play as you watch the finals on telly, this UK Eurovision Bingo Game is the perfect thing to hand out at your viewing party - up to 20 people can join in.
Made from strong, high-quality card by a UK vendor, the full-colour print cards are simple enough for the youngest and newest Eurovision fan to play.
Check off the flags and countries as each singer takes the spotlight and arrange a prize for the winner to up the ante.
Buy now £5.49, Amazon
Kraftz Rainbow Coloured Eco Confetti Cannons
One to reserve for the final countdown, hand out confetti cannons to pull when this year’s winner is announced. This bundle is made from plastic-free biodegradable confetti offering a guilt-free way to celebrate.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Eurovision Cake Topper
Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries: all big occasions have a cake, so why should Eurovision be any different?
Whether you’re whipping up a homemade bake or stacking doughnuts for a sweet treat, put your dessert in the spotlight by adding a themed Eurovision cake topper, complete with a Swiss flag decoration.
It can even be used to give a takeaway pizza a celebratory edge.
Buy now £4.35, Etsy
Talking Tables Eurovision Song Contest ‘Douze Points’ Garland
Want top points for your Eurovision party? A themed banner will guarantee you the winning votes.
Buy now £7.00, Talking Tables
