20 Eurovision party ideas

Once all the acts have performed at the final, each country votes, with points awarded separately by a jury of industry professionals and by viewers. Countries cannot vote for themselves. The song that receives the most points is the winner!

Tips for throwing the ultimate Eurovision party

1. Put together a guestlist and send out themed invites

Get your best Eurovision pals together – the ones who will go big on the dressing-up and will sing the night away. Send out invites (you can send e-invites to be more sustainable) and assign each guest a country, if you like. If you decide to assign a country this can help your guests with deciding their outfit, as well as with choosing a dish to make if you have a 'bring and share' party.

2. Plan a Eurovision-themed menu

The great thing about Eurovision is that it involves lots of different countries, which can make planning a themed party food menu easier. Go for big sharing dishes or canapés so that people can help themselves. Canapés will require a little more effort but they’re always great for a party. Eurovision party food ideas can also be served on platters with mini flags to represent each country.

3. Stock your Eurovision bar: cocktails, mocktails and more

Every Eurovision party needs themed drinks. That’s not to say everything needs to be alcoholic, but think colourful, playful drinks such as cocktails and mocktails. If you’re serving cocktails then you can try to theme them to the participating countries; think Aperol spritz, sangria or our apple strudel sidecar. If you want to get ahead, you can also make pitchers of drinks rather than making everything individually. You could also serve wine, beers or soft drinks from different participating countries.

4. Organise outfits for hosts and guests

When you’ve got all your RSVPs in it’s time to plan your Eurovision party outfit. You can simply provide suggestions to guests so they can plan their own, or you could create a party costume box for guests to choose from when they arrive. If you’re creating a costume box, think glittery fabric, feathery boas and colourful glasses, hats and scarves. If you’re asking guests to dress to match a participating country, make sure you send these suggestions round in plenty of time. It’s also a nice idea to theme outfits around previous winners or contestants. For a simple dress-up option there are some great paper masks available of hosts and classic Eurovision acts.

5. Think of some game ideas

Bingo is a great option for a Eurovision game: you can create grids of words that are likely to appear throughout the show (nil points, smoke machines, leather trousers etc) and the first person to complete their bingo card wins a prize. You could even make your own edible prizes for this. If you’ve got some time to fill before the ceremony begins, why not try a game of Who Am I? Write well-known contestants or songs from throughout Eurovision history on cards and then each guest picks one to either mime out to the group or answer yes/no questions to help the other guests guess the answer. To help share the load, you could also ask another guest to be the games master and prepare the games for you.

For ready-made bingo cards and more inspiration Mission Eurovision is a great source of inspiration.

6. Put up the party decorations

The easy choice for Eurovision party decorations is to use each county’s flag to create bunting or posters. To save time and money, it works to create one or two rooms that are well decorated as opposed to having to decorate your whole home. Small or large disco balls also work well – perhaps a large one on the ceiling to create a dancefloor and small ones scattered around to give those party vibes. If you’re working to a budget, you can make your own flags or print them off. You can even get the kids to make them for you; get the whole family involved. Remember, it’s all about the company and the event itself, so don’t feel too much pressure or the need to spend lots of money.

7. Create a Eurovision playlist

While you’re waiting for the viewing party to start it’s a nice idea to have a Eurovision playlist on. There are plenty of Eurovision playlists on streaming platforms, such as those including this year's songs or classic Eurovision bangers. Alternatively, create your own using all your favourite tracks, or ask guests to give one or two of their favourite tracks to help create a playlist.

8. Run a Eurovision sweepstake

Give each of your guests their own country – they can also theme their outfit and any dishes they bring around this country. If the country they select wins, have a prize ready to gift them, such as a bottle of something nice or a homemade gift.

Eurovision food ideas

Looking to really lean into the Eurovision theme? Put together a global sharing menu inspired by countries that are competing in Eurovision.

1. Shukhi

This traditional Ukrainian dish is usually served at Christmas but it’s great for any party. It's relatively simple to make and just requires a little time to assemble.

2. Cheese & Marmite sausage rolls

Is there anything more British than a sausage roll? Cheese and marmite is a great combination and the Marmite adds a lovely depth of flavour.

