Americans love football, and the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events of the year. It’s an event that football fans and non-fans alike gather to watch, not just for the chance to see an incredible game play out but also to catch the halftime show and big-budget commercials.
So it’s safe to say that Super Bowl parties are taken very seriously. They often include copious amounts of food and drinks, in addition to activities or games to keep busy during the game (commercial breaks) or after the game. Want to make sure your party is the best of the best? Here are some ideas for hosting a great Super Bowl party your guests will never forget.
Plan the Food In Advance
If you want to throw a great Super Bowl party, you have to put some thought into the food you’ll serve. You can’t just pick up some chips and pretzels and call it a day. First, decide if you want to do snacks and appetizers only or if you want to serve a meal. For either, you could plan and make all of the food or have guests contribute a dish or two. But what should you serve?
To get the basics covered, chips, pretzels, dip, and veggie and fruit platters are good game day basics to have on hand. For appetizers or meal options, be sure to include at least a few hearty staples. For example, nachos, meatballs, pulled pork, burger sliders, mac and cheese, spicy chili, pizza, tacos, and wings are all common. To make the options a bit healthier, you could opt for turkey meatballs, homemade pizza, or make-your-own tacos.
If you want to serve dinner, turn one of the above hearty options into the main meal and add in sides like a salad or roasted veggies. As for dessert, brownies, cookies, and ice cream are always popular.
Stock Up on Beverages
A Super Bowl party is definitely not complete without a good selection of beverages — and enough beverages to get you through the day. But that doesn’t mean you have to have a never-ending supply — you could ask your guests to BYOB. Still, it’s a good idea to have some soda, fruit juice, iced tea, and bottled water on hand. Beer is also a must. But if your guests aren’t as into beer, get some wine or liquor to make game day cocktails.
Wager on the Games
To make the event even more exciting, viewers love to get in on the action as they watch with friends. And not just casual betting either. Many sites offer bets on different deals, whether you’re looking for the Super Bowl wagering line, point spreads, or total points, so it’s common to indulge in a little friendly competition over whose team will win the Super Bowl while watching the game.
Get Your Blood Pumping
With all that heavy food and sitting around and built-up excitement from the game you’re going to need to get moving at some point. Why not play a game of touch football outside before or after the game? It’ll be sure to amp you up further before the game or help you to feel refreshed after an exciting (or not so exciting) Super Bowl. Celebrate with beer and more food after to keep the fun going.
Keep the Entertainment Going
The game is over but you and your guests don’t want the night to end. Depending on your idea of fun, this is a great time for a movie night or game night. Watch a classic football movie like We Are Marshall, Remember the Titans, Rudy, or The Replacements. Rather have a game night? Break out the board games or hold a poker night. Either option would be a great way to wind down and end the night after the excitement of the Super Bowl.
Remember: The best Super Bowl parties involve some planning and preparation — and plenty to keep guests busy and amused all day long.