Tips to Host a Football Watch Party Without the Stress
Hosting a football watch party can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re throwing a block party or just enjoying time with family, you want to have an amazing time watching the game. From making your house smell amazing to the menu, we’re talking about everything in this blog post.
Every year while growing up, my mom made a delicious menu for watching the big game. So believe me when I say I know a thing or two about buffalo chicken dip haha! Let’s dive in!
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If you’re throwing a football game day party, you’ve got to check out these top party ideas to score big with your guests! These tips will be helpful, from fun games to keep guests entertained at halftime to setting the scene with team spirit!
Crafting a Menu
Serving amazing food is one of the most important parts of watching football! Whether you make your menu items from scratch or get wings from a local eatery, you’ll want to have a plan. Since kickoff is right around supper (dinner) time, it’s important to choose a menu style. Do you want a super bowl meal with sides and desserts? Or do you want to do a buffet-style line of snacks and appetizers?
My personal favorite is a buffet-style line of snacks. This style not only provides a kickoff meal but also the option to snack all through the four quarters. If you choose the meal style, not to worry. Just have some snacky items ready for the second half.
Food Ideas
The main foods on your menu should be the spotlight of the table. If you’re going for more of a full meal, choose one entrée, 2 sides, and a dessert. This will ensure everyone is full but still able to snack in the second quarter of the game.
Entrée Ideas
- Easiest Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Slow Cooker Recipe)
- Buffalo chicken egg rolls
- Wings (bone-in or boneless) (always a must for us!)
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Taco bar
- Calzones
- Potato Soup
- Pizza
Side Dish Ideas
- Mac n Cheese
- Rice
- Bread Sticks
- Cornbread
- Jalapeno cheddar sourdough scones
- Hush Puppies
- Breaded Cheese Balls
Dessert Ideas
- Sourdough Brownies (football shaped for a bonus)
- Chocolate chip banana bread pudding
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Chocolate chip cookie bars
- Crockpot berry cobbler
- Chocolate lava cake
- Cookie dough dip
- Rice Krispy Treats
Easy Appetizers & Snacks for Game Day
The best appetizers for game day are simple to eat by hand without making a huge mess. These appetizers should be quick to pick up and run back in to see if they made the field goal. Here’s a few ideas to whip up:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip (always a must for us!)
- Chips and Salsa
- Queso Dip
- BBQ crockpot meatballs
- Pretzel bites and cheese dip
- Pigs in a blanket
- Jalapeno cheddar sourdough scones
- Nachos
Delicious Drinks for the Whole Family
The one part of a party that often gets overlooked is drinks. It’s not just about grabbing a few 2-liters of soda from the store. It’s about serving drink options that complement your food. If you want to serve soda, 100% grab a few bottles but have homemade options on the side! I’m not talking about ice water, that should always be out and available. I’m also not talking about wine or alcoholic cocktails. Here’s a few ideas everyone will love, serve them in a pitcher with ice:
- How to Make Iced Peach Tea (Under 15 Minutes)
- Mango Lemonade From Scratch (Simple and Easy Recipe)
- Easiest Watermelon Lemonade (Only 4 Simple Ingredients)
- Watermelon Iced Tea Recipe (Easy to Make at Home)
Football Watch Party Outfit
Choosing an outfit may seem unnecessary especially if you’re staying in without guests coming over. But let me tell you, this doesn’t mean you have to wear a party dress. If you’re staying in, make it fun by wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants and t-shirt or a pair of cozy pajamas. If you’re hosting a party, think cozy and cute. You want to always wear something you’re comfortable in. Try a sweater and jeans or a tunic blouse with leggings. No matter what you wear, the day is meant for football, fun, and food! Don’t overthink your outfit.
Half Time Games
If you’re hosting a party and you know many guests have zero interest in watching the half time, plan a few games. This is the perfect time to create your own half time show. Grab a board game, dominos, deck of cards, or banana grams. Have a basket full of game options setting out to get everyone excited!
Conclusion
We’ve walked through football watch party menu styles, food ideas, entrees, appetizers, snacks, desserts, drinks, decorations, outfits, and even half time games. This guide has everything you need to host a stress free party. If you’re thinking, “this seems too easy”, you’re right, it’s supposed to be easy! You want game day to be fun not overwhelming.