How To Throw A Super Bowl Party That’s Actually Worth Going To

The Super Bowl is one of the best opportunities of the year to invite your friends over and have a good time. Almost everyone loves football (and everyone loves great company), all you need is a T.V. and a few snacks, and you’ve got a great event to put on for your friends. While access to live cable and a sofa are likely almost all you need for Super Bowl Sunday, by making taking the tips below into consideration, your party is going to rock the blow. Here’s how to throw a Super Bowl party that’s worth going to.

1. Plan Your Party Well In Advance

A last-minute mass text may work for some, but in our experience, it’s much better to play it safe. We’d recommend planning your Super Bowl party two weeks to a month before the day, keeping in mind that some may need the morning off to go to church or finish up some homework before Monday hits. Not only will planning ahead serve your guests well- but it’ll also prove a smart move for the host, as you’ll be able to schedule your activities and obligations around your awesome party.

2. Cast Your Net Wide

Does 50 Evite invitations sound like a crazy amount? Would you be blown away if we urged you to double that? Sending out at least twice as many invitations as you expect to come, providing clear instructions on RSVP deadlines, and keeping track of who can make it and who can’t allows you to have healthy expectations of how big or small your party will be. When in doubt, invite early and invite lots of people!

3. Get The Best Tech You Can Find

Your laptop is likely fantastic for streaming Hulu in between studying for tests. But for streaming hours of television for a large amount of people, you’ll likely need a flatscreen T.V. If your budget won’t allow for you to buy one, ask friends or family members if you can borrow a T.V., or host your party somewhere with one (such as at a relative’s house). If possible, ask around for a good stereo system so that everyone can hear the halftime game perfectly. And make sure that your streaming system- whether it be online or cable- is speedy. Nothing’s worse than a buffering screen during a suspenseful play!

4. Do Your Research When Creating A Menu

If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to avoid the “I can’t eat anything here” bomb well before it can strike. By including an allergies section in your invitations, you’ll be able to keep track of your guests’ dietary needs and plan your menu accordingly. And just because your whole menu isn’t gluten and dairy-free doesn’t mean your guests will be asking for their Epipens! Just clearly label the foods that are free of allergens so everyone can instead focus on the game.

5. Add A Little Healthy Competition

Just because most of your friends can’t gamble their hard-earned cash on which team they think will win doesn’t mean that they won’t be willing to compete for a small prize! Try giving your guests the option of betting on a certain team (no money required) and the winners will get a small prize such as a mason jar full of M&Ms in their team’s colors (prepare two jars in advance with the appropriate colors). Victory has never tasted so sweet!

6. Provide An Alternative Activity

While hours of an exciting football game and hilarious commercials should be plenty to keep guests entertained, it’s a good idea to have another activity available that they can utilize during dull moments. You could put up a volleyball net or corn hole (a Midwestern game involving beanbags and a wooden board) in the backyard, or borrow a buddy’s booze ball table or dartboard. As long as the action is far away from the T.V., a little match of your own will prove a great idea.

7. Add A Homemade Touch

Got a killer apple pie recipe that’s been in your family for generations? Bake one up for your Super Bowl party! It may not seem like people will notice a nice home-cooked treat when they’re busy cheering for their team, but your homemade dish is sure to dazzle on a buffet of chips and carrot sticks. You may even strike up a few conversations by providing such a delight (“Oh, your family has an apple pie recipe? So does mine!”). Heck, if you’re up for it, you may even have a few friends bring a home-cooked item too (more food = less running out = less stress).

8. Get Creative With Your Decorations

You don’t have to spend a hundred dollars at Party City to decorate your place for your party. Instead, look out for couple footballs, some colored streamer, and maybe a few quirky items that remind guests of the places their teams originate from. For example, if the Saints happen to be playing that year, try and find a couple of stuffed alligators that are indicative of their Louisianan origins. If you have one on hand, have a fun backdrop and a camera available in case anyone wants to take pictures.

9. Do Something Almost Immediately After The Game

After the game is over and the M&Ms given to the winners, have something else guests can do in case some are disappointed with the results. Have a couple of fun board games like Jenga on hand (this game requires avid concentration from all players) or simply brew a fresh pot of coffee for guests who are driving home late. Chances will likely already be high that a few friends will stick around to talk, but by getting the ball rolling with some games or coffee and cookies, you’ll be getting them to mingle without them even realizing it.