IT’S FINALLY HERE. Seven years in the making, London 2012 officially begins tonight.

It’s safe to say as preparations were made to host the biggest sporting event in the planet, you probably weren’t worrying too much about hosting your own mini Olympic party. Well, you better get a move on if you’re having a shindig tonight. Here’s how.

1. Get in the spirit of things

Sitting around in your living room, watching a canoeing slalom or the 20km walk, dressed in a pair of brown cord slacks and that jumper that your friend got you for Christmas and you’re wearing out of mere obligation is all well and good. But an Olympic party warrants some Olympic dressing up. Nothing fancy, all you need is some generic sporting gear. A tight athletics kit might be overdoing it just a tad, but if you’ve got it flaunt it, eh, baby. Stock up on sweatsbands for novelty effect.

2. Don’t try and replicate the Olympic flame

This pinnacle of sport only comes around every four years. It’s an undeniably joyous occasion for all involved or even just a passing interest and such, is stretched out for as long as possible. Hence, the Olympic torch relay. It’s really captured the imaginations of those across the water, but don’t be tempted to try and recreate some Olympic torch fun of your own. These parties usually tend to coincide with a particular athlete or event, but with sport on the go throughout the day and evening, they can last quite some time. With the wine flowing and the beer being consumed at pace, playing with fire won’t do anyone any good. It could potentially lead to someone, thinking their pot pourri bowl is the Olympic cauldron.

3. Remain thoroughly patriotic at all times

While this is an international event, celebrating the sporting achievements of over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries, we’re mostly only interested in how the Irish do. With on average over 10 Irish participants in events per day, you’ll never be too far away from having someone to cheer on. If you are decorating your humble abode with Olympics garb, try not to stray too far away from the blue, black, red, yellow and green on the rings, especially the green. Go crazy with green.

4. Don’t forget the kids

Cheering on Ireland’s badminton or rowing hopefuls might not seem a top priority for the kids more preoccupied with the GAA qualifiers or the start of the Premier League, but they love an excuse for a party. Get them interested by promising them something sugary and get them involved in the progress of Katie Taylor, John Joe Nevin or Derval O’Rouke. Soon, you’ll have them begging to join a local club. Or at the very least, begging to have another party.

5. Get the timing right

Ever so important with parties, is timing. People who have New Years Eve parties on the 31st of December have been getting it right for donkeys years. Don’t let your scheduling let you down. If you’re going to have a party, make sure it coincides with a big event. Perhaps, you’re having an opening ceremony party, or waiting until the closer instead. Maybe you’re waiting so that your party goes down (a treat, no less) when one of Ireland’s big medal hopes takes to the track or field.

You might even want to have your party to celebrate a local athlete, competing in the games. There’s 66 representing Ireland, so there’s a fair chance one is from near you. Basically, maximise the worth of your party. And while you’re deciding when to have it, you might want to ring around your extensive cirlcle of friends to find out just how many can actually make it, and when. Attention to detail is key.

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