11 Super Bowl Party Essentials

The Super Bowl is one of the year's best reasons to throw an unforgettable party, and of course, good food and drink matter just as much as watching your beloved team compete on the field.

Click here for the 11 Must-Have Items for Your Super Bowl Party Slideshow.

We've been planning our ultimate Super Bowl Sunday feast since last year: Dean Fearing's not-so-secret recipe for an unforgettable Frito Pie (made with Bill Cosby's favorite chili, of course), crispy potatoes topped with all sorts of goodies (from cheese to deviled egg filling), tons of chips and dip, and lots of beer. And to distinguish our party from all the rest, an assortment of party supplies that are like the icing on the cake: light-up football-shaped ice cubes to dress up your cocktail, a bit of turf for your table, and jars to make individual portions of seven-layer dip — that means no double dipping.

The secret to a festive party is all in the presentation. Yes, having the game on is essential (HD, please!), and a menu inspired by the dueling team's home city, of course. Opting for paper plates to make cleaning up easy? Have a little fun and bring the field home with stadium-themed paper goods. No smoker? No problem. With a little forethought, you can still enjoy the best of Texas BBQ, too. We've even thought about the perfect quick and easy dessert spread to tempt guests before they head home — super "bowl" sundaes and football-topped cupcakes — along with consolation prizes for those who don't take home the pool winnings that are sure to leave a good taste in everyone's mouth.

Click here for the 11 Must-Have Items for Your Super Bowl Party Slideshow.