As England prepares to face previous World Cup champions Argentina tonight, the Saint George’s Cross bunting is out in full force, with pubs across the country entirely booked out.
And it’s not just regular mortals who will be showing their support for Thomas Tuchel‘s men in the highly-anticipated battle on the pitch of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz stadium, but a myriad of famous faces who have already been tuning in from home.
Their set-ups have included raucous viewing parties featuring rented out ice cream vans, pizza trucks and trampolines – while TV star Vicky Pattison even got a special McDonald’s pop-up at her home.
Elsewhere, Amanda Holden has adorned the inside of her posh Lexus car, which features a TV she can tune into on the go, with bunting – and revealed that it also has a fridge to keep her champagne cold.
Meanwhile, stars like Robbie Williams and Olly Murs opted to enjoy relaxed nights in front of the telly at home for some of the games, while laid-back Stormzy has been spotted watching from the local pub.
And in other cases even some of the country’s most exclusive VIPs – such as Spain‘s royal family – enjoyed a fairly sparse and humble set-up.
Now, interiors expert Jordana Ashkenazi revealed her verdicts, as she ranked the World Cup viewings which were effortlessly elegant – and the ones which were more likely to get a red card…
SPANISH ROYAL FAMILY
King Felipe VI, 58, hugged his wife Letizia and daughters Leonor, 20, and Sofía, 19, as the nation basked in a 2-0 victory against one of the tournament’s toughest contenders on Tuesday
The Spanish Royal Family put on an animated display as they jumped for joy after their country got through to the World Cup final following last night’s tense match-up against France.
King Felipe VI, 58, hugged his wife Letizia and daughters Leonor, 20, and Sofía, 19, as the nation basked in a 2-0 victory against one of the tournament’s toughest contenders on Tuesday.
However, despite the grandeur of the victory, they enjoyed a fairly sparse set-up.
Surrounded by maroon walls and a dark green and yellow chevron-print carpet, the family was decked out in personalised Spanish shirts as they were filmed watching the game on a wide-screen TV, seated on a small white sofa.
‘For royalty, this feels surprisingly ordinary. I would have expected a dedicated cinema room or a luxurious entertaining space, not a room that feels so sparse,’ Jordana said.
‘The TV is perfectly adequate, but with four people squeezed onto one sofa, very little additional seating and barely any styling, it doesn’t feel designed for celebrating a major match. It’s just not fit for a king.’
Verdict: Sparse
AMANDA HOLDEN
The interiors of the car were decorated with England flags as the presenter penned on Instagram : ‘Never gonna miss a match whilst I’ve got this bloody lovely car’
Kicking off the World Cup last month, Amanda Holden explained that as she has ‘a telly in the back of her Lexus’ which she was able to tune into.
The interiors of the car were decorated with England flags as the presenter penned on Instagram: ‘Never gonna miss a match whilst I’ve got this bloody lovely car.
‘I chose to have two seats as they can turn into a flatbed for snoozing! I’ve got a TELLY and a fridge! (You can imagine what’s in there) with the amount of travelling I do for work -it’s utterly perfect – it feels like first class on British Airways.
‘This is not an #ad but I saw this car because my good friend Simon Cowell had bought one and I was jealous! So I asked for one in exactly the same specifications!
‘You can imagine his reaction! It was one of the best things that ever happened to me!!’
‘Amanda’s definitely found one of the more inventive ways to watch the football,’ Jordana shared.
‘Turning the back of a Lexus into a mini match-day lounge, complete with a TV and fridge, is pretty impressive.
‘The screen isn’t exactly cinema-sized, but it’ll do. The only thing I’m not buying is that she sat there for the full 90 minutes. Great photo.’
Verdict: Innovative
VICKY PATTISON
She was supporting England, but TV star Vicky Pattison, 38, asked for help from an American chain to host her viewing party as the Three Lions faced Norway last week
‘IT’S COMING HOME!!!!!!’ she wrote in an Instagram post about the festivities, which also featured George-cross-adorned cowboy hats and a food truck
Vicki also decked out her kitchen with kitchen flags for the match
She was supporting England, but TV star Vicky Pattison, 38, asked for help from an American chain to host her viewing party as the Three Lions faced Norway last week.
‘IT’S COMING HOME!!!!!!’ she wrote in an Instagram post about the festivities, which also featured George-cross-adorned cowboy hats and a food truck.
