Monday 15 July 2024

DIY: Host Your Own Oktoberfest!

No trips to an Oktoberfest event planned this year? No worries! We've got you covered. Throw your own mini-Oktoberfest in the comfort of your own home, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the fun.

How to host your own Oktoberfest

Can’t make it to Oktoberfest this year? No problem, we’ve compiled our top tips for you to turn your own home or garden into a mini-Oktoberfest celebration that (almost) rivals the real thing. Get ready to transform your space into a Bavarian wonderland and keep reading to find out how to decorate, fuel the fun with food and drinks, and liven things up with games and activities!

1. Beer

First things first, no Oktoberfest is complete without a stein in hand. Stock your fridge with a variety of delicious German brews. Go for the classics you love, like ABK, Augustiner-Bräu, and Paulaner, but why stop there? Add to the fun and turn it into a tasting party! Pick up a selection that showcases a range of German beers from crisp, refreshing lagers, to smooth malty dunkels. This lets your guests explore different flavours and maybe even discover a new favourite! And of course, don’t forget to include some delicious non-alcoholic options like Erdinger Alkohofrei, so everyone can raise a glass and join in the Oktoberfest spirit.

2. Food

Next up on the list is the feast! Pile your plates high with classic German fare, from sizzling bratwursts and sausages to golden-fried schnitzel and of course warm, soft pretzels. Don’t forget the sides – serve creamy potato salad and tangy sauerkraut to complement the mains. To top it all off, why not finish with some apple strudel? Top tip – ask all guests to bring a dish each, to save you the hassle and add to the variety.

3. Decorations

To set the scene and transport you and your guests straight to a bustling Munich beer hall, bring out some festive decorations! Drape your space in the iconic blue and white of Bavaria with streamers, flags and tablecloths. Channel the lively spirit of Oktoberfest by setting up a photo booth stocked with playful props like lederhosen hats and diddlyboppers to ensure your guests have a keepsake of the day. Finally, ditch the formal dining tables and opt for big communal benches for a truly authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere and to get everyone up and dancing on them at the end of the night!

4. Entertainment

Entertainment is what will truly bring your DIY Oktoberfest to life. Ensure you’ve got a lively playlist featuring a mixture of traditional German music, such as oompah bands, and contemporary tunes to keep the atmosphere up. Alternatively, if the budget allows, consider hiring a real-life Oompah band or DJ to add an extra touch to the night. Organise some fun games such as a stein-holding contest, beer-pong or pretzel toss, to get everyone laughing and cheering, and to add some competitive spirit to the occasion. And finally, encourage everyone to dress up in traditional lederhosen and dirndls – after all, who doesn’t love a bit of fancy dress?!

So there we have it, with these tips, you’re all set to throw a mini-Oktoberfest that’s sure to be remembered. While it may not be the exact same as the real deal, it’s a great way to bring the fun of Oktoberfest to your doorstep.

Experience the London Bierfest!

Nothing can compare to the atmosphere of the real London Bierfest! Get your tickets today for the ultimate Bavarian-style beer festival in the heart of London, and enjoy live music, unlimited beer steins, dancing, authentic German catering and a whole host of entertainment. You don’t want to miss it!

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