FIVE WAYS TO SCORE FESTIVE GOALS AND MAKE FOOTBALL PART OF YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

With the world’s biggest football tournament coinciding with the lead up to -Christmas this year, there’s more than one reason for families to be throwing a celebration at home with friends and loved ones.

As the tournament hots up and the competition really kicks off, you might be wondering how to fit football into your Christmas party planning this year.

Sarah Allsop, creative manager at Party Delights, the UK’s largest online party retailer, shares her five tips for making all the fun of football a festive triumph:

1. Throw a Christmas football party

“If you are throwing a party to watch a game, then combine it with a Christmas get together. There are lots of ways to impress your guests with a football-inspired event that has all the festive feels too, so even non-football fans will enjoy it.

Harry Kane life size cut out £35.99 from Party Delights

“Get everyone in the spirit and invite your favourite players along with some life size cut outs or photo prop boards which are perfect for taking that all important party team photo. As for the kids football pinata will give them a great deal of fun and sweets!”

2. Create a festive football tablescape

“Give your Christmas party table a new look by creating a simple centrepiece. Take some real or fake foliage, add some mini footballs and lots of twinkling lights and you’ll have just the right amount of focus on the game and still look stylish too.

Football Stadium Treat Stand, £17.99 from Party Delights

“Football-themed plates, cups and even tablecloths are ideal for a large gathering – especially if you have lots of children attending and don’t want to get your best plates out!

“Grazing boards are a huge trend right now and would make a fantastic addition to your festive football table. This stadium themed one comes with treat tubs, flag food picks and football shirts to decorate, so it's the perfect way to celebrate any kind of football party!

Football party plates £5.49 for 8

3. Deck the halls…with football bunting

“Football bunting is a great way to bring a subtle touch of the beautiful game into your home.

“If you already have garlands or wreaths hanging as part of your Christmas décor, then adding some bunting is a quick and simple way to give them a football makeover. What’s more it’s easy to remove once the tournament is over.

“If you want to get patriotic then flags from your chosen country will also bring a sense of national pride to your living room.

“If you’re a fan of hanging decorations at Christmas, then a few strategically placed ones in your team’s colours will show your support.

“If you really want to make a statement, a balloon arch garland on your front door is a fun way to let the neighbours and guests know you’re in the football spirit!

Football ballon arch garland £32.99 from Party Delights

4. Re-invent your Christmas Tree

“The Christmas tree is the centrepiece of any festive décor so why not have some fun with it this year.

“Replace your star with a mini football, tie some gold trophies to the branches and pick baubles and tinsel in your team’s colours.

Mini trophies £2.99 for 4 from Party Delights

“Honeycomb balls look set to be a huge trend again this year and they make the perfect patriotic decoration. These work on the tree or scattered around your staircase, bannister or fireplace too.

Honeycomb ball £2.29 each from Party Delights

5. Get the naughty elf involved

“December is the time for everyone’s favourite naughty elf to make their annual appearance and what better way to bring this mischievous character back than in a football kit!

Naughty elf football kit £3.99 from Party Delights