Touchdown! How to Host a Winning Super Bowl Party
Score with football fans by offering great seating, viewing and snack options and a touch of team spirit
Coming from a family of football lovers, it pains me to admit that I’m not the biggest football fan out there (unless we’re talking about my kids’ league — then you can totally give me that title). I do, however, love big game days like Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl gives me a chance to do what I love to do: spend time with loved ones while they enjoy one of their favorites pastimes.
My goal in throwing a successful Super Bowl party is keeping everyone happy, well fed and comfortable. Here’s how I do it.
My goal in throwing a successful Super Bowl party is keeping everyone happy, well fed and comfortable. Here’s how I do it.
On game day I turn our living room (not shown here) into a comfortable lounge completely centered around TV viewing. I usually remove the chairs from our dining area to create a food buffet on top of the table. The dining chairs are then free to provide extra seating in the living room.
Using trays for protection, you can utilize occasional tables and ottomans to serve snacks without worry in the living room.
I love the idea of a rolling food and beverage cart. This rolling trolley holds mostly desserts, but you could serve hors d’oeuvres along with beverages. You could assemble the spread in the kitchen and roll it into the living room for guests to enjoy while watching the game.
Give your rolling cart a theme by incorporating party supplies in the colors of your favorite team. Tailgate supplies are often sold in team bundles, including themed paper plates, cups and napkins.
When entertaining I often turn a shelf in my living room bookcase into a makeshift bar, as this homeowner did. Clearing a few books off the top shelves provides space for adult beverages as well as glasses and stemware.
Provide comfortable seating for guests of all ages. Small ottomans or soft poufs are a great option for floor seating for small children. This will leave the sofa and chairs open for guests who may not be so comfortable on the floor.
Floor pillows make lounging on the floor a little more comfortable for older children and teens who are too large for a small ottoman or pouf.
Bring a little team color into your home for the day. Orange flowers (like these sunflowers I used for a party last fall) would be a pretty way to represent the Broncos.
I purchased these orange towels for Halloween, but bringing them out for the day would be a fun way to dress up one of the busiest rooms during a party: the guest bathroom.
The pillows and throws in this space could represent Seahawks pride in a quiet, sophisticated way. Alternatively, you could create a lighthearted divide by covering one sofa with lime, navy and gray accents, and another with orange and navy accents. Let guests choose the sofa that reflects their team.
Having a designated kids’ space, like the one shown here, also gives me an opportunity to set up activities for little ones who may not be interested in the game.
Another way to keep the entire crowd happy is to have a quiet, TV-less space for grown-ups who aren’t watching the game. This space looks like a perfect spot for peaceful conversation.
Board games and puzzles are another grown-up alternative to game watching. Classic family favorites like Scrabble are always crowd pleasers.
In my home the kitchen is usually the place where the non-football-watching guests congregate. A mini coffee bar gives us kitchen lingerers something to enjoy while preparing food and doing dishes.
Our friends and family usually end up packed in the same room watching the game — even those of us who are not football fans — simply because we like being together. I think the key to successful entertaining is having a positive, loving atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
That being said, it’s still nice to have options. If anyone gets overly passionate about the game, having other places to retreat to is usually something everyone appreciates.
More:
Ingredients of the Perfect Football-Party Room
Tech in Design: Where to Put Your Flat-Screen TV
That being said, it’s still nice to have options. If anyone gets overly passionate about the game, having other places to retreat to is usually something everyone appreciates.
More:
Ingredients of the Perfect Football-Party Room
Tech in Design: Where to Put Your Flat-Screen TV