Score a Super Bowl Party Touchdown * The Holidaze Craze

You and your team have been working up to this moment all year (unless they lost in the first bracket): SUPER BOWL!

Or, you’re reading this article to get some great football party ideas before the event. We’re cool either way, because FOOTBALL! FRIENDS! FOOD!

You’re going to need a bit of setup, here.

What teams are playing, even? Do they have school colors? Grab some napkins, plates, and a tablecloth using that scheme.

You can also whip up (or purchase) a few garlands, pinwheels, and tissue flowers. I got some tissue for a great deal at Michael’s the other day.

See? Don’t those colors really POP?

I am definitely a minimalist when it comes to decorating for a Super Bowl Party. My guests tend to feel restricted by referee shirt-wrapped cold ones, and they pop those helmet-topped cupcakes straight into their mouths.

I like a few, subtle touches; like a clever banner.

This one was crafted from AstroTurf and brown felt. If anyone notices, they’ll give it a good chuckle before going back to the game.

-Which is also my goal of taking the theme through to the serving plates and bowls.

I admit that I laughed out loud when I saw this football-shaped platter and bowls. They’ll help out any fails in the appetizer department.

Speaking of food, we need to spend a really long time planning out some munchies. For many, this makes or breaks a great party.

I don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially friends. So, I’m going to start with a phenomenal nacho recipe.

You’ll need oil and chorizo, onion, garlic, a can of black beans, tortilla chips, lettuce, salsa, avocado, cilantro, pickled jalapeño, and sour cream.

Dude. I told you it was amazing.

Another staple appetizer is meatballs. You can’t get meatier than whipping these babies up with ground bison or beef.

You’ll also want some breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded carrot and celery, and spices. The really great part is the sauce; made from butter, broth, hot sauce, and ketchup.

I think I’m drooling. I’d better make some ahead of time, to be sure they turn out.

Quite clearly, I could go on forever about food. We’ve got to get to the rest of our party, though, so I’ll leave you with a final snack standard: wings.

This recipe for Sunkist Wings is, literally, finger-licking tasty.

Using basics like orange juice, black pepper, hot sauce, and Sunkist soda; you’ll create the perfect glaze for 3 lbs. of chicken wings.

If you don’t have time for cooking, there’s the freezer section at Costco.

Another great idea I stumbled across was a game suggestion as well: Chili Cook-Off.

Depending on who comes and who’s game; you’ll have bowls of chili, friendly competition, and an ice-breaker for attendees.

Maybe you’re one of those hosts or hostesses who just can’t have an event without games.

Whether you are or not, a great way to warm up for the Super Bowl is by playing football. Makes sense, right?

America’s game can be played in varying levels of intensity, but I recommend two-hand touch or flag versions to avoid broken bones (and prides).

Whether the weather’s cooperating or not, you may want a few indoor games as well.

A simple idea is a few friendly predictions. Included are: which side will the coin toss land on, who will commit the first penalty, and (of course) who will win.

Make it more worth their while with prizes, or a full-out betting deal. Double or nothing, anyone?