ET LØFTE EVENTS

IT'S A GUY THING
Part IV of IV

© Melissa Nowakowski April 2008

THEME: Sporting It

While watching a football game on television surrounded by chips, pretzels and beer certainly comes to mind, this theme is anything but. 'Sporting It' is a full day affair of sports and grub. Fun, interactive and yet oh so stylish, this theme will wow any sports enthusiast who is expecting the generic sports-pub crawl.

The Day is split into two parts: Round up the guests for an action-packed early afternoon game of your guy's favourite sport -- whether it be street hockey, football, soccer, basketball, etc. then have the guests re-group later in the evening for a formal dinner party at a classy sports bar (yes they DO exist!)

THE VENUE(S) Be sure to mention both venues on your invitations and include maps if necessary.

For your sport-du-jour, book a community field or parking lot that is central to most of your guests. Some fields and lots may have no costs involved but be prepared to have to pay a small fee to use most. Be sure to book the field or lot well in advance to avoid conflicts with community leagues.

For your post-game nibbles, avoid the cliche sports pub if you can and choose a sports bar and restaurant that has class appeal. Our favourite tres-chic pre/post game venue inToronto? BOTTOM LINE RESTAURANT & BAR. This bar boasts elegant dark wood and suave surroundings mixed with classic-yet-oh-so-sophisticated television screens, acting as the perfect spot for a formal dinner party of sports enthusiasts. A close second is THE BIER MARKET on the Esplanade.

Of course, having the dinner party in the comfort of your own dining room is always a great, cost-efficient option too!

THE ENTERTAINMENT:

Part 1 - The Game: Having a large group of friends participate in any physical sport is not only the perfect form of entertainment, but is a great way to get guests interacting with one another, even if a few of the guests have never before played the sport. In fact, some of the most humorous moments often come about courtesy of those who have never before played that specific sport. And don't worry about guests getting down and dirty -- in spacing out the two events your guests will have plenty of time to clean up prior to the dinner portion.

Part 2 - The Dinner: Having the racket of a sports game on the walls behind you is a natural fit, but carefully choosing music such as classic theme songs belonging to sports teams, shows and movies adds a whole new twist. Think Stronger (Raptors theme song), the Rocky theme song and Hit 'Em High from Space Jam.

If your guests still have energy left over from the earlier that day, additional entertainment can be included by way of portable sports games. Rent a basketball hoop set and place in the furthest corner of the room (if space permits of course) or a golf putting strip. Challenge guests to games of 21 or a "hole in one" championship. Sporty prizes such as caps, t-shirts, magazines, etc. can be given out to the winners.

THE STYLE: Who says sporty can't be chic? In choosing the right venue and decor you can have the sporty look and the class too.

Have all the guests seated at rectangular tables fitted together in a U-shape rather than at small or round tables. They will feel more connected.

Want to add some cache to your tables? Have colourful table runners across the length of the tables and place bowls filled with specific types of balls along their length. For example, one bowl can be filled with tennis balls, another bowl with golf balls and other with baseballs, etc.

A more hands-on centerpiece is a straight ledge of balls. Place long, dark wood ledges running across the length of the tables. Have nails sticking out of the top of the wood and rest large sports balls in between them, using the nails to hold the balls in place. Alternate the type of ball -- soccer, volleyballs and basketballs work best. Cover the nails with pockets of fake grass.

THE FOOD: Nothing says sports like meat. But that doesn't mean your meat has to be boring. Spice up the traditional with some exciting additions such as Hamburger dips, spicy chili popcorn and spicy stuffed potatoes.

THE GIVEAWAYS: Send your guests off with... what else? Sports paraphernalia! Key chains, stress balls or mini toss able sports balls are items that everyone could use and with which they can have loads of fun long after the party.