Hosting a Super Bowl Party
From Giftypedia
The 10 most-watched programs in TV history are all Super Bowls. It is no wonder that Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the most popular times to host a party – especially if you have a big screen and HDTV!
[edit] Tips for Hosting a Super Bowl Party
If you are one of the football fanatics considering hosting a Super Bowl Party, know that it can be a cinch. For help with the planning, keep these basic tips in mind:
1. Invitations
The tone of the party is set by the invitation. Football themed invitations are a must and can be found at most gift stores. Personalized invitations offer a more custom look. Consider involving the children by letting them create the invitations as an art activity. Online electronic invitations like MyPunchbowl.com and Sendomatic.com are very popular with internet users.
2. The TV
Make sure the television is in good working order and placed in a prime viewing location. Everyone should have a good view. Handle any overflow seating by setting up alternate TV's throughout the house. Some guests attend for the social aspect rather than the game. Designating a special room for the non-football fanatics with a TV away from the main viewing room will give them a place to chat while others are focused on the game. And lastly, place the food table in an area that is easily accessible but still within sight of the TV. Your guests shouldn't have to choose between eating and watching the game. If children are attending, make sure there are toys and planned activities to keep them busy.
Next to New Year’s, the second biggest snack day of the year is Super Bowl Sunday. A buffet of finger food works best. Set out plenty of food, beverages, plates, and napkins. Look for recipes that don’t require knives, forks, or spoons. Wings, sandwiches, pizza and hot dogs are popular choices along with your favorite chips and dips. Consider take-out or delivery food from a restaurant to make things simple. Ask your foodie friends to bring their favorite game-day specialty. Have plenty of beer for the beer lovers as well as ice to cool down those cold beverages. Consider personalizing cups, cans or koozies. Prepare all of your food in advance - you won't want to be stuck in the kitchen missing the game, not to mention the commercials! Stock up on large trash bags for easy cleanup.
4. Atmosphere
With a little creativity, you can help set the mood for your football loving friends. Get caught up in the spirit of game day. Consider drawing a line down the center of the room and decorating opposite sides of the room in team colors with banners, cut-out footballs and helmets. Dress in team colors and just for fun, paint heavy black lines under you eyes – to protect against glare, of course! Involve opposing sides with fun games centered on the commercials and have a pool for each quarter.
5. Favors
Party favors given out when the game starts - such as football whistles, hand clackers and foam footballs - will insure lively participation. Stress balls personalized with your guests’ team of choice might come in handy in case their team goes down. Pompoms and balloons can do double duty as decorations and party favors.
6. Safety
Since this is generally a drinking event, having coffee available may insure a safe drive home after the game. Consider offering a taxi service to pick everyone up before the game and drop them off when it’s over. Before your guests arrive, remove any breakable items from the viewing area and set out plenty of coasters. Have lots of paper towels, garbage bags and rug cleaner on hand for those little accidents that happen during the excitement.
Remember, be a good party guest. It may not be a "guy thing", but how about bringing a little something for the host? An extra six pack couldn't hurt!