3. Verdens beste

This cake is traditionally served on 17 May to celebrate Norway’s constitution day. Try making it a few days earlier and serve it at your Eurovision banquet. It can be made a little in advance and kept in the fridge ready for the evening.

4. Pork schnitzel

Make this German-inspired dish, then slice up and serve alongside a classic dip or simply with a squeeze of lemon. If you’re celebrating Eurovision with a dinner party, schnitzel is great with sautéed potatoes.

5. Padron peppers

Party food doesn’t need to be complicated, as these padron peppers prove. They require minimal effort and only take 5 minutes to cook. These work brilliantly as a quick canapé or a nibble at the beginning of a dinner party.

6. Margherita pizza in 4 easy steps

Pizza is a great option for a Eurovision party as it can easily be cut into large or small slices to suit however you want to serve on the evening. You could even go all in and have a big pizza night where guests choose their toppings.

7. Lamingtons

It’s not just European countries that have been competing in Eurovision over the years. These Australian classic bakes are a great make-ahead sweet treat to serve on the evening – whether they form part of your main buffet dinner or are served with coffee while you await the results.

8. Swedish meatball subs

These subs use Swedish-style meatballs to create a sandwich that’s great for any party. The meatballs are paired with cranberry sauce (although you could also use lingonberry jam).

9. Tzatziki

The Greeks are the champions when it comes to dips, and tzatziki is a great option for serving alongside pita, crudités or kebabs. It takes little time and effort to make but delivers on flavour.

10. Brown butter boxty blinis

A clever twist on smoked salmon blinis, these potato cakes are a great canapé to serve with a welcome glass of fizz. They can be made in advance and then assembled closer to the party.

11. Piri-piri pork ribs

Feel inspired by the Portuguese flavours of piri-piri. These pork ribs are great for sharing. If it’s a sunny weekend you could even take your Eurovision party into the garden and cook these on the barbecue.

12. Raclette

Après-ski classic raclette is the ultimate cheesy sharing platter. Its roots are in Switzerland and it involves melting raclette cheese to serve with cured meats, new potatoes and pickled veg.

13. Cepelinai (meat & potato dumplings)

If you really want to show off your cooking skills, these Lithuanian dumplings require a little effort but they’re full of flavour. You can use pork or beef mince for the smoky filling, which is then encased in potato.

14. Cardamom buns

A Scandi classic – they take a little time and effort but they’re well worth it and can be made in advance. The cardamom adds a lovely floral note to the dough, which is topped with a glossy syrup and a sprinkling of pearl sugar.

15. Meze-style sharing board

Sometimes, mezes are the best way to go. They give your guests lots of options (think labneh balls, fritters and a carrot and tahini salad) and you can get everything prepared before your guests arrive, giving you more time to enjoy your Eurovision party.

16. Boom bang-a-bang chicken cups

These are inspired both by the classic British recipe coronation chicken and by Lulu’s Eurovision-winning song from 1969, Boom Bang-a-Bang. These cups with a crunch are easy to prep ahead and can be assembled close to the time.

17. Potato & cheese croquettes

These are perfect for making ahead and serving with a variety of dips that can represent a host of countries. These ones can be baked, so you don’t have to stand over them while your guests are enjoying their Eurovision cocktails.

18. Zapiekanki

These pizza-style snacks have been a popular street food in Poland since the 1970s. They're great for feeding a crowd and are ready in under an hour.

19. Asparagus dippers with pea & mint dip

These vibrant dippers use prime seasonal British produce for an elegant sharing dish. You can make the dip and wrap the asparagus ahead of time, or simply griddle the asparagus without wrapping it.

20. Negroni sbagliato

Raise a glass to the winner and close the evening with this classic cocktail. The negroni base can be made in advance and kept in a jug; to serve, simply pour over ice and top up with prosecco.

Looking for more party food ideas? You might like these:

Finger food recipes
Sharing recipes
Party recipes for kids
Dinner party menu ideas
Budget party finger food ideas

Have we missed a dish that's perfect for serving at a Eurovision viewing party? Let us know in the comments below...