Let the games begin!

With the Olympics less than a high-five number of days away, I sincerely hope that you are prepping yourself as much as possible to be the most American you can be!

In honor of the Olympics having been hosted more than once in seven cities, one of those being London, we have compiled a list of no-fail, Olympic party plans, followed by a guide to TV, online, and apps that will make your coverage of the games complete:

1. Plan an American/Olympics viewing party. There is nothing like a summer BBQ or pool party that unites the population, supports the intake of tons of food and TV watching, and commends the consumption of domestic beverages, in honor of the world’s largest sporting event.
2. Rally the troops! It doesn’t matter if you’ve known them for years or just met on the street, I’m sure that in the rise of national pride no one is even going to think about stealing your replica of the original 1776 American flag. The Olympics are a time for everyone to come together and share a common bond: feeling the swell of American pride with a dash of feeling embarrassingly incompetent that your athletic skills have not progressed since high school.
3. Food on food on food. As food is the backbone to any successful party, ensure that each guest brings a delicious treat that represents America. There are thousands of different recipes and foods that are either “Made in America” or are the epitome of America. But when all else fails, check Pinterest or make sure they are red, white, and blue.
4. Enforce a dress code. Yes, this isn’t Halloween, it’s even better: it’s the 4^th of July but it lasts for 17 days so it allows for more than one costume change. Encourage guests to be original: custom designed shirts, Michael Phelps outfits, Lady Liberty dresses, the Star-Spangled Banner ensembles, or any military uniform. If you’re feeling really confident, try dressing as the Olympic rings or torch, or even a bald eagle or Uncle Sam. After all it’s not a party unless you’re wearing feathers, a wig, or patriotic facial hair! No guest will be admitted entry unless they are patriotic, wearing some sort of form of the American flag, or representing the U-S-of-A.
5. Decorate with pride and make it nationwide. There should be no whining that you have a lack of American decorations. The 4^th of July has already passed, so you’ve either never taken down the festive banners or they are just in storage. Unfortunately, there might have been some casualties with the streamers and flag bunting garland but that’s why we have Party City and the Christmas Tree Shop! Take a quick trip and restock on all drinkware, serve ware, American décor, and party favors. Don’t forget the tattoos, necklaces, medals, or bows!
6. Set up a patriotic playlist. Reminding people that they’re rooting for the home country isn’t very hard when they’re surrounded by our nation’s colors. But you’re still going to need a musical soundtrack that exemplifies everything USA. So head on over to iTunes, and create a playlist that features, but is not limited to, country music, songs inspired by the 50 states, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, Tom Petty, Neil Diamond, and of course, our New Jersey favorite, Bruce.
7. Let the games begin! In the tradition of the Olympics, not only will games immediately bond (or in some cases, spark hostility) between guests, but they also tie in the whole athletic feature of this worldwide event. For those that do not want to join the rising obesity community, arrange lawn and pool games, such as corn hole, ladder ball, and horseshoe. If children are attending, make sure you have some activities to keep them busy, too, such as distance races, ring tosses, hula-a-hoop contests, or anything with water balloons.  Just make sure all games are completed in a competitive, but friendly manner with brackets, playoffs, and medals for the winners.

Alas, some of your friends, or maybe even you, might not be able to attend your party or go to an Olympic-themed party. Circumstances may arrive that make it difficult to be involved but never fear, technology is here! There shouldn’t ever be a time in the period of the 17 days where you are unable to gather any type of results or real-time action of the games. If you’re near a television, make sure you’re always tuned to NBC or if you’re stuck in the office, open up NBC Olympics or London 2012 in your browser. Additionally, the Olympic coverage will be featured on On Demand, as well as in 3D, if your TV allows such an option.

If you’re into short tweet updates, follow

• Olympics
• London 2012
• NBC Sports Network
• US Olympic Team

I also encourage you to follow your favorite athletes and your local athletes. For those with NJ pride, we are being represented by:

• Heather O’Reilly from East Brunswick competing in Football (Soccer)
• Carli Lloyd from Delran competing in Football (Soccer)
• Christie Rampone from Manasquan competing in Football (Soccer)
• Tobin Heath from Basking Ridge competing in Football (Soccer)
• Connor Lee Jaeger from Fair Haven competing in Swimming
• Rebecca Soni from Plainsboro competing in Swimming
• Cullen Jones from Irvington competing in Swimming
• Jordan Burroughs from Sicklerville competing in Wrestling
• Christina McHale from Englewood Cliffs competing in Tennis
• Nick Delpopolo from Westfield competing in Judo
• Steven Gluckstein from Atlantic Highlands competing in Gymnastics
• Dagmara Wozniak from Avenel competing in Fencing
• Asjha Jones from Piscataway competing in Basketball
• Rachel Dawson from Berlin competing in Field Hockey
• Michelle Vittese from Cherry Hill competing in Field Hockey
• Julie Culley from Clinton competing in Track & Field
• Steve Kasprzyk from Cinnaminson competing in Rowing
• Matt Emmons from Brown Hills competing in Shooting
• Jeff Porter from Somerset competing in Track & Field
• Maya Lawrence from Teaneck competing in Fencing

If you’re looking for apps:

London 2012 has an official Olympic app for the Android, iPhone, and Blackberry to join in the games and a free official results app for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and any Windows Phone. If you’re also interested in a mobile game app, they have one too!

As the official reporter for the Olympics, NBC has a NBC Olympics app (for iPads, iPhones, and certain Android devices), as well as the NBC Olympics Live extra app. And if you prefer XFINITY, Comcast has designed a XFINITY TV Sports Remote to ensure that you always know when your favorite event will commence.

So no matter what, you will now be able to throw a spectacular Olympics party and always be able to be connected to the games! Hope to see you using the American flag as a cape (just don’t let it touch the ground)!

Citius, Altius, Fortius.