Super Bowl Party Checklist

For football fans, the Super Bowl is one the highlights of any year, even more so if your team made it to the field. Whether you're cheering on the Chiefs or soaring with with Eagles on February 12, game day is always more fun with friends and family. So why not throw a Super Bowl party? You don't have to worry about getting too fancy. Think easy and hearty snack foods, fun decor, and a big TV to let everyone take in the big game. Make sure your Super Bowl party is truly epic this year with these party-planning essentials.

Super Bowl Party Essentials

Get your Super Bowl party started with these essential items, which can be ordered and sourced well in advance of the big game.

• Super Bowl decorations
  Buy a banner and streamers to hang, scatter real or inflatable footballs around the party room, and dangle football-shaped balloons from the ceiling. Let team colors dictate your party color scheme.
• Coolers, buckets, or small tubs for drinks
  If you have the space, get a few small containers to fill with ice to keep beer and other drinks cool. Place them in strategic spots so guests won't be constantly getting up and going to the kitchen for a refill.
  
• Bottle openers
  Invest in a few of these so your guests won't have trouble hunting one down; the fewer distractions from the game, the better.
  
• Plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery
  If you're going the disposable route, choose sturdy items that can hold up to heavy fare like loaded nachos, pizza, and chili. Now is definitely not the time to break out your best china—it's inevitable that things will get knocked over during the excitement of the game.
• Serving platters, trays, and bowls
  Pick up inexpensive football-themed items to add to the fun. Just make sure you have enough serving pieces for all the snacks you'll be setting out.
• Napkins
  You'll need lots of these for wiping messy fingers and greasy spills throughout the night.
• Seating
  After food and beer, this is the most essential element of your party. Make sure you have enough seats in front of the TV for everyone who's attending. Ask friends to bring over folding chairs if you don't have enough, and don't forget to dig up those lawn and camping chairs you've stored for the winter. Put out throw rugs or blankets and scatter some large pillows so that even those seated on the floor can get comfortable, and consider having a secondary TV or seating set up elsewhere for overflow (or for guests who may want to chat instead of watching the game). And if the weather's decent, an outdoor Super Bowl party may be a fun alternative for a big crew (and give you plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the game).

Planning a Super Bowl Party Menu

Deciding what to serve at your Super Bowl party is probably the most fun part of the planning. You can go with the classics—pizza and wings, nachos, and beer—or mix it up with some healthier (but still tasty options).

• Food
  Serve a mix of items to satisfy everyone, and go for both finger foods and Super Bowl snacks that are easy to pick up and eat—think sandwiches, chips and dips, wings, and pizza—and heartier fare like chili and barbecue or these healthier Super Bowl recipes to balance out all that beer. Make sure you have plenty of food; guests will want to replenish often during the game. It's best to set up a buffet table off to the side where people can load up on main-course items, then have several smaller tables in the TV room with snacks that people can nosh on during the game.
  
• Beer
  Stock up on an assortment of bottles and cans to keep everyone happy. If you're expecting a large crowd, you might want to invest in a keg. Mini kegs are another great option—you can buy a variety of brands and they'll contribute to the party atmosphere without reminding you too much of a frat house. Pro tip: Plan on two drinks per person for the first hour, and then another drink per person for the rest of the party.
• Soda or other non-alcoholic drinks
  Don't forget about the non-drinkers in your group, or those who just want to take a break in between brews. To keep the party vibe going, try your hand at a party-appropriate mocktail.
• Cocktail or wine
  If your crew is more about bourbon than beer, consider offering a cocktail setup in addition to the beer. (Here's what you need for a stellar home bar setup.) Or if you have wine-loving friends, pick of a few bottles that pair well with the party foods you're serving. How much wine will you need? The general rule of thumb is to assume two glasses per person drinking and a standard bottle yields four glasses.
• Ice
  Keep plenty of ice on hand, more than you think you'll need. You should plan on at least 1 to 2 pounds per person, though you may need more if you're using it to keep your drink coolers full, and for non-beer-drinking guests who want to add ice to their beverages, too.