How to Throw an Olympics-Themed Party That’s Worthy of a Gold Medal

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
The Olympic Games is one of the most impressive and mesmerizing worldwide events ever, with roots dating back over 2,000 years in ancient Greece. But even in its beginning, the Olympics have always been a festive celebration of athletics and culture. And that hasn’t changed! These days, we celebrate the Olympics by coming together and watching the Games on our TV screens in the living room, usually surrounded by snacks and friends. Which is why it’s important to find Olympic-themed party ideas to get you and your loved ones in the celebratory spirit.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics this year, what better time to take advantage of the event and throw your very own Olympic-themed party? (We don’t know about you, but any excuse to have friends and family over to hang out is something we’ll always take advantage of!) There are so many creative ways to celebrate the Games, too—from Olympic party games to themed food, drinks, and decorations. So if you want to throw an Olympics bash that’s gold medal-worthy, you’ve come to the right place to search for ideas and inspiration. And don’t forget to check out our Pinterest board for Olympic-themed party ideas that you can DIY ahead of the Games!
1. Pick a Color Scheme Or Favorite Team
Whether you’re rooting for the USA, Mexico, Canada, or another country, you need to represent your favorite team, of course! Depending on their flag and uniform this year, you can pick out plates, balloons, tablecloths, and Olympic-themed party favors that fit the color scheme and show off your team pride. Include mini flags on your snacks, or make some festive cocktails or mocktails that include your flag’s colors.
2. Deck Out Your Place With Olympic Decorations
Now here’s the most fun part: decking out your place with all the Olympic-themed decor! There are so many ways to include the Games in your decorations, but some of the most festive would be the famous Olympics rings, flags and banners, “Go for Gold” wall hangings, balloons, and medals. If there’s a particular sport you like watching (we’ll all be rooting for Simone Biles in gymnastics!), you could also include wall hangings or table decorations that nod back to that sport.
3. Have Some Olympic Party Games On Hand
For the little ones who just can’t sit still to watch freestyle swimming (or the folks who want something fun to do while they’re waiting for the Games to start), having some Olympic-themed party games around the table or in the backyard will definitely come in handy. Include a ring toss in the yard with the Olympic’s five colors, or have some Olympic board games and trivia setup inside around a table. Your guests will definitely appreciate having something fun to do in between the sports’ rounds.
4. Cook Up Olympic-Inspired Snacks and Drinks
There’s plenty of ways you can incorporate Olympic-inspired foods and drinks into your celebration setup. We love the idea of crafting a tower with foods native to different countries and placing their country’s flags on top, like below. Or instead, make use of each country’s flag and model your snack trays with the same colors or mimic the flags’ styles. The possibilities here are endless! There are also plenty of fan-favorite bites that come in limited edition designs, like Reese’s Olympic medals and red, white, and blue M&Ms.
5. Don’t Forget the Olympic Rings!
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Olympics party without the Olympics rings. Make sure you have plenty on hand—hang some rings up around the living room as balloons or wall decorations, or even translate the rings into food with donuts, cookies, or color-coordinated veggie platters. Setting up colored plates on the snack table in the same order as the Olympic rings is also a cute nod back to the famous symbol.