This party idea gets a gold medal

Gather your friends around the telly at 9 p.m.on July 27 for a party celebrating the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics taking place in London. 

Better Homes & Gardens magazine online gets a gold medal for its host country inspired recipes.

While you and and your guests are watching performances by Sir Paul McCartney and Duran Duran plus the Parade of Athletes, the magazine recommends serving the specialty drink Ginger Beer Shandy along with Barbecue Pasties. For the main event, serve Fish 'n' Chips followed by Vanilla Cake with Berries and Jam washed down with a Chocolate Stout Shake.

For all the recipes, go to www.bhg.com/olympics. 

If you want easier food ideas, try this dessert: Take plain Krispy Kreme doughnuts, cover the tops in different colored icing by adding food coloring to store-bought vanilla icing, and arrange them in the shape of the Olympic rings logo. 

To turn the festivities into a costume party, suggest guests wear outfits inspired by the United Kingdom (think iconic images such as the Union Jack flag the Royal Family or the other Royal Family - Posh and Becks). To be a good sport, you could also put together an Olympic Trivia contest (fun facts can be found online at www.olympic.org).  

Online you can find tons of printable Olympic-themed art or British tourist attractions for the decor. And it's not a party without music, so put together a soundtrack of tunes from your favorite British artists - just make sure it includes the theme to "Chariots of Fire."  

Let the games begin!