In the United States, the presidential election is generating a great deal of excitement. Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, people of all political persuasions are counting down the days until Election Night on Nov. 4.
Hosting an Election Night party is a fun way to put the “party” back in “political party.” If most of your friends will be glued to the television for election results, why not gather together at your house to watch together?
Inviting supporters of different candidates will make your party more exciting, but as the party host, be careful that no party guest feels slighted or offended. Politics can be fun for some people, but is taken seriously by others. Be sure all of your election party guests will take it all in fun.
The best election party is a casual one. It’s on a Tuesday night and most people have to work the day of the day after, so the host isn’t expected to go to too much trouble.
Election Party Decorations
There’s nothing more patriotic than voting. Election party decorations can be as simple as patriotic colors. In the United States, get out your July Fourth decorations and play up the red, white and blue in tablecloths, paper plates and flatware, banners, balloons and decorations.
U.S. flag decorations are easily available at party supply stores and may even be on sale since July Fourth and Flag Day are over.
U.S. presidential candidates in life-size cardboard cut-outs can be found at this election party site , as well as candidate masks and other novelties.
The contest Republicans vs Democrats lends itself for some party fun with donkeys and elephants. The donkey (the Democratic Party symbol) and the elephant (the Republican Party symbol) can be turned into some amusing decorations.
How to Enjoy Election Night
Depending on where you live, election results can come in late, so you may want to be prepared to have some late partiers who want to stay for the final results.
Set up televisions and radios in rooms throughout the house so guests can watch different channels and get different views of results. Twenty-four news channels like CNN and MSNBC will have election results non-stop throughout the night.
Race for the White House and other board games are made for educational kids’ games, but can be lots of fun for adults, too. You may be surprised at which of you friends knows more about past presidents, the elections process and U.S. government.
If you have a large, diverse group, have a mock election and have party guests cast their ballots, or throw out some debate questions and see what people think about the issues.
Election Theme Food
Serve patriotic party food with an all-American barbecue menu with burgers and dogs, salads and corn on the cob. Or make a big pot of chili with toppings, served with corn muffins, to keep the menu simple. The United States is a melting pot, right? Have a potluck and ask your guests to bring their favorite party dish.
A flag dessert pizza is a fun Election Night party dessert. Cookies and cakes can be made shaped like donkeys and elephants with cookie cutters and cake molds just for political parties. If you don’t want to bake, order a couple boxes of elephant and donkey truffles from Moonstruck Chocolate.
