Super Bowl Prep
I love January on many levels. Because the holiday rush is over. For reflection of a prior year. For the snow I always hope will come (I’m a winter baby). For what I believe to be a peacefulness and calm. But I also love it for Super Bowl. Now, before you roll your eyes… just hear me out.
You see, Super Bowl has many features. Of course, there are the parties. Everyone likes a good party. And the food, we can’t forget all the good appetizers that come out. The drinks… and some are crazy.. (the drinks that is). Oh, the commercials! We talk about these for days. Who was the best, who has a new product? Even if you aren’t a football fan, the commercials are a highlight of the day. The Superbowl halftime show is always a controversy. Did the performer do their best? Was there a malfunction of wardrobe or music?
But I think the biggest thing I like about Super Bowl is the “teamwork”.
If you observe the human behavior as it relates to the Super Bowl, you will see that people come together. They come together over their favorite teams. They come together over food prep and decorations. They come together whether they are football fans or not. At the end of the day, it may not matter which teams are playing. The bigger event is that we come together. The teams themselves come together to get it done. Or hopefully so!
So let’s put our teamwork together for a little decorating and food prep inspiration!
For those that have that room in their home where they host the iconic Superbowl party…
I find that when I host a party, if the food is not around where everyone is, I tend to have more leftovers. If the food is in the middle of where they are, they will pick at it and eat. For Super Bowl, since the TV is the main event, you will want to put your tasty bits in that room and perhaps right in front of the seating area. Be sure to provide a good mix of food like cold and hot varieties. Veggie varieties for those that don’t eat meat or perhaps are gluten free. Small two or three bite sandwiches are great, sliders provide that hearty go to and of course the iconic chips and dip are always good mainstays.
Pinterest is a great starting point if you just don’t know what you want to put together. There are so many ideas there for everything from quick put togethers to creative recipes.
Make sure the area where you are gathering for the main event is spacious and not a lot of furniture pieces. You will have people standing and sitting, but always have enough seating for all so everyone is comfortable. I find the 4th quarter to be very emotionally charged and most will be standing by the time the last 5 minutes roll around.
Put the majority of your food out as everyone is arriving. Especially the hot offerings.
Be sure to have your food up high enough so your furry kids don’t get into something they shouldn’t. They always know the perfect time to grab and run with food table items… right when there’s a touch down!
At halftime, I will usually begin some clean up after the halftime show. If I see that the guests are still picking, I’ll refresh if I can, the cold options.
After the 3rd quarter, you will want to begin putting out coffee perhaps and some desserts if you are providing them. Finger foods are usually best, however, it depends on your crowd. I do know someone that puts out a whole Italian spread at the beginning complete with Lasagna, Caesar salad, anti pasta and more. Cupcakes, cookies and candy usually hit the spot but there is no wrong or right way.
Now if cooking is not your fancy, then bring in your home teams for assistance. There is the catering option, purchasing food trays or have your guests each bring a dish. Or any combination.
Now the decorations can be huge here! From just a few to over the top. Again, Pinterest is my winning team for finding great ideas. They don’t have to be costly. Most you can make right at home. But the ideas will begin flowing if you just search for Superbowl party decorations. As I was searching, I noticed that some ideas I already had the pieces for at home. If you are a crafty person, and perhaps have a Cricut machine, you will be totally
If you are serving alcohol, you may want to consider a few things. Although I’m not attorney or insurance agent, I am recommending you think through this part of the party. Insurance companies do have “event insurance” for times like this. It’s not terribly expensive, usually just a couple hundred dollars but can give you peace of mind. It doesn’t mean you can just forget though. Do make sure that all of your guests get home safe. Designated drivers, or a car service can make a world of difference too.
Have a great Superbowl and be safe!
From your Winning Teammate!