Now that the playoffs are over -- it's time to make arrangements for your super bowl party to cheer on the Packers or Steelers!! Here are some tips to be sure your party is tops!!
1. Invite your guests as soon as possible so they can mark your party on their calendars!
2. Serve sofa-friendly foods that are hearty, fun and casual! Make as much as you can in advance so you aren't in the kitchen during the game! Some ideas include hot wings with pineapple glaze and/or creamy blue cheese dip, sweet & spicy parmesan popcorn, chili, chilled cocktail shrimp, and wraps. If you will have kids at the party, don't forget kid-friendly foods such as pigs in a blanket, cut-up fruits and veggies, macaroni & cheese, and chips and dip! For dessert serve something easy like cupcakes and/or football shaped cookies.
3. Be sure to have a variety of drinks to include beer, wine, water, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Don't forget to get ice to chill the drinks before your guests arrive! Plan on 3-4 drinks per person.
4. Play some music to get your guests fired up for the game -- anything by Bon Jovi, Queen, Garth Brooks -- whatever your taste in music is! Include noisemakers to pump up your attendees so they can make some noise when their team scores!
5. Decorate your game-viewing space with the colors of the team you are cheering for. Use those colors in your plates, napkins, cups, and other decorations. Personalize cupcakes with little flags of those team colors. Going to your local dollar store for these items will help you have a budget-friendly party!
6. Create a trivia contest/challenge to be played during commercials and/or half-time. Research some facts about the Packers and Steelers and their players, championships, and statistics. Play individually or form small teams and have your guests write down their answers. Tally the scores and announce the winners before the 4th quarter begins! You can find inexpensive super bowl themed prizes or create your own certificate for the "Supreme Super Bowl Team Trivia Challenge Champion of the World"!
7. For kids and adults -- have a football toss at your party. Set up a football toss for indoor and/or outdoor fun! Clear out the furniture and breakables in the most spacious room of your home that is out of the way of those watching the game on TV. Hang a goal post of team color streamers from the ceiling. Put the streamer posts close enough to make the game challenging. Compete to see who can toss a SOFT football through the goal posts without touching the streamers. Or hang a hula-hoop from a tree using team color ribbon. Stand a good distance away from the hoop and toss a football through the hula-hoop without hitting it.
8. To keep kids entertained, set up an activity station with poster board, stickers, markers, construction paper cut-outs, and football-related word finds and crossword puzzles. Encourage the kids to create their own broadcast-worthy "Super Bowl" posters. If you've got some performers in the crowd, have the kids choreograph their own half-time show routine to music. During the 4th quarter when the kids are getting restless, set up a "Super Bowl Sundae" bar with vanilla ice cream and a variety of themed toppings.
9. For those who are looking for a low-cost way to host a party, make it a "pot-luck" party and invite your guests to bring their favorite super bowl game snack!
10. Create small gift bags for your guests -- items to include could be pens and notepads showing your team's colors, M&Ms in the team colors, mini footballs, etc.
Most of all -- enjoy the game and being able to spend time with friends and family!