‘What a night… what a game… WHAT A VAN!!!! Thank you so much @mcdonaldsuk for helping us take our watch party to the next level!!!
‘We love you!!!!’
‘Vicky’s match-day setup ticks all the right boxes,’ Jordana said. ‘The projector, the space and the atmosphere make it feel like a brilliant place to watch football with friends. What’s jarring is the McDonald’s takeover.
‘Given she’s spent years promoting health, fitness and body confidence, it’s a surprising partnership.
‘Hopefully she can use the sponsorship cheque to give the furniture a refresh too, because the glossy finishes and chunky pieces are starting to feel a little dated.
‘Less fast food, less high gloss and a bit more timeless style would be a winning combination.’
Verdict: Fun but jarring
NORWEGIAN ROYAL FAMILY
Earlier this month, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, was dressed casually in a grey coat, red football scarf, jeans , and thick socks
Another photo showed the royal couple looking out of a window, as the streets of Oslo erupted in celebration following the national team’s impressive win over Brazil.
Earlier this month, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, was dressed casually in a grey coat, red football scarf, jeans, and thick socks, and wore no makeup in images of her watching Norway defeat Brazil 2-1 on TV with Crown Prince Haakon at their official residence in Oslo.
Another photo showed the royal couple looking out of a window, as the streets of Oslo erupted in celebration following the national team’s impressive win over Brazil.
Jordana said: ‘The Norwegian Royal Family have proved you don’t need a flashy cinema room to create a winning viewing space. It’s warm, relaxed and beautifully understated.
‘We can’t actually see the TV, but I’d imagine it’s just as considered as the rest of the room. My only concern is the sea of cream upholstery. I’d be keeping a close eye on anyone carrying ketchup near that sofa.’
Verdict: Beautifully understated
PRINCESS ANDRE
Her huge wide-screen TV was surrounded by a white rug, glossy black furniture, a bouquet of roses and an ornate glass jar. An Apple laptop was also spotted
Her mother Katie Price is known for flashy aesthetics – but Princess Andre, 19, was relatively lowkey as she tuned into Tuesday night’s semi-final.
Her huge wide-screen TV was surrounded by a white rug, glossy black furniture, a bouquet of roses and an ornate glass jar. An Apple laptop was also spotted.
According to Jordana, the ‘viewing setup scores top marks, but the décor gets a yellow card’.
She advised: ‘I’d lose the high-gloss finishes, black velvet furniture and oversized accessories in favour of a softer, more timeless look.
‘Less showroom, more sitting room. It’s definitely time for a design refresh.’
Verdict: A touch too showroom
PETRA ECCLESTONE AND SAM PALMER
Socialite model Petra Ecclestone, 37, and her husband Sam Palmer, 43, (pictured centre) threw an ornate bash in their garden last month – commencing the beginning of the world cup
. In behind the scenes footage from Instagram , It featured everything from a pizza truck to an ice cream van and even a trampoline for the children
World flag bunting was strewn around a massive garden – along with inflatable football shaped seats
Socialite model Petra Ecclestone, 37, and her husband Sam Palmer, 43, threw an ornate bash in their garden last month – commencing the beginning of the world cup.
In behind the scenes footage from Instagram, It featured everything from a pizza truck to an ice cream van and even a trampoline for the children.
World flag bunting was strewn around a massive garden – along with inflatable football shaped seats.
‘Petra’s setup absolutely nails match-day hosting,’ Jordana explained.
The outdoor cinema is exactly what you want for a big game, and the garden looks immaculate. The ice cream truck is a lovely touch for the kids, too.
‘My only interiors gripe is the novelty football beanbags. They’re fun, but they scream children’s party more than chic entertaining. A few stylish sun loungers would have elevated the whole look. Other than that, it’s a solid 9 out of 10. Petra, next time save me a seat… and an ice cream.’
Verdict: The perfect match-day
STORMZY
Surrounded by pals, the London-based rapper, 32, sipped on a pint as he tuned into the bar’s TV
Sometimes the most laid-back celebrations are the best – and this would appear to be the case for Stormzy, who simply went to the pub with his friends to watch the Spain vs France semi-final.
Surrounded by pals, the London-based rapper, 32, sipped on a pint as he tuned into the bar’s TV.
