Top Tips for Hosting the Perfect Rugby World Cup Watch Party
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to start later this month and rugby fever is already starting to set in across South Africa. If you can’t make it to Japan to watch the Boks live, watch parties are the next best way to cheer them on as they go for gold! Here are our top tips for making your watch party a winning affair.
The theme & décor
Rugby watch parties are all about the green and gold so encourage your guests to come dressed for the occasion. Springbok shirts, jerseys and jackets are first prize, but anything green or gold is also good.
The theme can then be reinforced through colourful fabric bunting strung from the ceiling or walls. Another great idea is to create your own banner/s with phrases such as “Go Bokke!” or “Keep Calm and Support the Springboks”.
The table décor can also be tailored to suit the theme. For example, we love this idea of decorating mason jars. Because mason jars are incredibly versatile, you can use them to present everything from cutlery and serviettes to paper straws and beverages.
The food table is another great place to introduce the theme tastefully. Just take a look at this example for a tailgate football party. You could easily achieve something similar by making food printables with a Springbok or Rugby World Cup theme.
The food
No gathering would be complete without some glorious food! Here are five delicious dishes to serve at your watch party.
Biltong Dip
Providing chip ’n dip at a party can seem like the easy option. All you have to do is buy a few packets of chips, tubs of dip and you’re done. And while that may be perfectly okay for a weekend braai, watch parties call for something a bit more special. Like this homemade Biltong Dip, which is definitely worth the extra effort.
You will need:
- 50 g biltong powder
- 60 ml of hot milk
- 1 tsp biltong spice
- 250 g tub cream cheese
- 250 g blue cheese
What to do:
- Take the biltong powder and soak it in the hot milk for 20 minutes.
- Add the biltong spice.
- Whisk the biltong into the cream cheese and allow to stand for 20 minutes.
- Whisk in the crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve and enjoy!
This biltong dip is best served with wheaten crackers or Provitas, but sturdy chips such as nachos, corn chips or crinkle cut chips also work well. Vegetable chips made from beetroot and sweet potato are another great option.
Cheese and Beer Fondue
Fondues are a classic crowd-pleaser, and this recipe for a cheese and beer fondue definitely won’t disappoint. It’s perfect for more intimate watch parties, where your guests can huddle together over the hot, bubbling pot and help themselves. Crusty bread is delicious as the dipper; as are pieces of cooked sausages or viennas.
You will need:
- 2 tbsp Kerrygold Pure Irish Unsalted Butter
- 3 tbsp of plain flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup beer
- 1tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 crushed garlic clove
- 3 cups grated Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese
- Salt, pepper and paprika, for seasoning
What to do:
- In a pot, melt the Kerrygold Butter. Add the plain flour and whisk until you get a paste.
- Take the pan off the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Add in the beer, Dijon mustard and garlic.
- Return the pot to the hob on medium heat and stir until thick and bubbling.
- Mix in the grated Kerrygold Cheese, one cup at a time until completely melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. The fondue can be reheated gently in the pot or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Cajun Potato Wedges with Sour Cream Cheese & Chive Dip
These Cajun potato wedges are perfect for Rugby World Cup watch parties! Light yet flavourful, they’re sure to keep any peckish guests satisfied until the main meal is served. The sour cream cheese and chive dip is a delightful accompaniment to the wedges, and we recommend adding some grated Kerrygold Cheddar for good measure. Click here for the full recipe.
Leeks Wrapped in Parma Ham with Cheese
These leeks wrapped in parma ham are bursting with great flavours. They make a wonderful main meal if you’d like to enjoy something other than the traditional rugby braai. Serve the dish straight from the oven with plenty of crusty bread and a separate plate of tomato salad. Get the recipe here.
Easy Caramel Rolls with Apples
End your watch party on a sweet note with these decadent caramel rolls. Each bite is loaded with little bits of apple, cinnamon, caramel, and crunchy pecans, which is always a recipe for success in our books! For more winning sweet and savoury dishes to serve at your Rugby World Cup watch party, view our recipe selection over here.
The entertainment
The game is the main attraction, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also plan some extra activities to make it a little more fun. Here are some of our favourite ideas:
- Ask everyone to come dressed as the #1 Springbok Fan, and award a small prize to the best-dressed guest.
- Ask each guest to fill out a prediction sheet with questions relating to the game such as “Who will be the first team to score?”, “Who will be the first team to commit a penalty?”, “Who will win the game?” and “What will the final score be?”. Pick out some fun prizes for guests who make the right predictions.
- Create a personalised Rugby World Cup selfie frame using corex board. This is an awesome way for guests to take photos and share them on social media.
- Keep the kids entertained by setting up some fun games like “Pin the Rugby Ball Between the Goal Posts” or “Hunt for the Rugby Ball”.
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