Smash hit

Laugh in the face of the unbearable

The Crash Test Comedy Company is putting on an election night show beginning at 8pm at the Highland Inn, Atlanta. For $7 on the door a series of stand-up comics will ease those inevitable tensions and perhaps even the pain of defeat — as Freud used to say, laughter is rebellion against the unbearable.

“We thought of putting together a fun night of laughter where everyone is welcome regardless of who they are voting for in the election,” says organizer Cris Gray. “Everyone loves to laugh and together we will while we wait to see the results of America’s Next Top President.”

Sail into history

If you’ve got $200 to spare, you could join revellers aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht Potomac for an election night cruise through San Francisco Bay. Guests will enjoy fine wine and gourmet food while the results come in — and being in the Pacific time zone, won’t be subjected to the late-night slog that inevitably accompanies election-watching elsewhere. Tickets are tax-deductible and benefit the preservation of the Potomac and the Second World War "Liberty Ship" Jeremiah O'Brien. Call +1 (510) 627-1667 to book.

Election day

If you're truly dedicated (and rich), it makes sense to head to a time zone where the results come in throughout the day. The American territory of Guam is on Chamorro Standard Time, where 6pm Eastern Time (when the first polls close) translates to a very civilised 9am. The Old Hagatna Grill, located in Guam’s capital, opens at 6am local time and it doesn’t close until 11pm, by which time the race will hopefully be settled and you'll be tucked up in bed (or if things go your way, out partying Pacific style).

The UK

Leicester Square bash

Londoners will be descending on Leicester Square to scoff American food and guzzle beer while watching multi-screen coverage of the incoming results and voting in their own Florida ballot challenge mock election. Tickets are £35 but include food, a free electoral guide and a £10 drinks voucher — VIP tickets are also available for those who prefer not to mingle with the masses. Contact electionpartyuk@googlemail.com

For the expats

Democrats Abroad will be holding events across the UK, including at the Oxford Union, Cambridge Union and members’ homes in various cities. The parties are open only to members and their guests, and Americans living abroad. See www.democratsabroad.org for details.

Republicans Abroad are not listing any events but may be able to advise expats on suitable events, visit www.republicansabroad.org to contact.

Everywhere else

With so much international attention on this year’s presidential face-off, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a party wherever you are in the world. The expats’ website www.expatica.com has an extensive list of events, all of them open to Americans and non-Americans alike. Outdoor parties in the centres of Paris, Berlin and Madrid are among the offerings.

Democrats Abroad will also be holding parties all over the globe — visit the website to find your nearest one.

Hold your own election party

Festoon your home with bunting and paper flags, rustle up some hotdogs and apple pie and you're ready to go. As the talking heads blather between results, get some games on the go — try presidential trivia, bet on the outcomes of races, or have a convention-style fancy dress competition with the most outlandish outfit winning a prize. Should drinking games be more your style, bottles of red and blue Aftershock work well — divide yourself into Republican and Democratic teams with one member of the losing side in each state taking a shot (you'll need at least three or four people per team unless you want a hangover the size of the Midwest).

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