Jordana said: ‘Stormzy’s keeping it classic with a proper lads’ day at the pub watching the game with his mates.
‘No gimmicks, no over-the-top hosting, just great company, plenty of atmosphere and exactly how football should be watched.’
Verdict: An absolute cracking day out
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
The singer, 52, appeared to be tuning into the game from a holiday-style villa, singing Wonderwall as he swayed back and forth with his wife
Robbie Williams was in full vacation mode as he donned an ice-cream printed co-ord set to watch England reign victorious over Mexico last week.
The singer, 52, appeared to be tuning into the game from a holiday-style villa, singing Wonderwall as he swayed back and forth with his wife.
Textured walls and trendy statement furniture surrounded the couple as they marked the win.
Jordana said that Robbie looks like he’s on holiday with his family – and ‘honestly, he’s got the important part right’.
‘The TV might be a little on the small side, but it does the job,’ she shared. ‘He’s with the people he loves, enjoying the game and looking completely relaxed.
‘I’m also loving the ice cream print outfit. I’ve no idea what it has to do with football, but it’s certainly a bold style choice.’
Verdict: Relaxed
OLLY MURS
The singer, 42, was joined by Amelia Tank Murs as they held onto their toddlers on the couch
In June, Olly Murs marked the beginning of the World Cup with a very sweet intimate viewing party for his wife and children.
The singer, 42, was joined by Amelia Tank Murs as they held onto their toddlers on the couch.
Their set-up featured minimal decor, focusing more on England shirts and bucket hats which proclaimed: ‘It’s coming home.’
‘We’re ready for it!’ he wrote on social media. ‘Come onnnnn England!!’
‘Olly looks like he’s away with the family, which is exactly where you want to be for a big tournament. It’s great to see the kids getting involved too,’ Jordana explained.
‘The viewing setup, though, is a bit underwhelming. The TV looks on the small side, the IKEA-style media unit isn’t doing it any favours, and the sofa seems miles away. They might need binoculars to work out who’s on the ball.’
Verdict: Underwhelming
ANY OF THE CELEBS AT BURBERRY’S ‘PUB PARTY’ IN NEW YORK…
Over in New York, Burberry dished up a taste of home with a ‘pub’ party, held at the Big Apple’s Corner Bistro
The chic event was commemorating the designer’s campaign ‘A Good Sport’, celebrating the UK’s football traditions, and was helmed by British heritage expert Daniel Lee
Over in New York, Burberry dished up a taste of home with a ‘pub’ party, held at the Big Apple’s Corner Bistro.
The chic event was commemorating the designer’s campaign ‘A Good Sport’, celebrating the UK’s football traditions, and was helmed by British heritage expert Daniel Lee.
Atmospheric, moody bar lighting was marked by martinis and English-inspired food and drink.
Among the Burberry-clad famous faces in attendance were Ella Emhoff, Armando Rivera, Myha’la Herrold, Elsie Hewitt and Delaney Rowe.
‘Burberry could easily have gone all-out luxury, but instead they’ve recreated a traditional British pub in the heart of New York,’ Jordana said.
‘As one of Britain’s most iconic brands, it’s a clever nod to its heritage, with exposed brick, timber tables and plenty of match-day atmosphere.
‘It may have been filled with models rather than pub regulars, but it still captured the spirit of watching England with friends over a pint.’
Verdict: Clever
…OR SNOOP DOGG’S RAISING CANE’S ONE IN LA
Also across the pond, in Los Angeles, hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, 54. hosted a party at fast food eatery Raising Cane’s
A myriad of A-listers showed up to eat fried chicken and enjoy the rapper’s stylings on the decks last month, including Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher and Joey King. Pictured: Ashton Kutcher and Todd Graves
Also across the pond, in Los Angeles, hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, 54. hosted a party at fast food eatery Raising Cane’s.
A myriad of A-listers showed up to eat fried chicken and enjoy the rapper’s stylings on the decks last month, including Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher and Joey King.
Jordana said: ‘Trust Snoop Dogg to turn a football watch party into a full-blown celebrity event. Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, Raising Cane’s chicken fingers on tap and Snoop behind the decks- this was less “watching the match” and more the hottest ticket in LA.
‘The only thing getting passed around faster than the football was the chicken fingers. Fair play, if you’re going to host a football party, you may as well do it like Snoop.’
Verdict: Hottest ticket in LA
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