Feeling a little bit underwhelmed so far with this season of X Factor? Us too. Sad really, because between Cheryl being generally ace, Simon being back and Mel B being, well, Mel B, we expected more. Much more.
Rather than this being the fault of The X Factor though, it's probably completely down to us not fully morphing into our full on winter selves yet. With the weather being remarkably mild, heading out on a Saturday night still seems like viable option. One that you’re much more into than sitting down watching a group of chirpy teenagers muddle their way through Britney Spears songs on the telly.
As the nights get colder though, and all your money starts going on all things Christmas, you’re going to have to give in and go full steam ahead on your Saturday night X Factor viewings. So, to make it more fun, how’s about turning it in to a party? Here’s how.
READ MORE: Here's How To Turn One Bottle Of Bombay Sapphire Into Five Very Different Drinks
Drink: Gin Sing
Originally the gin *sling, *we've rechristened this guy the gin *sing. *See what we did there? Hush your groaning at the back, the only way we’re all getting through this thing together is if we go all in, bad puns and all. Luckily this cocktail is fantastic, and is made with warming cherry brandy to remind you that staying is is far better than going out in the sub-zero temperatures. Here's the recipe.
Play: The Adverts Game
Everyone present gets assigned an advert break – God knows there’s enough of them. Each one lasts roughly around the four minute mark. Whoever can accomplish the most impressive thing in their allotted time wins a prize (an extra gin sing obviously). Be it drawing a masterpiece, doing a full face of make-up, making another batch of cocktails or giving a speech to your friends on the intellectual merits of the latest Taylor Swift album, you’ll be impressed at how much you can get done in such a short amount of time. Plus, you’ll manage to bypass the annoyance of yet another ad break, right as you were starting to get into it.
A few suggestions for the adverts game
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Listing of all the countries you've ever visited
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Copying the look of that week's musical guest using only items found in the kitchen
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Making a snack for everyone using only what's in the fridge and a microwave
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Reciting the names of every 90's pop group you can recall
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Blindfolding yourself and figuring out who each one of your friends is through the medium of touch
Eat: Fish Finger Sandwiches
If you’re going full X Factor, take heed from the Cowell himself and get stuck into his favourite food: fish fingers. So-Co even had them served at his 50th birthday party. To jazz them up slightly (fish fingers in a bowl like crisps doesn’t exactly scream elegance), but still cheaply, follow this excellent recipe for posh fish finger sandwiches that also includes Cheryl’s favourite food; mozzarella cheese. All you need now is a takeaway curry (Mel B’s fave) and hamburgers – apparently favoured by Louis.
Wear: Whatever the theme of the week is
Still to come this season there’s the best of the X Factor which just screams out for a Jedward costume and Big Band week, which no-one’s ever quite managed to figure out the criteria for. Except that someone always sings Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman and/or Frank Sinatra which gives you more than enough to choose from. If all else fails, turn up as Simon with an open book on your head for hair.
For more ace cocktail recipes head over to the brilliant Mixed Cocktails website
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Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.