in this article a little history party planning food ideas drink ideas

With the Summer Olympics right around the corner, what better time to plan a Greek-themed party? From August 13 through August 29, the world will be focused on Athens, Greece, to hear how their country’s top athletes are faring in competitions that in some cases are centuries old. Why not bring friends and family together to celebrate the Olympics Grecian-style?

First, a little history

Greece was the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. This year, the Olympic Games will return to their origins when Athens hosts the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad.

PARTY PLANNING

Decide whether you just want to use the Olympics as a great excuse for a Greek party, or if you want to tie your soirée to a specific Olympic event to view with friends.

	Seven Must-See Summer Olympic Sports According to a recent Ipsos-Reid poll, the sports Americans intend to follow most closely in this summer’s Olympic games are: Gymnastics Track and field Swimming Basketball Boxing Volleyball Women’s wrestling (while it didn’t make the actual list, it’s still a must-see, due to its Olympic debut this summer)

For complete television schedules, log on to www.cbc.ca/olympics in Canada or www.nbcolympics.com in the U.S. (see sidebar for a list of some of the more popular events). Assuming your must-see event final isn’t happening at 3 a.m., invite your guests to arrive one to two hours beforehand, to allow plenty of time for socializing and eating.

For interesting facts about the 2004 Summer Games, log on to the official Athens 2004 Web site. (And if you’d rather be here in person, there are still tickets available.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Greek entertaining is known for its relaxed, casual style. Forget the formal dinner party – think finger foods, comfortable seating and simple cocktails. Keep lighting soft, and for music, pick up one of the recently released official Athens 2004 albums -- "Phos" (Greek music), "Unity" (a pop collection of mostly exclusive songs by various artists including Avril Lavigne and Lenny Kravitz) and "Harmony" (a classical collection) -- all are available at amazon.com.

Have plenty of seats and floor cushions available around the television for event time. To give everyone a good view, consider elevating a few seats behind the couch for stadium-style seating.

THE FOOD

	Did you know? During the Games, 100 tons of food will be used each day to prepare 50,000 meals in the Olympic Village.

Contemporary Greek cookery hasn't actually changed that much since the ancient Olympics (776 B.C.-A.D. 395) and the first modern-day Olympics in Athens more than a century ago. But save the roasted lamb for a more formal dinner party: Instead, set your table with an assortment of mezedes (appetizers) and pikilia (little dishes, or "picky" things to munch on), including dips, olives, keftedes (mint-scented meatballs), grilled octopus, individual spinach and cheese pies, salads and fruits.

A suggested Greek menu:

• Lamb Kabobs (meat kabobs can also be purchased pre-marinated and ready to grill)
• Moussaka
• Greek Salad
• Grilled pita with hummus, tzatzki and baba ghanouj (all dips can also be purchased)
• Cherry-Chocolate Baklava

THE DRINKS

Offer your guests Greek wines, mineral water with lemon, and of course, cocktails mixed with the signature Greek brandy, Metaxa. See our Metaxa page for more on this unique spirit and for refreshing Metaxa cocktail recipes – even a coffee drink to go with your Baklava. Mix cocktails in pitchers so guests can help themselves once the event starts.

Let the games begin!