How to host a Wimbledon Watch Party (Tennis Whites Required!)

Wimbledon isn’t just a tennis tournament—it’s a celebration of tradition, elegance, and summer fun. If you’re looking for a charming way to gather friends and enjoy the finals, a Wimbledon watch party is the perfect occasion. And yes, tennis whites are a must.

Whether you’re tuning in for Centre Court drama or just in it for the strawberries and champagne, here’s how to serve up a party that’s worthy of the All England Club.

🎾 Dress Code: All White, Of Course

Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code—and your party should be no different. Invite guests to wear their best tennis whites: polo dresses, crisp skirts, or even retro headbands and wristbands for a playful touch. We’d recommend the new Veronica Beard X Head Collection or the Midtown Dress in white from Wilson.

To elevate the vibe, consider a photo backdrop with greenery and a branded logo à la Baseline Social or a faux ivy wall with vintage tennis racquets for that country club look.

🍓 What to Serve: Classic English Refreshments

Wimbledon is known for a few signature treats. Keep it light, elegant, and refreshingly British with a curated menu. Spicekick Foods has the best recipes to achieve this for an easy and delicious solution.

Bites & Snacks:

Chicken Curry Salad Tea Sandwiches (Coronation Chicken)

Coronation Chicken Salad was made famous by Queen Elizabeth, who requested Coronation Chicken on, well, her Coronation Day. Americans know it more commonly as chicken curry salad. Either way, it’s absolutely delicious.

Makes 2 1/2 cups chicken curry salad (about 5 sandwiches)

For the Chicken Curry Salad:

• 4 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken breasts* (about 2 large breasts)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Spicekick Curry Seasoning
• 1/4 cup golden raisins or diced dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For assembling:

10 slices bread (like white bread or Brioche)

Combine the chicken curry salad ingredients in a mixing bowl.

To assemble, lay bread on a cutting board and place 1/2 cup chicken curry salad on a slice of bread. Press and shape into a rectangle, inside of the crusts, for even distribution. Top with bread. Press down firmly to set ingredients. Using a serrated edge knife, slice off the crusts.

Cut into four strips or triangles per sandwich. (If using shredded chicken, use a chef’s knife to smoothly cut through chicken in one firm cut.)

Cucumber Sandwiches

If there is one sandwich perhaps considered a must at afternoon tea, it’s cucumber sandwiches. The main ingredients include thinly sliced cucumbers, herbed cream cheese, watercress (or arugula), and sliced bread. 

The herbed cream cheese can be easily prepared with Spicekick Tuna Salad Seasoning, which contains chives, dill, lemon zest, and more.

Makes 5 full sandwiches (each cut into 4 pieces)

For the Herbed Cream Cheese:

• 8 oz cream cheese, slightly softened or cubed to make mixing easier
• 1 tablespoon Spicekick Tuna Salad Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

For assembling:

• 10 slices bread (like white bread or Brioche, or rye if adding smoked salmon)
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Optional: Fresh watercress or arugula

Optional: Smoked salmon (2 oz per sandwich)

Combine the cream cheese, seasoning, and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.

To assemble, lay bread on a cutting board, smear 1 ½ tablespoons of cream cheese on each slice. Place a single layer of sliced cucumbers. Layer smoked salmon and/or watercress or arugula (optional). Top with bread. Press down firmly to set ingredients. Using a serrated edge knife, slice off the crusts, then cut into four strips or triangles per sandwich.

Cheese board with English cheddar, Stilton, and water crackers

Sweet Treats:

• Fresh strawberries & cream (a Wimbledon essential)
• Lemon bars or shortbread cookies

Drinks:

• Pimm’s Cup with cucumber, mint, and citrus
• Champagne or sparkling rosé
• Iced Earl Grey with honey and lavender
• Don’t forget the Wimby Stir Sticks

You can also set up a self-serve bar cart with Wimbledon-themed cocktails and mocktails, garnished with fresh herbs and fruit.

🎀 Decor: Garden Party Meets Tennis Club

Create a timeless setting with a mix of English garden and tennis accents. Here’s how:

• Color Palette: White, Wimbledon green, and touches of purple (the official Wimbledon colors)
• Table Settings: White linen, fresh-cut flowers, and vintage china or glassware
• Tennis Touches: Use tennis balls in centerpieces or as place card holders
• Outdoor Vibes: Host the party on a patio or lawn if possible, with white umbrellas and lawn chairs for a club-like feel
• TV Setup: Make sure your viewing area has great sound and shade if outside. Add a banner that reads “Centre Court Viewing” for a cheeky nod.

🏆 Activities Between Matches

• Friendly rounds of backyard tennis or pickleball
• Wimbledon trivia or bracket predictions
• Best-dressed contest for the most fabulous tennis whites
• Serve-and-volley photo booth with fun props

Final Tips

• Start the party early to enjoy the pre-match coverage and let guests mingle
• Have sunscreen and fans if you’re outdoors
• Offer parasols or straw hats for extra shade and flair

Whether you’re cheering for the next Grand Slam champ or just sipping a spritz with friends, a Wimbledon watch party is the ultimate way to bring the charm of SW19 to your home. Cheers to tradition, tennis, and good company!