It's almost time for the biggest football event of the year.
Are you ready? Whether you're inviting a couple close friends over or your
living room will be packed full with your extended family, you'll want to be
all set come game day. Here are some ideas to help you prep for your party.
Decorate
The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating. String up
streamers in your favorite team's colors, tack up team pennants, or let your
fan flag fly and paint your face while donning a favorite player's jersey. The
time is right to shop for football- or helmet-shaped bowls for serving snacks,
as well as napkins, plasticware, or balloons in themed colors. Keep in mind
that decorating is fun but all eyes will be on the TV screen. You don't need to
channel Martha Stewart just to make your guests happy.
Food
Party favorites like chips or nachos, veggies and dip, chili
(good for warming up on a cold winter day!), chicken wings, deviled eggs,
guacamole, seven-layer
dip, or football-shaped cookies are all great foods to serve. Invite guests
to pitch in with their favorite food item and send them home with leftovers
(especially helpful if you've resolved to watch your waistline this year). Use burner
covers to turn gas ranges into easy-to-clean tabletops, which are great for
guests who are lingering in the kitchen near the snacks.
Drinks
Although beer and football go hand in hand (at least
according to commercials), not everyone likes beer. Be prepared for guests of
all ages, and provide a selection of soft drinks or a punch that everyone can
enjoy. For those who like a cocktail, try a Harvest
Highball. Let guests know what beverages you'll have on hand and invite
them to bring along their drink of choice. You might also want to have a bottle
of sparkling grape juice or champagne on hand to toast the winners or console
the defeated.
Entertainment
Your guests will obviously be at your house to watch the
game, but keep in mind that not everyone likes football. You might have little
kids (or adults!) who can't or won't sit still for the entirety of the festivities.
Set up a card table where people can play a hand of cards, a board game, or
work on art projects. Stick with a sports theme and make Super-Bowl-themed
crafts. You'll probably want to aim for something simple to do as the
background will likely be filled with folks yelling at the television in
excitement or frustration.
You don't have to break the bank or overstress just to host
a Super Bowl party. Just plan ahead, make sure the television is working, and
everyone should be happy, well-fed, and entertained for the duration of the
game.
Holly is a wife and stay-at-home mother who blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses and trusts. She relies on gas ranges to keep her famous three-alarm chili piping hot while she and her family watch football on the weekend.
