Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the game day excitement by taking a few minutes to plan out your Superbowl party strategy. With a little planning, you can enjoy the party AND watch the game with your guests. Since the entertainment part of the party is taken care of (by the big screen tv) and you don’t have to worry about your guests having nothing to talk about (hello…..they will all be yelling at the big screen tv!), all you have to be concerned with is providing lots of food and drink to keep their energy levels up. You don’t even have to be a big sports fan to have fun at a Superbowl party….if you aren’t into the game itself, your guests who are totally into it will provide you with all the entertainment you can handle. Here are a few tips to help you set the stage for a fun party that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Set Up the Field
Get into the spirit of the day by finding and using all things football. Use a green tablecloth to represent the football field. Turn over a football helmet and line it with foil and napkins to hold chips. Don’t buy one, chances are you or one of your friends have one so borrow it and put it to use on your table. Make paper pennants to match the teams colors to direct your guests to the food. “Pre-Game” or “First Down” could be appetizers, “Half Time” could be entrees and “Touchdown” would be great for desserts.
Show Your Team Spirit
Use team colors for napkins, plastic utensils and plates. Do the same thing with your food, if you can. For example, make cookies frosted with team colors. Another fun idea would be to make jello shots highlighting the same theme.
Buffet is the Only Way to Go!
Set everything up ahead of time and let guests serve themselves during breaks and halftime. This is a party for grazing, no need to worry about a specified meal time. Food will flow with the game, if you know what I mean. People will tend towards the appetizers when the game starts and will look for something a little more substantial during half time. Trust me. I’m married to a football fan.
Preparing to Feed the Crowd
In addition to the dips and appetizers, you will want one ‘entree-like’ choice. Keep it simple and make a big pot of chili or even better, why not build a super size sub or two. Both can be made ahead of time (bonus!). If you go with the subs, assemble and slice ahead of time before the crowd arrives so you can let guests serve themselves. Same with the chili, just serve in a crock pot and set out bowls, spoons and bowls full of crackers for easy self serve access.
Make Ahead
A few days before the party gather all the ingredients and assemble as many dishes as you can. Refrigerate and re-heat if necessary right before the game. Plan out your buffet arrangement and set out decorations the night before.
A little planning ahead of time will payoff big on game day. Invite your friends over and enjoy the game and the good company. One last tip, set out coasters….lots of coasters. Keep checking back for game day recipes, appetizer and drink ideas. It’s almost game time!
Lori is a content writer for Discount Party Supplies. She is married with three kids and hosts many family gatherings and parties. In her free time, Lori enjoys taking yoga classes and in her secret life, she likes going to heavy metal concerts (but don’t tell the other soccer moms!)
