Throwing a terrific Super Bowl party is more than just having the perfect large screen television. It’s about the snacks, drinks, environment and the people you invite. The following will provide a list of tips on what to do to prepare for and throw a great Super Bowl party.


Step 1: Determine the day. Super Bowl Sunday is a well advertised event and the date can be found easily on the internet.

Step 2: Invite your friends. Make a list of everyone you want to attend and send out invitations, emails, or just call them. Keeping the invites informal will be the best way to go, but make sure you have firm commitments to determine how much food to prepare.

Step 3: Arrange Seating. Having plenty of places for people to lounge comfortably in your home to enjoy the game (and the commercials) will really make the party great. If guests are comfortable then they are typically happy. Push back your couch and have throw pillows on the floor, add folding chairs as a second source of seating, and use other chairs such as dining room chairs as another alternative.

Step 4: Set up your television. If you don’t already have a surround system set up and the new TV in place, don’t worry. Many stores including Best Buy have great sales surrounding the Super Bowl. If you are in the market to purchase a new television then just before the Super Bowl will be a great time to save money and often get free instillation with your purchase.

If you have more than one television then place them in areas where you will allow people to watch the game. For example, if you have a nice television in your bedroom, but don’t want people to watch the game in there, move the TV to the kitchen. This will help to spread out the guests and provide access to food and beverages without missing the game or the commercials.

Step 5: Prepare the food. Snack foods are great, but can be unhealthy. Try to provide a variety of snacks to allow your guest plenty of choices. Many of your friends may still be dedicated to their New Year’s weight loss goals, so try to support them through low calorie/low fat alternatives. Here are a few food ideas (some are low fat–others are not):

• Baked Lays with Hidden Valley Ranch Dip (make your own using fat free sour cream)
• Whole Grain Tostitos and Salsa
• Skinless Chicken Wings
• Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing and Celery Sticks
• Spinach Artichoke Dip (use low fat or fat free mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream) serve with Pita Chips
• Chicken Nachos
• Popcorn
• Mixed Nuts (mix your own to reduce sodium)
• Taco Dip
• Ham Salad with Pita Crisps
• Pretzels
• Chex Mix
• Chili with Peanut Butter Sandwiches
• Hot Dogs
• Cheese and Crackers
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Spicy Cheese and Sausage Dip
• Brownies
• Cookies
• Pie (Apple, Blueberry, Pecan, Cherry)
• Chocolate Cake
• Drinks (Soda, Beer, Water, coffee, hot chocolate)

Other items you will need may include cups, napkins, plates, utensils, coolers, thermos, trash cans, crock pots, and serving spoons.

Keep in mind that your guest often want to chip in and will offer to bring items. Chips, soda, and dips are great portable items for your guest to bring.


Step 6: Trash and Clean Up. Provide visible places to throw out bottles and plates. This can reduce your clean up following the game. Most people will respect your home and do their part to keep it clean if you provide adequate disposal. Typically you will want to set up a large trash can in each room (kitchen, living room, basement) where your guest will be enjoying the food and beverages. Collect bottles and cans in a separate container for recycling.

With a little time and planning you can throw a great Super Bowl party. Decorations are not necessary unless you team is playing in the game, then you can go all out on being the number one fan. Have fun and enjoy the game.