Are You Ready for Some Football?
The 2023 NFL football season is upon us and aside from attending a game in person, there’s nothing better than cheering on your favorite team with friends at a football watch party. Here are 10 tips to host your own party, whether you’re a rookie host or a veteran party planner looking to up your game!
Choose Your Players.
Once you’ve decided on the date and time of your party, make your guest list and send out invitations. Keep in mind that if your list includes couples and/or families, you’ll need to provide activities and space for those who may not be as focused on the game. (See item #7.)
Send Out Invitations.
A two-week lead time for sending out invitations is ideal – and make sure to include a deadline for RSVP. Evite.com has some great NFL invitation templates and makes the whole process easy for hosts and their guests.
Plan Your Decor.
Gather team-themed items you already have as a starting point and then fill in as you envision your vibe. Here are some ideas.
- Create an Insta-worthy backdrop for guests with a balloon arch in team colors and football-themed balloons from your favorite party store.
- Build a concession stand for your food, complete with letter board signage.
- Roll out the green carpet. Use cheap astro turf anywhere – a strip to your front door, as a tablecloth or runner, cut into small pieces for coasters.
- Have a pickup truck? In true tailgating style, use the back of your truck as a beverage center.
- Decorate with team pennants, pompoms, goalposts, confetti, etc. Need more creative ideas? Pinterest is your best brainstorming friend!
Check Your Video and Audio.
Make sure your big screen will be a crowd-pleaser. Test your video and audio equipment, and confirm that the big game will be accessible on your device. You don’t want to fumble first thing on game day! All guests should have seating in the viewing area, so you may need to relocate your television to a bigger space. Consider having multiple viewing areas – the main screen and others in traffic areas so no one misses a moment of the action.
Create Your Menu.
Finger foods are fun and easy: pigs in a blanket, sliders, chips and dips, wings, veggie trays, pizza, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Put together a DIY chili and toppings bar with cheeses, sour cream, guacamole, avocado, tomatoes, olives, tortilla crumbles, cilantro, etc.
Dress the Part.
Don’t forget to wear your team jersey and maybe add a dab of under-eye black. As a fun alternative, dress the part of your team’s cheerleaders, or be a ref with a whistle if you’ll have opposing fans in attendance!
Add Game to Your Game.
Although the game itself is the main feature and will keep most guests entertained, pre-game activities could include football trivia, cornhole, or simply throwing a football in the yard. And remember, kids and even some adults will probably want alternative fun! A special room for kids with crafts, games, and their own visual entertainment (movies or video games) will go a long way to ward off whining. Kid-appropriate movie ideas: “The Game Plan” featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Little Giants” starring Rick Moranis and Ed O’Neill.
Document the Fun With Video.
Make sure you get pictures and video during the game – particularly animated cheering for post-game replay.
Score Extra Points With Take-Home Goodie Bags.
Label treat bags with cute sayings like “I hope you had a ball!” Fill with cute items like a football stress ball, pop (“Superbowl”) rings, team pennants, football shaped chocolates, etc.
Follow Up With Your Fans.
Replay the fun with social media posts thanking your guests, continuing the celebration, and solidifying great memories.
