We’d all like our favorite team to take home that one-of-kind, sterling silver Vince Lombardi Trophy but, alas, only two teams enter the Super Bowl and only one team walks away national champions.
Even if your team doesn’t take it all the way to NHL’s annual extravaganza, there’s no reason why you can’t throw a killer Super Bowl party. Of course, to make it work there are a few things one must do to prepare for the most-watched American television broadcast of the year.
1. Beer, beer and more beer
A key element to a proper Super Bowl party is beer. No fancy tomato-infused drinks with salted rims and garnishes made of celery sticks. No wine or wine coolers. Not even straight liquor. While that should all be on hand because there’s always somebody who wants to get all fancy, beer is, by far, football’s most important ingredient. So, fill your bathtub full of ice or have a couple coolers on hand because people will bring what you should already be prepared to supply: beer.
2. Make it a potluck
A lot of restaurants will cater Super Bowl parties, but they also serve up a hefty bill. Supermarkets often have appetizer trays ready to go or on a per-order basis. Still, this can cost a pretty penny as well. Making food at home, however, can take away from game time. A lot of people turn the Super Bowl into a potluck event. Have everybody bring something and serve it on disposable plates with plastic cutlery to avoid a tiresome cleanup.
3. No plasma TV? Consider projection
In this day in age, there are certain expectations. If you have some outdated, clunky square television that is more than five years old, don’t bother crowding your friends around it or you’ll have to contend with a bunch of disappointed football fans. If you don’t have the cash to invest in a high-definition TV, consider renting one or, better yet, invest in an LED projector. Assuming you have a decent sound system, you can turn your home into a movie theater for less than a $1,000.
4. Coordination and invitations
If your friends stick to an annual tradition of going to the same guy’s house every year, you may have a tough time convincing people to come to your place instead. If there aren’t any traditions to compete with, get the word out early so no one else beats you to the punch. Take advantage of social networking, e-mails and word of mouth to invite people, but use caution when planning. If you have too many people over, there may not be enough places for people to sit. Think about how much space you have before sending the word out.
5. Decorations are important
It doesn’t matter if you think it’s corny. Add a little flare to the party with some decorations. Don’t go too crazy, because then it is corny, but adding just the right touch can help people get in the spirit of the game. Head down to the store and buy a few streamers and balloons in the colors of your favorite team. If you know many of your friends support the opposing team, use the colors of both to spice the place up. You can even divide the room in half and dress up either side in each team’s color.
6. Betting pool, games and prizes
To make the game more interesting, have people throw a few dollars down. Set up a grid with possible score outcomes and have everybody initial wherever they think the final score will be. The winner takes home the pot. If your friends aren’t into gambling, consider offering prizes instead. If you’re sure no one is interested in the halftime show, consider trivia games to fill the void. True football fans love to show off their sports knowledge. Again, silly prizes make it even more fun.
7. Activities for the kids
While some kids are perfectly happy watching the big game alongside their parents, it’s important to be prepared for the young ones. If you have lots of friends with children, plan to give them their own separate space. Find a spot in the house that, first of all, has cable because TVs are essential for keeping the little tikes quiet. Second, a place you don’t mind getting a little messy. Avoid turning your bedroom into a kid room because you never know what the youngsters are going to find.
RSS