Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Tips for Drinks, Snacks & More

Estimates vary, but some surveys suggest that over 100 million Americans will either throw or attend a Super Bowl party. While it’s hard to know what the exact number will be for Super Bowl LX, you can be sure the event will continue the tradition. 

However, as with any type of party, hosting a Super Bowl evening can be stressful. This year’s big game takes place on February 8. If you are thinking about hosting, we have some ideas to keep things stress-free and your guests happy. 

Keep It Simple with Drinks 

If you search on Google for “Super Bowl party drinks ideas,” you’ll inevitably end up with long lists of cocktail recipes, some of which will be themed for the party – Ramos Gin Fizz for the New Orleans Saints, Manhattans for New York teams, etc. It’s fine to have a fun theme, but the last thing you want to do is spend the evening beating egg whites for cocktails. Ask any bartender about the work that goes into creating a cocktail, and it may upend your evening. Beers, wines (and sodas) take little work, but if you want to add cocktails, ensure they are conducive to batch-making, something that can be served from a punchbowl. 

No Mess, No Stress with Food 

The first thing to remember is that people are not coming for the food. You can, of course, knock their socks off with delectable delicacies, but, as with the drinks, you will want to be serving snacks that don’t require you to spend the evening in the kitchen. Wings and sliders are usually the order of the day, with items like mini-burgers often proving a hit to complement the football. People expect to eat with their hands, perhaps standing, so plan your menu around that fact. 

Think About the Non-Football Fans 

Chances are, most of your guests will have a mild interest in the game. Some will be avid fans who have bet on the Super Bowl and won’t want to miss a minute, while others will be there for everything but the football. Consider some auxiliary activities or drum up interest in the game with ideas like a sweepstakes for the first touchdown scorer. Maybe the game is enough but have a think about each type of guest and see if you can ensure that they enjoy the party. 

Plan Seating Well in Advance 

Despite the above, it’s likely that everyone will be gathered around the TV for the game itself. Have a think about numbers, where people will sit or stand, and decide the best course of action. Perhaps you need to move some furniture to accommodate your guests. A typical Super Bowl game might last up to four hours, with more time given over to all the razzamatazz around the event, so it’s well worth considering your guests’ comfort. 

Check Everything Twice Before Guests Arrive 

In this era of boundless technology, watching the game isn’t always as easy as sticking on the television. Many people use streaming apps for games, projectors for the big-screen experience, or hook their devices up to soundbars. Check the equipment before your guests arrive, making sure that the game is clearly visible and the sound works well. The last thing your guests will want is to see you spending the evening trying to sort out “technical difficulties”. 

Remember, It’s Your Party 

All of these tips are designed to ensure that your guests are comfortable and that you have time to act like a host. People remember attentive hosts fondly, but that doesn’t mean you are stuck in the kitchen shaking up cocktails and cooking snacks. Attentiveness means conversation and being stress-free to entertain your guests because your Super Bowl party has been well-planned, ensuring minimal effort on your part to entertain them.