Does it really matter who is playing in the NFL Super Bowl? OK, fine, for many watching the football game, who is playing does matter but for others, it's really more of an excuse to throw a fabulous Super Bowl party, complete with decorations and delicious finger food.
Whether you're rooting for the underdog, excited about the half-time show, or can't wait to critique the commercials, here's your Super Bowl party checklist, complete with party ideas and tips to ensure a “big win" for you as the host.
Super Bowl party planning really begins weeks before kickoff. Just like the pre-game show is very much part of the actual game experience, you want to consider who you'll invite and what kind of Super Bowl party invitations to send, as well as what decorations to get.
Pinterest is often a great place to get some unique and interesting party ideas, from snack recipes, drink ideas to clever and easy-to-make decorations!
If you're the crafty sort, again, Pinterest can be a goldmine for Super Bowl decoration ideas. From tablecloths to football-shaped home accessories like pillows, there's no end to coming up with fun party décor.
But if you don't want to spend a ton of money on football-themed decorations, buy some streamers or balloons in the team colors. If you stick with colors rather than a theme for staples like napkins or disposable plates, you can also use these after the party if they're not used.
Also, remember that more than likely, your guests will arrive decked out in their own NFL team jerseys or team colors so it'll feel festive even without a ton of decorations.
Think ahead about where things will go and it will make it easier once they arrive and lessen the need to make decisions on the fly. Having a smaller apartment to host a party doesn't have to deter you.
From when guests arrive to where the television will be placed for optimal viewing pleasure to how guests can grab snacks and drinks, you'll just want to think through the layout.
Think ahead about where the big screen will be so it'll be within easy viewing for your guests from a number of vantage points but also so people can't easily walk in front to disrupt those watching it. Crossing in front of the TV during a play can be enough of a reason for garnering a reputation as a bad host.
If it feels like winter, plan where the coats will go. The top of your bed is a smart bet.
Make sure you have enough seating for your guests (this may include pillows on the floor). Also, if you have a patio area, you could designate that as a game-free zone where guests can feel comfortable to mingle with one another and not talk over the game. Also, have the bathroom ready with essentials: extra toilet paper, clean hand towels and soap.
Super Bowl is a great time to get creative with your cuisine and offerings. Some Super Bowl party ideas when it comes to menu planning include making finger foods or entire meals in honor of the cities playing.
If space is an issue in your apartment, set up a buffet on a kitchen island or bar counter, or on your dining table. If you have a small oven or kitchenette, opt for a mixture of cold finger food like crackers and cheese and use the oven to warm up some hot dips.
Equally important as the snacks and food is the bar. This is not a place to skimp since people will want to kick back and enjoy the game with cool drinks. Having said that, you also want to set it up so you're not chained to the bar and not actually enjoying your own party.
Store beer and wine in a big cooler and let people help themselves. If you're going to serve cocktails, mix them ahead of time or hire someone to make them.
All good things must come to an end. Here are some Super Bowl party ideas and ways to wrap things up in style.
Remember how we mentioned layout is important? This includes where you place your trash can. Make it easy for everyone to dispose of their trash easily. Quick tip: Keep trash bags near the trash bin so once it starts piling up, your bags are at the ready. All you have to do is pull it out of the bin and replace it quickly with a new one.
This isn't necessary but will leave a memorable impression. Share a little token of appreciation with your guests as they leave. Maybe it's something funny like a “hangover" kit of aspirin, Tums and eye drops. Or perhaps chocolate-shaped footballs created at a specialty shop. Whatever you do, be sure to thank your guests for coming to your party with a smile!
As your guests leave, be sure they're capable to drive or ride with someone who is. As the host, it's the smart thing to do. Be sure to thank everyone for attending your party. It's the winning way to end a party.
A good host looks relaxed and never frantic. Sure, a Super Bowl party checklist needs to be prepared and executed, and hosting can take a lot out of anyone. But remember why you decided to host a Super Bowl party in the first place: You wanted to have fun with your friends and family. Don't forget to take the time to enjoy the game and your guests.
As a Chicago-based freelance writer, Megy Karydes has covered everything from space-aged tomato seeds grown in a Chicago Public School to Chicago Blues musician Lurrie Bell. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Midwest Living magazine and other national and regional media outlets. When she's not out exploring the city with her two children and husband, she's perfecting her air hockey technique.