Get ready, football fanatics! The gridiron action is sizzling, and your fave (or not so fave) teams are gearing up and gutting it out for ultimate glory.
Hosting a legendary party for the biggest game of the year is more than just a fun time; it’s also about creating unforgettable moments with family and friends. Follow our playbook for game-day memories and hall-of-fame host status.
Warm up
Set the stage for a memorable celebration with a backyard blitz! If the weather is good enough, toss around a pigskin with a quick game of touch football before the official kickoff. Organize two teams and score some points to energize your partygoers and build up an appetite for all the delicious snacks. Let’s skip the shirts and skins, though.
Snack sack
It’s time to talk about game-day fuel. Offer your favorite snacks and encourage your guests to show off their potluck skills. The key here is to keep the treats easy and enjoyable. Not everything has to be football shaped to be a touchdown. Try one of these recipes and see if your guests cheer.
Coin toss spud bites
Preheat your oven to 400° F. Scrub three large russet potatoes and slice into half-inch coins. In a large bowl, toss the coins in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder until evenly coated. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned and soft. Flip halfway through. Top each coin with crispy bacon crumbles and your favorite cheese (sharp cheddar works great). Broil until the cheese melts, about two minutes. Give each coin a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onion.
Buffalo bird dip (slow-cooker style)
Let’s face it, chips are aplenty at every watch party. So, make a spicy, delectable dip to enjoy – the easy way! Bust out your crockpot. Pick up rotisserie chicken and shred the meat. Add it to the crockpot with three 8-oz. blocks of cream cheese, two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of buffalo sauce (just use the jarred stuff) and a ½ cup of ranch dressing. Let it warm through for about three hours on low. When everything is melted, give it a good stir. Garnish with chopped chives and crumbled blue cheese (optional) and serve it up with celery sticks, baby carrots and chips, of course.
Décor down
There’s no need to break a sweat to transform your family room into the ultimate fan zone. Here are some easy and budget-friendly ideas to score big guest points!
Spirit banners: Unroll some freezer paper and markers and let the kids draw homemade banners that showcase team colors and logos. Add some string and let your fan flags fly!
Table runner: Turn the coffee or dining table into a mini football field with green felt, grass-colored paper or a strip of cheap turf. Add white tape for yard markers and numbers!
Uprights: Tape dollar store yellow balloons on the wall to craft the uprights and add a football balloon in the middle to score an extra point!
“Ref”reshing drinks: Print out sheets of black and white stripes. Cut strips and tape them around water bottles and soda cans to mimic referee jerseys. It’s always the correct call.
Smell victory: Enhance the atmosphere with the right fragrance! Choose a wax warmer with your team’s logo. Pop in a few cubes from an NFL: Gridiron Rush − Scentsy Bar, featuring sporty citrus, crisp apple, fresh-cut grass and a touch of sandalwood to capture the essence of the game.
Hail Mary
Some people are more excited about the commercials and snacks than the play action during the highest holy day on the football calendar. And that’s fine. Keep the non-fanatics and the little ones entertained with clever activities. Map out a homemade bingo game with football terms, like “backfield,” “blitz,” “pick six,” “shotgun,” or “Taylor Swift.” Hear it on the broadcast? Mark it on your bingo card! The winner gets a special treat. Have ballots ready for guests to rank their favorite half-time commercial.
Friendly rivalry
We all have that one friend or father-in-law who’s loud and proud about their team. They’ve got the jerseys, the bumper stickers and an uncanny memory for every game-losing missed field goal the other side has ever made — and yet, you love them anyway. These passionate supporters add a special touch to your gathering, creating an atmosphere of friendly banter and shared love for the sport. And speaking of team spirit, why not flaunt your colors with flair? Have everyone wear team colors and hats!
Victory formation
Suit up, rally your squad and get ready to make this football party one for the ages. Use these tips to make your game-day celebration one of camaraderie, fun rivalries, delicious treats and the thrilling magic of sports glory.
How do you make your game-day gatherings unique and special? Share your best ideas in the comments!
