As the World Cup captivated audiences globally, celebrities showcased a variety of viewing setups, from elaborate parties to more understated home arrangements. Interiors expert Jordana Ashkenazi assessed these diverse approaches, ranking them on their elegance and suitability for a match-day experience.
Among the most unique setups was TV star Vicky Pattison's, who enlisted McDonald's to create a pop-up food truck for her viewing party. While the setup was deemed "fun," Ashkenazi found the "McDonald's takeover jarring" given Pattison's past health and fitness advocacy. The expert suggested a refresh of the "dated" glossy finishes in favor of a more timeless style. For the match against Norway, Pattison shared on Instagram, "IT'S COMING HOME!!!!!!" alongside images of cowboy hats and the food truck.
Amanda Holden opted for an "innovative" approach by outfitting the interior of her Lexus with a television and a fridge, allowing her to watch matches on the go. "Turning the back of a Lexus into a mini match-day lounge, complete with a TV and fridge, is pretty impressive," Ashkenazi commented, though she questioned whether Holden watched for the full 90 minutes.
Socialite Petra Ecclestone and her husband Sam Palmer hosted a large garden party featuring a pizza truck, ice cream van, and a trampoline for children. World flag bunting and inflatable football-shaped seats adorned the garden. Ashkenazi called it "the perfect match-day" setup, noting the "lovely touch" of the ice cream truck for kids, but suggested stylish sun loungers would have elevated the overall look beyond "novelty football beanbags."
In contrast, the Spanish Royal Family's viewing setup was described as "surprisingly ordinary" and "sparse." King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Leonor and Sofía watched Spain's 2-0 victory against France on a wide-screen TV from a small white sofa in a room with maroon walls and a chevron-print carpet. "I would have expected a dedicated cinema room or a luxurious entertaining space," Ashkenazi stated.
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon offered a "beautifully understated" viewing experience. Dressed casually, the royal couple watched Norway's win over Brazil at their Oslo residence. Ashkenazi noted the "warm" and "relaxed" atmosphere, though expressed concern about the "sea of cream upholstery."
Singer Robbie Williams embraced a "relaxed" viewing style from a holiday-style villa, enjoying the game with his wife and singing along. "He’s with the people he loves, enjoying the game and looking completely relaxed," Ashkenazi observed, commenting on his ice cream-print outfit as a "bold style choice."
Olly Murs hosted an "intimate viewing party" for his wife and children, focusing on England shirts and bucket hats. While acknowledging the family-oriented atmosphere, Ashkenazi found the setup "underwhelming," noting the small TV and distant sofa, suggesting they "might need binoculars."
Musician Stormzy adopted a classic approach by watching a match at a local pub with friends. "No gimmicks, no over-the-top hosting, just great company, plenty of atmosphere and exactly how football should be watched," Ashkenazi remarked, calling it "an absolute cracking day out."
Princess Andre, daughter of Katie Price, had a "lowkey" setup featuring a wide-screen TV, a white rug, and glossy black furniture. However, Ashkenazi advised a "design refresh," suggesting a move away from "high-gloss finishes, black velvet furniture and oversized accessories" towards a "softer, more timeless look."
In New York, Burberry hosted a "clever" 'pub' party at Corner Bistro to celebrate its "A Good Sport" campaign. The event featured martinis and English-inspired food, recreating a traditional British pub atmosphere with exposed brick and timber tables.
Across the Atlantic in Los Angeles, Snoop Dogg hosted a celebrity-filled party at Raising Cane's. The event, attended by stars like Jessica Alba and Ashton Kutcher, focused on fried chicken and music, described by Ashkenazi as the "hottest ticket in LA."