7 Tips for a Football Viewing Party

Help throw a great party – all while cheering on your favorite team – with these seven tips:

1. Feed the crowd

Looking to serve a big group with a simple snack? Popcorn is a must, whether it’s heated in the microwave or an air popper. Ambitious hosts may even opt for a popcorn machine. Stock up on enough kernels to last throughout the game – and for movie nights to come.

Pro-Tip: After the warm popcorn has been poured into a bowl, mix with chocolate chips or M&M’s for a sweet and salty combo.

2. Think about leftovers

Always follow this rule of thumb: Only buy food you want to eat for leftovers. Running out of time? No problem. Order online through Costco Grocery before the big game.

Pro-Tip: It can be as easy as heating up the oven. Drop by the deli for mac and cheese, sandwich platters, or take and bake pizzas.

3. Put the score in sight

Rearrange your furniture with the TV as the focal point. Stagger every seat like a movie theater so guests don’t have to stretch to see the score. If you’re unsure about your total party count, grab spare pillows and blankets for the floor. Cozy up!

Pro-Tip: Want the ultimate experience? Impress your guests with a bigger TV. Add surround sound speakers and you’ll be ready to hear through the loudest cheers.

4. Consider the commercial breaks

Prepare for commercial breaks with some simple distractions. Turn on upbeat music when the commercials play, and fill spare countertops with games.

Pro-Tip: Worried about losing the remote during commercial breaks? Place the controller in a designated bin that only you and a few trusted people can find. No one will flip the channel “just for a minute” and miss out on major moments.

5. Prepare for spills

Spills happen. Someone may raise their red cup during a touchdown, and accidentally release a mini waterfall on the carpet. Be prepared for messes with cleaning products – and plenty of extra trash bags. Make sure every room is ready, not just the living room. Stock up on bathroom supplies if you’re running low.

Pro-Tip: Put the trash can in plain sight, near where your guests will be chowing down. The more your guests clean up along the way, the less you’ll need to clean at the end of the night.

6. Make space for the kids

Entertain kids with their own “kids’ corner” in another part of the house. Press play and have them watch a movie, act out their favorite books, use their imagination to start building new projects or play on a video game console. Have a rec room? Make sure it’s ready for guests of all ages.

Pro-Tip: Keep active kids focused with an easy baking project. Grab cookie cutters and encourage them to make football-shaped treats.

7. Opt for tailgating

Skipping the indoor celebration and opting to tailgate instead? Prepare for finicky weather with comfortable seating and plenty of overhead coverage. Serve up food that can be made with less than 5 ingredients: hot dogs, corn on the cob, s’mores, kabobs, and of course, chips and dip.

Pro-Tip: Stow a kit of essentials in your trunk. You never know when you’ll be in need of trash bags, paper towels, wet wipes and cutlery.