Host an Arctic Monkeys listening party

July 30, 2009

Britpop fans and anglophiles alike are probably anticipating the third studio album from Sheffield-based supergroup, Arctic Monkeys. One budget-friendly way to gather up friends is to host a listening party to the band's live online gig that will air Thursday. Since a weeknight party is no fun, save the stream until the weekend when friends can hang stress free. Here are some tips to put together a British-themed listening party when it's not a school night.

Turn your living room into a casual café or pub, by placing simple snacks and nibbles in bowls around the room. Try to find crisps or potato chips in more appropriate flavors such as plain, salt and vinegar and, for the adventurous, cheese and onion - but don't cheat and use sour cream and onion flavor!

Cadbury's chocolate fingers are cheap British biscuits and a novel finger food. Be sure to pick up some Tetley tea bags, found at most supermarkets for the tea drinkers.

For those who like beer, try to pick some British staples such as Newcastle Brown Ale, Young's Bitter or Carling Black Label. Most Whole Foods stores have a wide range to choose from.

If you feel like being adventurous, put together an Arctic Monkeys quiz where you play 10 second segments of each song and invite guests to determine the title. The winner should receive a small prize, such as a packet of crumpets or mini union jack flag.