Throwing a party for The Big Game is a great opportunity for getting family and friends together post holidays. Here is a collection of ideas to incorporate into your big game day!

EASY FOOD MENU IDEAS

Aside from the obvious and mandatory Ruffles Chips & Onion Dip, Nacho Chips & Cheese Dip and Veggie Platter, here are a few easy menu items easy for you to set up so you can spend the day WATCHING THE GAME!

The Six Foot Sub

Always a party favorite, a six foot sub is a lot of food for a group of 30 but is quite an impressive presentation! The good ones are made by your local sandwich or pizzeria shop. Just make sure you have a way to get this baby home before you order!
DO split the sub order - 1/2 Italian, 1/2 Turkey and Cheese, as an example. And cut into pieces before your guests arrive with a heavy-duty bread knife.
DON’T forget the oil and vinegar, but don’t have them put this on the sub upon pickup - Do this when you get home; Way less messy!

Cocktail Weenies / “Pigs In A Blanket”

You could buy the frozen box of these and take the easy way out, or you could make these yourself - which is ALSO easy - and they taste way, way better. All you need are some boiled hot dogs and a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.
DO make sure to cut the crescent roll dough in proportion to your hotdog piece size with a pizza cutter.
DON’T forget about these in the oven - they get brown very quick and burned weenies are no good!

Pretzel Tray from The Philly Pretzel Factory

Always a party favorite, the pretzel tray is a carb-lovers dream and a perfect finger food for party goers. Call ahead to place your party tray order - they’ll customize it for you how you like.
DO: Get the Honey Mustard or Cheese Dip.
DON’T: Get the chocolate dip unless your party has over 60% kids… gross.

Party Must-Have - Chicken Wings; Buffalo vs BBQ

You can’t NOT have a tray of wings at a party celebrating football… don’t be ridiculous. The only choice you do have in this is whether or not you’re going to make these from scratch. If so, here’s a great recipe for wings and you can choose how to sauce them. I prefer ordering these because the less I have to do on a party day, the better. It’s just way less stressful. Your local supermarket or BBQ restaurant should have a takeout menu for party wings - check it out and make the choice that works for you.
DO: Serve wings and make sure to Ranch or Blue Cheese dips.
DON’T: …forget the wings.

Easy Nachos

You can make your own amazing spread of nachos for your party group with little prep. You’ll need a cookie sheet, parchment paper, your favorite chips, a meat of choice, and toppings. Heat your oven to 350: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet. Then spread a single layer of chips on the paper, then spoon on your meat or chili of choice, and a layer of cheese and toppings. Repeat these steps 1 or 2 more times… whatever you’re feeling…. and put in the oven until the cheese is melted. When done you’ll be able to glide the nachos + parchment paper onto a platter (carefully!) while it’s still warm and serve.
DO prep your ingredients beforehand so it will be easy to assemble either before or during the party.
DON’T serve nachos cold.

GAMES FOR YOUR BIG GAME PARTY

Great for pre-kickoff or for games that are just plain BORING, here are a few activities to host for your guests during your party:

Host a Football Pool:

Adding some skin in the game ($$$) builds excitement and forces people to pay attention to what’s on TV. A Football Pool can be super exciting, especially if there’s a lot of money involved. This is very easy to do: Print this template which consists of a big grid of boxes. The goal is to get as many people to pay to put their name in the boxes to fill up the whole grid. They pay per box - $2, $5 or $10 per box as an example. I’ve been to some parties where they have $20 / box, $100 / box. Many times, guests’ relatives who are not even at the party pay for boxes. Once boxes are full, you as the host picks which team scores go across the top and which go down the side (AFC vs. NFC team). Then you pick numbers out of a hat, and that number is written over each row or column. That’s it! Each quarter, if the score is 0-7, find that team’s score on the sheet and whoever’s name is in the crossroads of these two scores wins. Your payouts are up to you - Most are paid out per quarter allowing for 4 winners.

DO post the game board on the wall where everyone can see it.
DON’T make this more complicated than what it is.

The CLASSIC - BEER PONG

No matter how old your guests are, they most likely have played beer pong in their college days. Depending on your crowd and general interest in drinking games, it’s still a fun side game to host. You’ll need a 6ft table or folding table, some ping pong balls, red Solo cups (let’s be traditional!), some cheap beer and a pitcher of water. Here’s the rules for Beer Pong in case you need a refresher.
DO make sure you have a plan for folks who are really bad at this game to stay at your house overnight.
DON’T stage this in the living room.

COMMERCIAL BINGO

This is a great game for those who are completely not interested in the game but came because they enjoy your company and free drinks. This will take some prep in advance on your part but you may also be able to find a pre-made template online. You’ll need a printer and a few small prizes.

Everyone gets a bingo board which has different companies or products littered across the bingo grid in different orders. When the corresponding commercial comes on, your guests mark off that brand or product. Eventually someone is going to win!

DO make sure to print these out in advance.
DON’T make each bingo board the same or you’ll have a big big problem!!

LAST MINUTE IDEA LINKS:

When all else fails, here is a compilation of some really helpful links with food and fun ideas for your Super Bowl Party:

9 Last Minute DIY Super Bowl Party Ideas

17 Amazing Super Bowl Party Decorating Ideas

Game Day Party Recipes by Food Network

Super Bowl Party Decor Accessories - Google Search

Have an idea to share! Comment below!

WLL