Super Bowl Party Tips

Make sure you stock up on some great pre-game appetizers for your guests. Take it up a notch with some spicy salsa and chips or breadsticks.

Cheer on your favorite team with party food decorated in the team's colors. Color cupcakes to support you team and if you're feeling really creative, put their mascot on a cake (or just get a cake decorator to do it for you).

Don't forget to get superbowl themed party supplies! You can find anything from banners, to football plates, to cups, and more.

Save dessert for the Fourth quarter! That way if some of your guests are bummed their team is losing, they'll have some treats to cheer them up.

Don't spend too much time on the food during the game. Get it all prepared before the game so you can watch the crucial moments of the game.

If you are planning on traveling to see the game, make sure you get stadium tickets and flight tickets in advance. You don't want to miss out on one or the other.

If you are having friends over who don't root for the same team, set up a line down the middle of the room and decorate each side of the room with each team's colors.

If you are going to try the age-old Super Bowl TV trick of purchasing a large TV just to return it after the game, be sure to read up on the store's return policy from front to back. Some stores have gotten hip to this game and may have restrictions on such returns. Another option is to order it online ahead of time as some online stores have more generous return policies since you cannot see the TV in person. Just make sure to give yourself enough time for delivery and that the store will pay for return shipment back.

If you are planning to have several people over - you may need a few designated drivers - just in case!

A friendly superbowl "pool" can be fun, but keep the wagers low - or just make the losers show up for work or your next party in the opposing teams jersey!

Don't break the bank on food. But, go for variety and easy clean up!

If you are having a big party - invite the neighbors. That way they will be less likely to complain about all the cars parked in front of their house.

If there will be a lot of small children at your party make sure you have something to keep them amused while the adults watch the game. A few "kid movies" on the DVD another room could work.

Gather up some sports trivia questions to call out during commercials! Give a prize to the person that gets the most right.

Keep your Superbowl party simple. Ask everyone to bring something.

If you are buying a new TV to watch the big game make sure it has a fast "refresh rate." You want at least 120 Hz for sports. A good salesperson can point you to the TV's that are more capable. They won't be the Cheapest ones!

A fun Super Bowl Game to play is "Super Bowl Squares". This is a betting pool game where there is a set of squares with the scores 0-9 in random order on the top and left hand side. Each person can purchase one or more of the 100 squares for a preset cost per square. The numbers are assigned after every square is filled so that no one knows which scores are for their squares. The NFL teams are places on opposite sides so that the 0-9 numbers will represent the last number of their score at the end of each quarter. You can play with a payout at the end of every quarter, a payout at halftime and end of game, or just one big payout at the end. The person with the matching digits for the teams earns the payout. So if the score is the NFC team 20 to 17 for the AFC team. Then the person who has NFC team 0 and AFC team 7 would win.

Try serving only the things you could buy at the stadium. Burgers, Dogs, Chips and cheese, Soda and Beer in big paper cups, etc.

Make sure that you set up your food buffet style. When watching the game, no one will want to have a traditional sit-down meal. So make sure people the food is conducive to being carried around on paper plates.

Having a great sound system attached to your big screen TV will really make the game a memorable experience! It is usually any easy hook up from your TV to the stereo.

If you are a Saints fan - try a menu based on traditional cajun style.
Do a little research and come up with 3 or 4 easy dishes that can be served buffett style.

It may be a good idea to keep some stain remover / rug cleaner on hand for any spills that may occur during exciting plays in the game (or just by clumsy/drunk guests).

Party tip for single guys: Order pizza or a six foot sub. Let somebody else do the work! Your Buddies sure won't care. If you supplied the food and the place - have your friends supply the drinks.

If you have a crock pot, it is a great way to make such popular snacks as meatballs, chili, beans, hot cheese dips and more. Even better, the crock pot keeps the food warm throughout your Super Bowl party.

Surprise everyone with a homemade pizza. Most grocery stores sell pizza dough. Just add sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you want. It will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook! (Make 2 and spell out each team name in toppings.)

If no one feels like dealing with the mess and stress of putting on a party, go to your local sports bar or pub and watch the Super Bowl there. Many places will have drink specials as well as great food and all you have to do is show up (and bring money of course!).

Do an all cold food party! Chips, Pretzels, Put out a cold cut tray. One quick stop at the store and you can grab all you need!

Plan your start time accordingly. Some people love to pre-game while others just want some people over to watch the game with them. Make sure your start time coincides with the atmosphere that you want to portray for your party. If you start earlier, it gives people more time to drink which usually means a rowdier party. Where a start time closer to kick off will usually mean a more controlled, relaxed event.