You spend your weekends anticipating Sunday night football, and now it’s your turn to host the game day party. Hosting a memorable watch party goes beyond just showing the game at your place. It’s about curating an exciting experience filled with good food, drinks, and lighthearted trash talk. Oh, and party games that will keep the competitive vibes and high spirits going during halftime. Home and Texture created a detailed guide to help you plan the best football party of the season. Read on for hosting tips to elevate your party from the playoffs to Super Bowl status.

Let’s Get This Party Started

Setting the mood for your party starts with the invites. Get creative, but keep it casual! Design digital invitations featuring your favorite team’s colors or a football theme and text them out. Encourage guests to wear jerseys or corresponding shades. Decorate your space with banners, balloons, streamers, and a little table confetti if you don’t mind cleaning it up.

Feed the Fans

No football party is complete without the wings, sliders, and nachos trio. Plan a menu that caters to everyone’s preferences by asking your guests about their dietary restrictions. Who wants to prepare or buy a bunch of food for it to be left uneaten? Go buffet style, allowing guests to load up their plates to ensure it’s all gone by the end of the fourth quarter. And don’t forget dessert! Ideally, you’ll want to stay on theme with a dessert shaped like a football for a fun touch. Nevertheless, plain desserts are okay, too.

Drinks on You

When serving a football feast, stock up on drinks for everyone to wash it down. Offer beers, wine coolers, and non-alcoholic options. You can also play bartender and whip up a themed cocktail or punch. Remember to have plenty of ice on hand.

In-House Competitions

While the main event is watching the game, you should keep the party energized during halftime or breaks. Set up beer pong, board and card games, and football trivia.

Queue Your Playlist

A curated playlist of the latest and hottest tracks, mixed with some classic anthems, will keep the vibes strong. Upbeat jams only, please.

Embrace Comfort

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when throwing a game day party is not having enough seating for everyone. A cozy, inviting atmosphere will encourage guests to feel relaxed and engaged when socializing or watching the game. Raise the comfort factor of your lounge area with throw pillows and blankets.

You Don’t Have to Go Home…Yet

Even after the game ends, the party doesn’t have to stop. Keep the celebration going with conversation or even a friendly flag football match outdoors. Offer late-night snacks for those staying a little longer to wind down.

Make Lasting Memories

Show your appreciation to your guests for attending your event. Send them home with a small party favor, like Polaroid photos captured throughout the night. Or, you can take pictures on your phone and create a shared digital album for everyone.

The basis of an unforgettable football game day event is as simple as attention to detail and creating a lively atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and entertained. With these tips, your party will be the talk of the group chat until the next big game rolls around.