How To Throw the Ultimate CMA Awards Watch Party
Rather than feel the FOMO of not being at the actual show in Nashville, take a nod a la Sam Hunt by being a homebody and having a house party.
A little party never killed nobody! (Yes, even on a Wednesday evening.) Not only does this Wednesday mark “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” but it is a monumental occasion worth celebrating in a huge way because it’s the 50th Annual CMA Awards.
In honor of such a big moment for country music, it’s time to call up all your friends and start planning the ultimate CMA Awards watch party for everyone you know! While you may be thinking, ‘How do I create a soiree worthy of such an incredible anniversary,’ you’re in luck because Sounds Like Nashville is coming to the rescue with a few cute ideas to add to the night that don’t take much effort.
Rather than feel the FOMO of not being at the actual show in Nashville, take a nod a la Sam Hunt by being a homebody and having a house party. Besides, the best seat for the CMAs is definitely the sofa in your living room. Take a few tips from SLN for the best watch party of the CMA Awards, so you and your friends can have the best night ever.
1. While the invitation can be casual, make the dress code formal.
Because planning a party such as this could be last minute, there’s no need to invest in glorified stationary to create that perfect invitation. In lieu of that fanciness, just be sure to set a rather formal dress code for guests via that mass text. Although gorgeous gowns would match that of the black-tie attire requested for the actual awards by CMA, your guests should feel welcome to just add a little pizazz to their outfits. Maybe a cocktail dress or those sparkling pair of earrings would be the perfect touch to channel the stars hitting the red carpet that night anyways!
2. Create a signature country cocktail everyone can sip on throughout the performances.
Is it even a party if there’s no hint of alcohol around? Sure, you can have fun without the bottles, but everyone knows that even a sip of bubbly gets everything going. Of course, there are classic cocktails mentioned through country music (sangria, Jack and Coke, you get the picture), but might as well use the night as an excuse to get a tad creative in the spirit department. Add a splash of cranberry juice to a margarita or get fall festive with apple cider sangria, complete with your favorite brandy and some fresh apples.
3. Turn every performance into a dance floor opportunity
This may sound more awkward than it actually is, but even the rug on the living room floor can double for a dance floor. Whether Underwood rocks out the stage with her explosive performances or Dierks Bentley makes everyone sway back and forth, it’s always more fun to get on your feet and get into the groove rather than stay seated on the couch.
4. Play a game involving the winners, phrases and performances that happen during the show.
Whether you incorporate your cocktails into the game is up to your discretion, but there are loads of options to keep the mundane presentations interesting during the show. Maybe creating a CMA Bingo involving typical things that happen throughout the show within each box. Examples include anything like a Carrie Underwood costume change, a win for Chris Stapleton or honoring an artist from a past decade within a performance. If you really want to keep things interesting, that’s where the booze comes in. Just apply the same examples and you’ve got a drinking game right there!
5. Make a DIY photobooth.
Do it for the ‘gram! Photobooths with friends are always fun and it’s super simple to whip one up on a wall at home for a DIY approach to a fun activity. Before the awards are on (or in between commercial breaks), grab some crafty signs with clever sayings to document the occasion and blow up social media. Remember: the more creative, the better!
6. Serve simple finger food hors d’oeuvres throughout the night.Again, no need to get all fancy here; it is just the 50th Annual CMA Awards, for gosh sake! But sometimes, the food makes the party. Bust out some dishes you think that the artists would like during their time at home, like a homemade buffalo chicken dip or stuffed bell peppers. If you’re feeling super CMA festive, check in Kimberly Schlapman’s cookbook for more country inspiration.
7. Curate a killer playlist full of the year’s hottest country hits.
No party is complete without an awesome background soundtrack to go along with the festivities! Be sure to subscribe to our CMA Awards Nominees playlist on Spotify for the big night to get pumped up with the hottest country jams of the year.
Got any other cool country ideas to help throw an awesome CMA watch party? Tweet us at @soundslikenash and let us know!
The 50th Annual CMA Awards air live from downtown Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 2, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
