
To accompany these high-end bites, craft beers, complementary wines, and super cocktails are a necessity. Fresh kabobs, satays, and lollipops can be easy to make and eat while also being restaurant worthy. Let individual tostadas replace messy nachos, and put your grill to work making pizzas instead of hot dogs. When it comes to the fare, finger foods work well, but put a gourmet spin on them. Keep a dedicated dance floor space, and not only will your guests be able to join in the halftime show, you can use the same venue for the after party – just add a DJ. Make sure there are plenty of screens showing the game, and place them strategically so that everyone can get a good view. If you have tables, eschew traditional flower centerpieces in favor of a full-size football helmet or mini footballs in a vase. Inflatable footballs, pom-poms, and foam hands come in handy when cheering or booing.

If you’re looking to score big with your sports party, choose décor in the colors of your team, but go for the extra point with banners, flags, and even pillows displaying the team’s logo.

After years of planning events, we’ve learned that hosting a winning tailgate or Super Bowl party offers plenty of opportunity for creativity and begs for more than wings or chips and dip, whatever the Super Bowl commercials might say.
