Summer is wrapping up, the kids are back in school, the weather is starting to cool off (okay, maybe we got a little too ahead of ourselves) and many of you are ready to jump right into all of the fall decor. Another great “win” for the fall season is football! Whether your loyalty is to your favorite college team or you enjoy following the NFL (Go Jags!), there is definitely no shortage of football fans here on the First Coast. Game days are always a great opportunity to get friends and family together in your home, so we put together a list of the top tips for hosting the best game day party this football season.
Seating is Important
It’s definitely a given that most everyone coming to your game day party will want to actually watch the game, so plan ahead and make sure there will be plenty of comfortable seating and viewing areas in your home. You can gather seating from other rooms or choose to show the game in multiple areas to make sure everyone has a seat near a TV. Large cushions, beanbags, or blankets are also perfect options for kids if you need to utilize some floor seating. It’s always a top tip to make sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit when you host a game day party.
It’s Always All about the Food
It wouldn’t be a party without some great game day snacks! Football games tend to be long, so plan ahead. If your guest list is on the larger side, consider asking friends and family to bring their favorite game day dish to share. Make sure to place the food in an easy to access location, like the kitchen counter or buffet table with some small plates, napkins, and utensils, so everyone can easily come and go as they please throughout the game. Another great tip would be to place bowls of snacks on end tables throughout your home so that there are a variety of snack options within arm’s length to keep everyone from having to continually get up throughout the game.
The Beverages
Football and beer seem to go hand in hand, but it’s always good to have options for everyone, including kids and those who want non-alcoholic options. Stock multiple coolers or buckets filled with ice throughout your home with beer, water, juice, or soda or if you want to really get festive, create a drink station with your favorite mixers and come up with a fun signature drink for the day that matches the football theme or your favorite team. The options are truly endless!
Don’t Forget the Games
Many of the best football parties always have extra games to play during downtime before the game and throughout halftime. If the weather is nice, set out some fun outdoor games like cornhole, horseshoe, extra footballs, and other fun outdoor-style games to keep your guests having fun throughout the day. Make sure to set out games for guests of all ages.
We Always Love a Good Theme
Who doesn’t love a good theme at a party? There are so many football-themed decorations to choose from, so the creative options are endless. You can decorate with your favorite team color throughout your home with table coverings, plates, and napkins and even some of the snacks. Another fun tip would be to cover your serving tables with brown craft paper so you can easily label your drinks and different dishes right on the paper for easy clean up. You can also get your pets involved and dress them up as the team mascot! Decorating for your next game day party is a great way to tap into your creative side.
The tips above are just a starting point in planning a top-notch game day party for your friends and family this football season. We would love to hear some of your favorite game day tips and signature party dishes that you make sure to include every football season!
