If you want to host a Super Bowl party, then you’ve come to the right place. Anxious about hosting a party, then read this. We’ve got seven tips to make this the best Super Bowl party ever. More than 90 million people will either plan or attend a Super Bowl party. And the most important reason they attend --- is the food, according to a recent survey. People also love getting together, the halftime and commercials. Less than half cite the game itself.
1. Decide the guest list. Is it a mixture of people from work, neighbors, family, church? What’s a manageable number of people for your space? Since people tend to plan ahead, try to get out the invite at least two weeks ahead of time. Consider someone who might not get an invite too. See more about that here.
2. Figure out the menu. If you want to make it potluck where everyone brings a dish, let guest know when you invite them. Let’s face it. You don’t want five queso dips and no chips or ice. Apps like Potluck and Potluckhub can help with the planning. We’ve also got plenty of tips on how to bring your “A” game for food with recipes and menu ideas. Are you going to make the “main attraction” and have people bring other sides and drinks? Or do you want to do dessert and have people bring appetizers? There’s so many ways to organize a party, so find one that suits you best.
3. Pick up and clean up. At least the week before, start cleaning up. You don’t have to clean the whole house. Feel free to shut the doors to certain rooms. Clear off tables, put away clutter and clean the floors and surfaces. Designate a place for purses and jackets when guests arrive. Make sure you’ve stocked up on toilet paper. Put out fresh hand towels in the bathroom. If you’re having a fire, get the fireplace clean and the wood ready. Do you need to bring in a card or folding table and get a tablecloth to use for extra serving space. Will you use plates or plastic? If you’re grilling on a gas grill, do you have a butane bottle filled?
4. Put out serving dishes and utensils. Having a few platters, bowls and the dishes out make it easier to serve the food. One thing I often do is wrap a fork, knife and spoon in a napkin, so it’s one quick pick up rather than each person getting four items.
5. Create a drink station. Make sure you offer options - especially alluring non-alcoholic options - waters, teas, club soda, coffee, hot cider, ice. I have a second sink in my utility room and often put drinks in there.
6. Make people feel welcome. Going to someone’s home is sometimes daunting, especially when the guest may not know many people. Saying something as simple as, “I’m so glad you could come” is important. Often, I’ve used name tags. It seems a little geeky, but it’s so helpful, especially to neighbors or work colleagues who may not remember everyone’s names and would be afraid to use them otherwise. It often puts people at ease. When making introductions of strangers, try to offer context. I often think of something that might connect them to another guest. This is Kate and she likes to jog like you do. Or Sam has a middle school soccer player too. Or You better talk to Pranita now because she’s such as huge football fan, she’ll be glued to the game once it starts. Or give a guest a task to do. Do you mind helping me fill ice glasses? Or can you see how many people want hot cider?
7. Make sure to offer lots of food options. I use 4X6 index cards folded in half to form a tent. Then I write what the foods are. If it’s gluten free or vegetarian I indicate that. Some people aren’t adventurous eaters. Others don’t want to waste food and won’t put something on their plate they’re not sure of, so little signs help.
Still not sure hosting a Super Bowl party is for you? Does it seem daunting? Then read this to take some of the anxiety out of it.
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