The Super Bowl is always fun, even if you personality couldn't care less who wins the big football game. It's an excuse to get together with your friends, light up the grill, eat delicious food, drink beer, watch hilarious commercials, and cheer for every touchdown your team gets.
Let's be honest, the menu is sometimes more anticipated than the game itself. Watching the Super Bowl (and most sports events) without an array of finger foods in front of you is just unacceptable.
Even though you may not be offering a full meal, you should still give yourself plenty of time to plan the menu. No idea where to start? Include these party basics, and all of your guests are sure to have smiles on their faces:
Party Dip: Not all party dips are created equal. Think beyond the classic French onion dip or traditional salsa and get creative with some smoky chipotle and bacon guacamole, creamy artichoke dip, spicy hummus complete with tahini and chickpeas, or caramelized onion dip.
My recommendation is to make a couple different dips so your guests have plenty to choose from. Offer more than just chips too– set out squares of pita bread, cheese, crackers, and fresh vegetables.
Nachos: Who doesn't love crispy chips piled high with melted cheese, beans, tomatoes, diced onions, sliced jalapenos, and pulled pork, shredded chicken, or steak? You can put pretty much anything on nachos, and they'll be delicious.
Plus, if you have any vegetarian or vegan guests, this is a perfect appetizer. Simply top the chips with chopped tomatoes, dairy-free sour cream, guacamole, and black beans. You can always set out ingredients in separate bowls and let your guests build their own nachos.
Chicken Wings: Not having chicken wings at a Super Bowl party is like having a wedding without a cake. This tasty finger food will be expected by all. Chicken wings are extremely versatile, and you can take their flavor in so many different directions.
Serve buffalo wings alongside blue cheese wings, honey Sriracha wings, spicy chili wings, tangy barbecue wings– the list is endless.
Some other appetizer ideas include:
It's best to put out all the appetizers on a buffet table so your friends and family can grab the food as they please.
Serve a Variety of Drinks
Beer is another necessity at any Super Bowl party. But if you have guests who would prefer a different beverage, it's important to have other drinks on hand as well.
Try mimosas for the non-beer drinkers and make sure to stock up on soda for those who would like to stick to nonalcoholic beverages.
Decorate With the Appropriate Colors
Once you find out which two teams will be going head to head in the Super Bowl, decorate accordingly. Choose the team you want to win, and fill your apartment with those colors.
For instance, if the Seattle Seahawks are your team and are playing this year, your interior will be filled with bright green, blue, and silver. Opt for simple accents of the colors, like bright green placemats, colorful balloons, table runners, streamers, etc.
Bonus points if you can incorporate team colors into your appetizers!
Figure Out Seating
If you only have one couch with room for two people, you'll have to put together some more seating options so your guests have a comfortable spot to watch the big game in your small apartment.
Bring in chairs from your kitchen or dining room along with ottomans, bean bag chairs, poufs, big pillows, etc.
When you arrange these seating options, make sure that you can clearly see the TV screen from where they are placed.
Remove Any Breakables
If you have a vase or a precious mirror that a family member gave to you, it's probably best to remove those items from the viewing area before the game starts.
A football party can get rowdy at times, and sports fans can get a little overzealous with their cheering. With all of your valuables/breakables safely tucked away, you can feel at ease while your guests yell at the TV, and even join in yourself!
Stick to Paper and Plastic
You certainly don't need to pull out the fine china for your Super Bowl party. Not only do you run the risk of these plates breaking, you also have to deal with the cleanup afterward.
Save yourself from hours of washing dishes by simply using paper plates and plastic silverware. Place a garbage can or two near the dining area so people can toss out their stuff when they're done.