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Super Bowl XLVIII: Get Your Game On & Plan the Perfect Party!

Written by Sandra Stelmach  |  29. January 2014

Super Bowl XLVIII is just around the corner, and sports fans across Long Island are gearing up for the big game. This year’s Super Bowl will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and all for the rest of the week leading up to the game, there will be all sorts of special events happening in NYC. While some folks have tickets to go to the game, or heading out to local bars and restaurants, throwing a Super Bowl Party has been a favorite way to enjoy the game for generations.

This Sunday, millions of Americans will crowd around the TV to watch the Super Bowl, which marks the end of the football season and determines the 2014 Super Bowl Champions. Super Bowl Sunday can be a big deal and for those super sports fans, so having the perfect venue to watch the big game is crucial. For those of us who like to host gatherings, that venue is your own home - if you’re able to spent some time planning ahead. If you’re that person, you’ve sure got a lot of on your plate - the Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, and hosting a Super Party is a challenge in and of itself!

But don’t sweat yet, there’s still time to prep! From decorations, to drinks and food, we’ve got you covered with simple planning tips and fun party ideas you’ll need to help you plan and prepare for the perfect Super Bowl Party. But beware - after this year’s big get together, your family and friends will want you to throw another one next Super Bowl!

  • Head Count
    Before you start any type of preparation, you have to know how many people you will have over. This way, you can have an estimate of how much seating you will need as well as how much food you will need to feed all those hungry mouths.
  • Clean and Rearrange
    Although your home may become messy after your guests leave, it’s still a good idea to make sure to tidy up around the house to make your home looks presentable and neat. The main star of the show will be your TV so rearrange your furniture so that your guests can be comfortable and also have a good view of the TV screen.
  • Decorate
    Putting up football themed decorations will not only get you more in the spirit but also add a little spice to the party. Be sure to have both team colors, tablecloth with footballs on them or anything with a football on it for that matter. You don’t need to go too crazy over it since most of your guests will most likely have their eyes glued to the TV for majority of the time.
  • Snacks
    While eating healthier may be your own resolution, most of your guests might not be thinking about what they eat when they’re all hyped up and cheering for their team. Make sure to have a variety of snacks to munch on like chips, popcorn, pretzels, nuts, etc. If you’re going to have chips, make sure to have a variety of dips and salsas. Not everyone may like the same things you like so it might be best to have several options your guests can choose from.
  • Drinks
    Be sure to have enough inventory of drinks to sip on while watching the game and also to quench that thirst from all the delicious dishes you may be serving. It’s a good idea to not only have alcoholic beverages but non-alcoholic as well especially if you’re expecting kids to be there. Here are some types of drinks to have:
    • Beer
    • Wine
    • Soda
    • Juice
    • Water

Remember to drink responsibly!

  • Stock up on some finger food
    During the Super Bowl, the odds of having a casual sit-down dinner are slim when everyone will want to be sitting in front of the TV but that doesn’t mean you should completely skip out on the food. The best option would be is to have finger food set up in a buffet-like style. Prepare some quick party food that your guests can help themselves to with whatever like they’d and whenever they’d like. Some ideas for food include:
    • Pizza
    • Pigs in a Blanket
    • BBQ Wings
    • Nachos and Cheese

Don’t burn yourself up too much with cooking up an entire meal for more than just a couple of people. Instead, take advantage of the many catering options available to help you get those perfect dishes.

  • Paper plates, napkins and more
    With all the finger foods at hand, things could get messy. Save yourself the trouble of having to wash all the dishes or throw all your china in the dishwasher by using paper plates and plastic cups since they’re easily disposed. Be sure to have an ample supply of napkins. (Tip: Buy napkins that are football printed!) Also, have some paper towels handy for any spills.

Throughout the party, you may have a lot of garbage to throw away so keep things neat and organized with a sufficient supply of garbage bags. This can even help make cleaning up after the party easier for yourself.

  • Have a separate table for the kids
    Unless you’re able to get a babysitter, you’re most likely going to have a couple of kids that will need to be occupied with something to do while you keep yourself busy with not only entertaining your guests but also watching the game. Set up an area for them with some fun board games or coloring books.

You might also want to have a designated quiet area. Some people may join in on your party but really don’t get the game of football at all or are just there to watch those entertaining Super Bowl commercials, so have a room that they can go to away from all the chaos of cheering and have some peace and quiet.

  • TV Screen
    How else will you be able to watch the football game?!
  • Have fun!
    Remember to have fun! The intensity of the game can get really high at times but remember that it’s just a game and everyone is there to have a good time.


Have any other helpful tips for planning the perfect Super Bowl Party? Share them with us in the comments below!

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