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The Euro 2024 final is just around the corner and fans across the country will be on the edge of their seats waiting for Spain to face England on Sunday.
If you'd rather watch the action at home rather than in a crowded pub, why not try something different and host a German-themed party, in tribute to the host country of the Euros? Here's how to get started…
What to eat?
Chef Robert Thompson, one of the youngest chefs in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star and who launched several seafood boxes as part of the You Be Chef meal delivery service, has some ideas about what would be great to eat, starting with gordal olives.
“If you heat them in the oven for two or three minutes, they are the best olives in the world!” says Thompson.
Another suggestion is “Sourdough Bread with Butter and Garlic and Parsley.” “Mix butter with fresh garlic and flat-leaf parsley, cut your favorite sourdough into three-quarters, place butter in each hollow, wrap in foil, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. This upgraded garlic bread has an amazing aroma and flavor.”
“Montgomery Cheddar Gougeres. Make your fancy cheese profiteroles and let them cool before piercing the bottom. Make a cheese bechamel sauce, add a little truffle oil and spoon the mixture into each one. Bake for five minutes and serve with more grated cheese on top. Great for sharing with a large group.”
Rosemary focaccia served with olive oil is another great option. “Warm focaccia with a generous sprinkle of salt. I love it with drinks and the aroma of fresh rosemary is just great,” adds Thompson.
“Popcorn with cockles and lemon is a good option to accompany drinks, salty and citrusy, and excellent for sharing. [As are] Cuttlefish crackers and taramasalata: Make your own taramasalata. We don’t add any bread, so it’s light and goes really well with rose wine and champagne.”
What to drink?
Ana Sapungiu MW, business development director for wine at Amathus Drinks, named International Wine Challenge Medium Multiple Retailer for 2024, says the German wine scene is becoming increasingly exciting, with “many young producers trying new things, collaborating, creating styles aimed at contemporary consumers, but all with absolute quality in mind. What more is there to celebrate?”
Sapungiu particularly recommends Fusser 'Ruppertsberger' Riesling 2020 and Werner 'Classic Legere' Dry Riesling 2022 for your German-themed European party.
“These two special wines have great depth of flavour, complexity and vitality,” he says. “Fusser [is] from Pflaz, a fascinating family-run biodynamic winery located on a very special single vineyard. Werner from Mosel is a wine from a married couple who make exquisite, pure Riesling wines.
And what about non-wine options? Bryan Levato, expert mixologist at mobile bar and bartending service Spin and Shake, suggests: “Schnapps served ice cold on a paddle or wooden board for a traditional experience. It can help take the pressure off hosts if these battles are organized in advance or left chilled for guests to serve themselves,” Levato adds.
“[Weinschorle, [which is] “It is often drunk with a large group of friends in the afternoon sun,” is another of his top tips. “It is often simply a mix of light white wine and sparkling water. Monkey47 is the iconic German liqueur from the heart of Bavaria. A real crowd pleaser, best served with Fever-Tree.” [tonic].
“Radlers, very similar to a beer with lemonade, are popular in summer and brands such as Schöfferhofer can be found in most UK supermarkets,” he adds.
“Radlers are often consumed by German players after matches, as they are considered isotonic liquids. They are perfect for those guests who also opt for a low-alcohol or non-alcoholic evening, as they have between 0.5 and 2.8% alcohol by volume.”
How to decorateJade Oliver, interior designer at Express Bi-Folding Doors, suggests starting by incorporating the bold colors of the German flag (black, red and gold) throughout the space.
“Hang German flags and posters in your bedroom or garden, and use football-themed tablecloths, plates, cups and napkins to create a cohesive look. Add a touch of whimsy with inflatable footballs, trophies and goals scattered around the living room or garden,” she suggests.
“For an original touch, make homemade garlands with miniature soccer balls and cutouts of the German flag tied together. Create original centerpieces with beer mugs filled with black, red and gold flowers or mini bouquets of pretzels.
“You can also enhance the viewing area with comfortable seating, plenty of football-themed cushions and blankets to ensure a cosy experience while watching the game.
“For an extra touch of fun, set up a photo booth with a background featuring famous German landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, or memorable football moments, such as celebrating a previous European Championship on the pitch. Provide quirky props, such as giant beer steins, lederhosen and football memorabilia.
“To top it off, place small chalkboards on the tables with fun German sayings or fun football facts, so guests have something to chat about during half-time.”
