Gearing Up to Host a Super Bowl Party? Read This First

Keep in mind that not everyone at your party is going to be glued to the game. Offering a few different spaces to hang out will keep everyone happy. Obviously, the focal point will be the room with the big television. However, you should also consider setting aside a zone for kids to play that will not disturb the serious football watchers at your party.

You may also want to set up comfortable seating in or near the kitchen for those who are more interested in eating or catching up with friends. Having a few different zones that serve separate purposes at your party will ensure that all of your guests find a place where they will enjoy themselves the most.

Food and Drink Staging

In addition to the seating layout of your party, you also need to strategize your food staging. The food should be located far enough from the televisions that people are not blocking the view every time they want to fill their plate but close enough that they can still keep an eye on what is happening on the screen.

Setting up a few different pods of food will make it easier for people to get what they want quickly. While you want to keep the hot foods in the kitchen, it is also a good idea to set some bowls of snacks on the coffee tables where people are sitting.

If you have the space, setting up the drinks away from the food will also help to alleviate traffic in one particular area. If you have kids at your party, be sure to keep these drinks separate from any alcoholic options.

Do Not Overthink the Food

When it comes to planning your menu, it is important to not overthink this aspect. A Super Bowl party lends itself naturally to fun appetizers and finger foods. You certainly do not need to serve a fancy meal for game day.

A Super Bowl party is also the perfect opportunity to ask guests to bring their favorite appetizer so that you can set out a fun potluck. If you want to go with a theme, good ideas for a large group include taco bars or baked potato bars. Another fun idea is to hand out stadium-themed snacks such as bags of popcorn, peanuts, or other individually packaged foods that you would expect to find at a real game.

Make it More Fun With Games

Unless you live in Cincinnati or Los Angeles, there is a good chance that your guests will only have a passing interest in the game. If this is the case, you may want to plan some games to kick up the fun a notch. Betting games are always a hit at Super Bowl parties. You can easily pull this off by asking guests to bring a roll of quarters to use for fun bets throughout the afternoon and evening. The bets do not need to even center around the actual game. Perhaps you want to bet what song will be the first performed at the half-time concert?

If you know that your guests will be focused on the commercials, consider planning a commercial bingo game. You can find a variety of templates online to get you started as you plan your game cards. Or try firing up a game of Super Bowl trivia to get everyone in the competitive mood prior to kickoff.

Decor and More

Unless your home team is in the playoffs, you do not need to get too crazy about the decorations. Generic football themed decor is always a good idea. Pompoms, balloons, and streamers will work to set a festive atmosphere for your party. If your friend group loves taking pictures, they will likely appreciate a fun photo backdrop. Set out props such as footballs, whistles, and referee hats and watch the fun unfold.

Odds and Ends

It is a good idea to start your party at least one hour before kickoff. This will give your guests plenty of time to fill up their plates and get settled in before the game starts. While you are waiting for the game to kick off, consider playing a fun music playlist of game time favorites. Be sure to remind your guests to dress comfortably. This is a great day for lounging around with friends noshing on food and drink.

Because of its casual nature, a Super Bowl party is one of the most special events to plan. As long as you have great food and a good television setup, you will have everything that you need to pull off a great bash celebrating this classic American pastime.