10 Tips For Being The Ultimate Super Bowl Party Host (Slideshow)
However, what sets apart a good party from a great party is the host. And, in this case, that's you. If you want to ensure that your Super Bowl soirée goes off without a hitch, there are a few tips you need to follow to be the best host possible.
Ask Your Guests for Ideas
If you want to make sure your guests have the best possible time at your Super Bowl party, don't be afraid to crowdsource. While you call, text, or email them to invite them to your home to watch the big game, ask them if there are any particular foods, drinks, or activities they want at your party. If you find more than a few of your friends are craving some Buffalo chicken dip, whip up a batch.
For "51 Things You Should Do Before Super Bowl LI," click here.
Create a Comfortable, Fun Atmosphere
Your job as party host begins long before the party starts. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, make sure that your home is both clean and tidy. Nobody wants to have their eyes shifting from dust bunnies to the big game. Then, ensure that your viewing area has enough seating for all of your guests. If it doesn't, pull in chairs from other rooms or improvise by putting throw pillows on the floor. Finally, make your home feel festive by decking the halls with Super Bowl-themed decorations.
For "8 Football Decorations That Will Make Your Super Bowl Party Stand Out," click here.
Fill the Menu With Classic Foods
This unofficial national holiday is filled with food traditions, so be sure to stay on-theme with your menu. No Super Bowl party would be complete without pizza, chicken wings, chili, nachos, or guacamole, so don't be the one party on the block without them.
For "20 Essential Super Bowl Party Foods and How to Make Them," click here.
Overestimate the Amount of Food Needed
Super Bowl Sunday is the second-biggest food day in America, falling short to only the ultimate food coma day: Thanksgiving. If you're serving mostly small dishes and appetizers at your party, it's generally recommended that you have 8 to 12 pieces of food per person. For the Super Bowl, multiply that by 1.5, allowing at least 12 pieces of food per person. Good hosts know you should never leave guests wanting for food. Though it sounds like a lot, between chicken wings, cocktail meatballs, pieces of pizza, and mini pulled pork sandwiches, it isn't too bad.
For "10 Ways to Be a Better Host in the New Year," click here.
Have a Well-Stocked Bar
If a Super Bowl party is all about the food, then it certainly isn't complete without a good assortment of drinks. You don't need to spend a ton of money on beer and liquor for your Super Bowl party. Some of America's favorite beers, including Bud Light, Busch, and Coors Light, happen to be the most budget-friendly brews out there. Also, be sure to have a small assortment of liquor and mixers for your friends who aren't big fans of beer.
To learn how to stock your bar for entertaining, click here.
Make Introductions
You don't want any of your guests awkwardly milling about because they don't know anyone at your party besides you. A gracious host introduces old friends to new friends. Be sure to orchestrate at least a few introductions. To do so, say, "X, I'd like you to meet Y." Then, say how you know each party. A person knowledgeable in etiquette and the art of small talk will also give a bit of information about each person, such as something they know each party has in common or how they know each other.
For "How to Make Dinner Party Small Talk Like a Pro," click here.
Allow Your Guests to Feel at Home
Despite all of the work that goes into the planning, at its core, a Super Bowl party is a really casual gathering. It centers around a buffet of food, a couch, and a TV set. Make sure your guests know that, for the evening, your home is your guests' home. Show them where the restroom is, let them know they're free to grab food whenever, and tell them they may sit wherever they like.
Visit With All Your Guests
You don't want your Super Bowl party to come, go, and realize that you forgot to say hi to your co-worker or discuss the halftime show with your Lady Gaga-obsessed friend. Make sure to greet everyone when they come into your home, and set aside at least a few minutes to talk with each guest one-on-one. Though you'll be busy attending to various things as a host (and watching the big game), it's important to show each attendee that you're happy they came.
Be Attentive
Though your guests should feel free to do as they wish at your Super Bowl party, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't still be catered to. As host, keep an eye on people and be observant. If you see an empty glass, offer to pour another drink. If you see an empty plate, ask if you can take it to the dishwasher. These people are guests in your home, so treat them well by being conscientious.
Keep the Party Organized
In order to make sure that the party is a success, you should ensure that people who want to watch the game, chat about the commercials, or dance along to the halftime show are able to do so. You don't want to be the behavior police at your party, but know your guests' interests and be sure that their desires are being met. Try to keep discussions and uninterested guests away from the TV.
To learn "How to Throw a Great Super Bowl Party Even if You Don't Like Football," click here.