Plan the Perfect Football Event!

Are you ready for some football? Over the next few months many of us will attend a fantasy draft, pre-game tailgate, tournament, or viewing party involving our country's favorite sport. The tips below will help you host an A-list NFL celebration!

Your instinct may be to invite only diehard football fans, but don't neglect those who are simply fans of social events. The most fun parties are those that bring together people you've known your whole life and people you're just meeting. Always mix things up!

After you send your invites, choose the setup of your room and assess the seating situation. If you have a big group, plan for enough seating to make sure no one is left standing. Set up some tall bar stools and tables behind the couch so that even people in the back have a great view. No matter where people are seated they should have a clear view of the television screen. This can be used as a great excuse to get a new, larger TV!

The game should be the focus of your event, but the aesthetics are half the fun. For game-viewing parties, functional decorations work the best. Pick up football-themed plates, napkins, and cups to give guests something to look at during commercials. Set out face paints in your favorite team's colors so guests can get in the spirit. If you decide to get more elaborate with your decorating, make sure nothing you put out blocks the view of the TV!

For some people, viewing parties are all about the food. Foods that are easy to pick up and don't distract from watching the game are the best. Classics like pizza, wings, and chips and dip are easy to put together and are always a hit. Have fun with the presentation of your food! Make a football out of pepperoni on your pizza or buy some white icing and draw laces on chocolate desserts such as brownies and cupcakes. Don't forget about drinks! Beer is always a favorite. Having an assortment of Gatorade in team colors is also a nice on-theme touch. If you end up with a large group of guests, you may wish to offset the cost of refreshments by creating a 'cover charge' and selling tickets in advance.

If you'll have kids around during the event it's important to keep them occupied. Give them their own place to celebrate by painting a faux football field in your backyard and setting up an inflatable goal post so they can play a game on their own! If you have multiple TVs in the house you can also set up a separate viewing area for the kids.
  
With a great group of friends, sensible decorations, delicious food, and distracted children, your event is sure to be a touchdown!