With the IPL just past and the ICC Men’s T20 Champions Trophy going on, it is safe to say that we are right in the middle of the most awaited and exciting time of the year. That’s right! It is the cricket season. Cricket has always been more than just a sport. Its ability to strengthen bonds has endowed it with the stature of a festival. So if you are looking forward to enjoying this game with your family and friends, here are some simple tips you can follow to create a comfortable and hospitable space that is appealing to cricket fans.
See also: Essential home decor tips for vacation homes
Living room and viewing area
Your living room or viewing area is bound to become the hub of socialising during the cricket season if you plan to host guests. Here are some tips to make the most out of these spaces during this time:
Comfortable seating
Ensuring ample and comfortable seating in the viewing area should be your top priority. Take into consideration the number of guests you plan to host and expand the available seating as required by adding bean bags, floor cushions and additional chairs.
Large screen
While not a must-have, a large TV screen surely has its perks when it comes to ensuring an optimal viewing experience for a large group. However, regardless of the size of your TV screen, you can enhance the viewing experience of your guests by arranging the seating in a way that targets the angles most appropriate for viewing.
Snack station
Minimise the need of making frequent trips to the kitchen by setting up a snack station that provides easy access to snacks and drinks. Set it up with chips, popcorn, sandwiches and canned beverages that can be eaten directly. You can even consider installing a mini-fridge for handy access.
Decorative touches
Enhance the ambiance by incorporating theme-specific decor. Think team colours, banners and flags. For more intimate settings, go for cricket-themed throw pillows and blankets to add a touch of cosiness without compromising on the spirit of the season.
Ambient lighting
Keep the lighting soft and dim, preferably adjusting the brightness according to the mood of the room. Enhance the festive spirit by hanging string lights in team colours.
Kitchen and dining area
“Good food is good mood” applies during the cricket season as well. Since food plays such a significant role in enhancing the viewing experience, some attention must be paid to the kitchen and dining area to enhance the experience:
Themed tableware
A simple way to amp up your dining space during the cricket season is by using tableware in your team colours. For a more personalised experience, you can try getting disposable tableware and napkins customised with your team logos.
Buffet setup
A buffet-style setup is the most convenient way to access food and drinks without causing extra hassle to either the hosts or the guests. This allows the viewers to serve themselves whenever they like without having to miss any action.
Drink dispensers
Place a large drink dispenser handy, preferably close to the buffet setup. This will allow the guests to conveniently refill their drinks without constant trips to and from the kitchen.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Paying attention to your bedrooms and bathrooms is equally important when it comes to hosting guests during the cricket season. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Guest rooms
If you have some guests staying over after the match, make sure to keep the guest room prepared. Place fresh linens and towels and make the room comfortable and welcoming.
Bathroom essentials
Stock up your bathroom with all the essentials to keep it ready for use by the guests coming over. You can even consider keeping the theme consistent by throwing in subtle decor pieces and printed hand towels in the colour palette of your favourite team.
FAQs
How can I ensure maximum comfort in the viewing area for watching cricket?
Ensure ample and comfortable seating for as many guests you plan to host. Use sofas, recliners, bean bags and floor cushions to expand the seating area to accommodate more people than your viewing area normally would.
What snacks and drinks should I serve during the cricket season?
Go for easy-to-eat snacks like chips, popcorn, nuts, sandwiches and finger foods to avoid hassles. Drinks can include soft drinks and alcoholic options like beer.
How can I decorate my home to reflect the spirit of the cricket season?
Decorate the space using your favourite team’s colour and put up banners, flags, streamers and fairy lights to add some cheer.
What are some interactive activities to engage guests during cricket matches?
A friendly betting pool for guessing the results of the match or mini cricket matches and trivia quizzes can keep your guests entertained.
How can I ensure a clean and organised home during the cricket season?
Keep cleaning supplies handy to promptly address spills or messes as required. Minimise the cleanup by using disposable tableware and set up a designated area for food and drinks.
How can I accommodate overnight guests during the cricket season?
Keep the guest rooms ready with fresh linens, towels and pillows, and stock the bathrooms with all the essentials.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
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