Super Bowl Party Ideas

Alright, football fans, the time has come. The big day is here. Light up the BBQ, don your favorite team jersey or shirt and get ready to host the best Super Bowl shindig in town.

Let’s break down the essentials needed for the ultimate Super Bowl party.

Décor: Super Bowl XLVI is upon us and it’s a match-up between the Giants and the Patriots. If you’re a huge fan of either team, head to Party City or Target and stock the house up with napkins, plates and cups in the team colors. If you aren’t the type to choose sides, simply purchase some Super Bowl XLVI merchandise at Walmart.

Food: Football-inspired food is where it’s at. Usually finger food, as it’s easy to eat while chatting and watching the game and it’s also good for sharing. Load up on footlong subs, burgers, popcorn, beer and things you’d buy at the stadium or that you can grab at your local warehouse market like Sam’s Club. Or go regional and make Boston baked beans and New York style pizza or hotdogs.

Games: Games played throughout the big game are key. Whether you do the Superbowl commercial game (everyone guesses how many times they will show babies, soda, models, cars, etc.) or the Super Bowl squares game (everyone bets on the score of the game), this will add extra excitement to what’s happening on the field. All you really need is poster board and a can-win attitude!

Do you have a favorite team playing in the game? Great! Grab a shirt from Dicks Sporting Goods,  decorate the entire house in red and blue (you can’t go wrong either way) and make sure that even the cups you drink out of are Super Bowl relevant.

 

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon

How to Throw an Awards Show Party!

January can be kind of a drag. Between the weather and the never-ending talk of resolutions and change, it is easy to get stuck in the doldrums. However, one fun thing about the beginning of the year, especially if you are a movie lover, is the awards show circuit! From red carpets, to never-ending speeches, to heartfelt moments, awards shows are plain old fun…so what better way to enjoy them than with a small party? Here are some fun ideas for the BAFTAs, the Razzies, the SAGs, or the Oscars!

  • Have every person bring a dish that represents their favorite movie this year (for example: Hawaiian salad for The Descendants, Black & White Cookies for The Artist, etc.)
  • Make small scorecards in which everyone can fill out who they hope or think will win…the winner can get a small prize!
  • Stick with the theme of the awards show–Old Hollywood glam for the Oscars, fun & playful for the Razzies, and so on
  • Make plans to re-unite and watch the top-winning movie when it comes on DVD

Whatever your plans, make sure to enjoy the big night!

Image via Fiskars

Dana also writes a vintage fashion blog at www.woodstockwardrobe.com

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon

Planning a New Year’s Eve Party on a Budget

pc: etsy.com

Caught up in an anticipatory moment of ringing in 2012, you announce to your friends that you’ll host a New Year’s Eve party.  Now the reality has set in and after thinking about the logistics and costs, you’re feeling more stressed than celebratory. If you’re playing hostess this year, follow these tips for a successful New Year’s Eve party on a budget.

The most costly part of your party is likely to be the alcohol.  Most people like to indulge in a festive drink on New Year’s Eve and will expect some alcohol to be available at the party.  Make a large batch of alcoholic punch fit for the holidays, like a spiked cider or cranberry punch. Rather than leaving the measuring to your guests, you control the amount of alcohol by how much you put into the punch.  Plus, punch is easy to serve and guests can help themselves, freeing you up from playing bartender all night! On the invitation you may wish to mention that some beverages will be available but if there is a special drink a guest wishes to enjoy that they can bring it along.

Another way to save on costs is to have a later start time for your party.  Steer clear of dinner hours so that guests won’t be expecting dinner. Enlist some co-hosts who can help share the costs of food by bringing a favorite dish.  Finger foods like cheese and deli platters, fruit trays, and veggies and dip are great for large parties.

Finally, skip the DJ and make a fun, holiday play list on your iPod ahead of time.  Hit play when your guests arrive and you wont have to think about the music for the rest of the night.

Happy New Year!

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon