The month of May brings with it blue skies, the Met Gala and - drumroll please - EUROVISION. What a time to be alive. Yep, that's right. The best day of the year is almost among us because, on 11 May 2024, The Eurovision Song Contest is finally back on our screens.
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Eurovision than by throwing your very own Eurovision soiree, because let's be real - who else are you going to critique every single performance with? So, get ready for questionable outfits, hilarious Graham Norton commentary and lots of feathers.
With Queen Loreen taking the crown yet again in Liverpool last year, Eurovision is heading back to Sweden for what also just happens to be the 50th anniversary of ABBA's Waterloo win. That's right, if there was ever a chance to go full ABBA-themed with flairs, metallic boots, and disco balls at your Eurovision party, THIS is it.
The best Eurovision party ideas
To help you throw the Eurovision party of your dreams, we've outlined a few Eurovision party ideas in terms of themes, games and food, and created a list of Eurovision party essentials and ABBA-themed party must-haves to buy ASAP. Best news? The majority of these are from Amazon, so be sure to take advantage of that Prime Delivery, baby. Let the partay begin.
Theme
While Eurovision is the overall theme, we like the idea of choosing a particular Eurovision year and asking all guests to come dressed up as an act from that year. We'd be dying to see our friends dressed up as Conchita (2014) or the (traumatising) death metal band Lordi (2006).
Or try picking a country instead? Represent the UK (and show support for our entry Olly Alexander) with outfits from entries past, or try Sweden on for size - not only are they host but they've guaranteed some serious bops in recent years.
But ultimately for 2024, we think making your Eurovision party totally ABBA-themed is a no-brainer - they are the Eurovision OG's, after all. Any excuse to sing our hearts out to Mamma Mia and throw on some feathers and glitter, tbh.
Games
Drinking games are a necessary addition to any party and will make those inevitably dreadful acts a lot funnier. Trust us on this one. Our fave one to play is the Mission Eurovision drinking game, where you take a sip any time a Eurovision cliche happens (warning: you may be a goner after this one...) If you're not interested in drinking yourself into oblivion, you can play the Mission Eurovision BINGO cards without the booze, but you can also never go wrong with a little Eurovision trivia.
Food
If you're looking to really honour the Eurovision theme, we suggest serving snacks and foods from Eurovision's main five participating countries, not forgetting last year's winners ofc. We've listed a few examples below, for inspiration:
UK: Pork pies, Walkers crisps, Jaffa Cakes
Italy: Pizza, gelato, paninis
France: Cheese and crackers, French fries
Spain: Cured meats, Padron peppers, stuffed olives
Germany: Bratwurst, salami, schnitzel
Sweden: Swedish meatballs, cinnamon rolls, Marabou chocolate
SHOP: The best Eurovision party essentials
Etsywww.etsy.com
Take a seat in the judge's panel by scoring each country's performance yourself based on the performer, staging, and wow factor. Then, compare later to see how spot-on your scoring was compared to your friends. Raise the stakes by adding your very own prizes.
Customer review: "Great quality. Made Eurovision even more entertaining!"
SmiffyEmbrace your inner super trooper with this snazzy ABBA-inspired costume. We'd throw a party just to wear this, tbh. You'll look just like a Dancing Queen in this or you can try this costume if you'd rather not wrestle with a one-piece.
Customer review: "I love this outfit, far more authentically ABBA-like than my other outfits. I have tried on and, although it looks amazing on, I am not looking forward to actually wearing it for more than an hour or so."
Etsywww.etsy.com
Graham Norton is the Eurovision MVP, so why not pay homage to him with these flat card face masks and delivering your best one-liners? They come in a pack of five or a pack of ten, so there's more than enough for you and all of your guests.
Customer review: "Quick and easy. Exactly as expected! Will be so funny seeing everyone wearing the masks."
Etsywww.etsy.com
From Eurovision Bingo to Eurovision drinking games, this party pack has EVERYTHING. Whether you're keeping score on performances or playing the trivia quiz for points, this downloadable pack will mean a night of fun for you and your guests.
Customer review: "Excellent file worked great for my project will order from again."
AmazonThis ABBA party decoration set has it all so you can have your theme sorted with one click. In the pack, you get 'ABBA Party' balloons, blue streamers, two disco balloons and 20 latex balloons. You just need some snacks and bevs to get the Eurovision party started.
Customer review: "The balloon set was great value for money compared to other places. The ballons looked fantastic at the event and were good quality."
