5 Party Tips that Make all the Difference

The Sunday of all Sundays is finally almost here! Competition is heating up with the possibility of sweet victory or tragic defeat in the air.  The Big Game takes on many meanings; for die-hard football fans, this is the moment they have been waiting for all year – cheering, superstitious rituals, high-fives, tribal-like chants, money won, money lost and so on. For the more casual viewer, the big game is an excuse to throw a party for family and friends, eat sinfully delicious game food, and sneak in a drink (or two) before 5pm! Whether your guests are football fanatics or are tuning in to catch the commercials, we’re sharing five party tips to satisfy all ends of the fan spectrum.

1.) DIY decorations that score!

Get your game face on with DIY decor that scores big on savings. Give your home a classy, yet sporty look with easy-to-make football inspired triangle garlands like these:

For garlands with letters, you can opt to practice good sportsmanship with a neutral message like “The Big Game” or crank up the competition with team names: “Go _______!” Football party snack boxes serve as a festive decoration, but also function as bowls for popcorn, chips, crackers and other snacks. Guests can sit back on the couch with their snack box and munch away without the burden of reaching across the table (or more importantly, spilling on your upholstery!). If you run out of time to make all the boxes yourself, buy some brown paper bags and provide markers for guests to decorate their own! Not to mention, DIY snack boxes make an easy and fun arts & craft activity to keep the little ones busy during the game.

Our last decorating tip can be summed up in three words – Astroturf, Astroturf, Astroturf! Astroturf is cost effective, convenient (just pick it up at your local hardware store), and can function as drink coozies, coasters and even a table runner. Who would have thought?

2.) Tips for guests who could care less about football.

If you’re not a football fanatic, etiquette tip #1 is to downplay your lack of interest in the game (tweet this!)– no one likes a party pooper! Game day offers plenty of peripheral perks to keep everyone entertained (commercials, anyone?). As the game progresses, the die-hards naturally divide from the party goers, so in the spirit of the game, pick a team (no judgment if your decision is based on the color of the uniforms)! When the competition gets too heated for you, the kitchen is always a safe gathering spot for those seeking relaxed conversation and a break from the intensity of the game. Because food always becomes the main draw at any party, prepare a dish or two that stands out from the football finger food – like these quinoa stuffed peppers we found on Minimailist Baker. Your guests who need a football distraction will thank you!

If you are worried about being bored or isolated from all the sports talk, bring a friend. The more the merrier!  

3.) Games to get everyone in the competitive spirit

It’s always fun to heighten the excitement of the game with some friendly competition off the field. The classic betting pool is a simple way to raise the stakes and get everyone invested in the outcome of the game. If throwing down money isn’t your thing, consider betting chores or favors! Game day commercials are always a party hit. Create numbered commercial rating cards for guests to rate commercials in real time and stir up the chatter, or try a game of commercial bingo. We’ve created bingo cards here for you to print out!

If planning ahead is not your thing, create an ad hoc game. Pick a word like “football” or “referee” that guests are not allowed to say throughout the game. If they do, create a penalty, such as wearing the opposing team’s jersey!  

4.) Easy game day recipes

As the game goes on, guests will need to take out their nervousness and excitement by munching on snacks. When entertaining guests, the typical hostess-with-the-mostess might opt for more glamorous gourmet, but on football Sunday, finger food is completely suitable and almost expected. Game day guacamole is a sure way to score a touchdown with your guests – especially with this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Let your culinary creativity shine by turning your guacamole staple into a stadium inspired dip station!

There are several ways to prepare your game day grub ahead of time as well. Crockpot chili and jalapeno poppers are always crowd favorites! Finally, dessert always sweetens a victory...or defeat. We love the idea of this cupcake and beer pairing (just remember to label which cupcakes are for the adults)!

5.) Last but not least – stock up with plenty of beverages!

If you ignore all other tips, stick to #5 to ensure your guests a great time no matter what by providing an abundance of brews. Create a self-serve drink station by filling a silver trough with bottles of beer and wine, in addition to plenty of soda and water.

As long as it’s filled, even a cooler full of drinks will suffice! Your party should have a relaxed and welcoming feel, so your guests feel at home in your home.  The number one tip when it comes to THE football Sunday of football Sundays is to keep it casual and have fun! Because like football….

How are you celebrating? Leave us a comment with your party tips! Throwing parties and fun get togethers is always a great time, especially in a home you can call your own. If you're interested in owning a new home, come learn more about the variety of new homes from Shea Homes in these following locations:

California
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West
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East
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