Talking Tableswww.talkingtables.co.uk
Talking Tables is selling this cute and colourful 'douze points' garland that's just perfect for the occasion. One that can be used every single year if you wanted to, it's a timeless garland that definitely sets the theme. We are well and truly obsessed.
AmazonSet the backdrop to your Eurovision party with these disco-themed iridescent party streamers that were made for an ABBA-themed party. There are a bunch of colours to choose from and you get a pack of two whether you want to cover a wall or doorways. Not to mention, they're perfect for some cute pics.
Customer review: "Really good quality and so easy to hang. Would definitely buy again. They look really nice. Picture doesn’t do them justice."
Etsywww.etsy.com
Look unreal in this Eurovision Cowboy Hat from Etsy. Bringing the glamour, it features sequins and a fabulous feather trim, because would it REALLY be Eurovision without that? You can even get it personalised with a flag of your choice.
Customer review: "Fabulous cowboy hats, reasonably priced and look absolutely stunning 😍"
ShatchiIf you're wanting to go all out and decorate the entire house from top to bottom, this party pack has bunting, banners and balloons as well as paper plates and cups galore. How often does the UK get the chance to host Eurovision? We're witnessing history in the making, babes.
Customer review: "Surprised by the quality of this and the size was perfect to decorate the front of the house. Expected to throw away afterwards at that price, but it was that well made that will use again for other festival occasions."
AmazonSnacks? Check. Drinks? Check. A super fun runner for the snacks table? Sorted. Bringing the retro 70s party vibes, this disco table runner adds a little extra pizzazz and proves you've really mastered the ABBA-theme. We'll use it every day, tbh.
Customer review: "Long (but can be cut to size) and is just a centre table runner. But looks good and seems durable."
WHSmithwww.whsmith.co.uk
Add a little suspense to the evening by competing with your friends in the ultimate Eurovision trivia game. Test their knowledge of years gone by with over 1,200 questions on Eurovision history. That's sure to keep you busy between the breaks.
YojoloinGet picture ready and set the atmosphere with these inflatable instruments, perfect as picture props or for putting on your very own performance with your bandmates.
Customer review: "Love these, can use multiple times. Great party extra."
RockjamWould a Eurovision party be complete without your very own state-of-the-art karaoke machine? We think not. It even comes with two microphones for all of those ballads you'll be belting out with your mates.
Customer review: "Great for a party, went down a treat. Perfect for the price."
KirklandFor the evening's entertainment, what could be better than kicking back with a bag of popcorn? These come in individual packs, so there's more than enough to tuck into while you're watching the madness unfold.
Customer review: "Light and fluffy. Tasty. One of the best microwave popcorn I have tried."
AmazonAdd to the ABBA-themed 70s chic with this pack of 14 star-shaped glasses, each in a different colour. They're a great little token gift to friends joining you for your Eurovision watch party, and they can be used again at any and all fancy dress opportunities. We see you Glastonbury.
WalkersFrom Wotsists to Squares and French Fries, Walkers are the pinnacle of British cuisine. 48 packs of Walkers crisps for less than £14? Count us in x
Customer review: "Have repeat ordered these, they are so much cheaper to buy in bulk like this than in the shops. A good selection and also have long dates on. Definitely will be repurchasing again."
AmazonAn absolute bargain, this disco light makes up for the lack of a disco ball in your lounge. Whether you need something to bring the party atmosphere or want to up the ante during the less-than-exciting voting process, this little gadget will instantly bring the party vibes.
Customer review: "The lights are amazing. Small and easy to operate. Very good for home use. I am happy."
<strong>FAQs</strong>
When does Eurovision 2024 start?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will officially begin on May 7 with the first semi-final. The second semi-final will take place two days later, on May 9. However, the exciting finale of Eurovision 2024 will take place on May 11 where the winner will be crowned.
Who will host Eurovision 2024?
Sweden won last year so this year, they've chosen Malmo as the host city for Eurovision 2024.
Who were the previous winners of Eurovision 2023?
Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with her song Tattoo, earning 583 points. This is the second time Loreen has won after taking the crown in 2012 with her song Euphoria. If you haven't heard it (where have you been?) give it a listen as it's deffo one of our favourites.
Who was the previous UK entry on Eurovision 2023?
Last year, our UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was London-based Mae Muller. Her entry I Wrote A Song came 25th in the final. She may not have done as well as Sam Ryder in the previous year, but she did us proud on home ground!
Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for heat. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.