Hosting a watch party for the biggest game of the year? With a little planning, game day can be just as fun for you as it’s for your guests.
To help you enjoy football's biggest night with minimal stress, here are three tips for hosting:
- How to plan and set up in advance, so you can relax and enjoy the game
- Food and beverage ideas to keep everyone happy
- Special touches that will make your gathering one to remember
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the go-to host every football season.
1. Draw Up the Pre-Game Playbook
Just like the teams prepare for the final matchup, a great watch party starts with a solid game plan. Before kickoff, take a few minutes to map out everything you’ll need, from food and drinks to seating and decor.
Here are the key things to check off your list:
- Game Day Eats and Drinks: Stock up on snacks, main dishes, and beverages.
- Serving Essentials: Make sure you have enough plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.
- Festive Decor: Team banners, tablecloths, and balloons help set the mood.
- Seating and Space: Arrange chairs for optimal TV viewing and clear pathways for guests.
You’ll also want to think through a few logistics in advance:
- Invitations: Are you sending out casual texts, creating an event invite, or keeping it open?
- Guest Contributions: Will it be a potluck, or are you providing all the food and drinks?
- Parking: If street parking is limited, consider giving guests a heads-up on where to park.
- TV and Sound Setup: Make sure your screen is big enough, the sound is clear, and everything is working before game day. If needed, consider upgrading or renting equipment.
- Temperature Control: Depending on where you’re watching the game, a portable heater can keep things cozy, while a misting fan helps beat the heat in warmer climates.
With these details handled in advance, you’ll be free to enjoy the game without scrambling at the last minute.
2. Plan the Ultimate Game Day Menu
Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to be complicated—stick to fan-favorite foods that are easy to prepare and serve.
Kickoff Snacks and Appetizers
Start with a spread of bite-sized options guests can graze on throughout the game:
- Chips and dip
- Veggie trays
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Shrimp cocktail
- Chicken wings
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Mini sliders or pulled pork sandwiches
- Bowls of nuts, pretzels, or popcorn
Halftime Main Course
Since the game lasts a few hours, you’ll want a heartier option to keep everyone satisfied.
- Chili Bar: Serve up a pot of chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
- Subs: Sandwiches are easy to prep ahead of time and great for feeding a crowd.
- Build-your-Own Pizza: A portable pizza oven lets you make crispy, restaurant-quality pizzas in minutes. Set out pre-made dough, sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.
- Taco Station: Have tortillas, meat, beans, and toppings for an easy self-serve meal.
Sweet Treats
No party is complete without dessert. Keep it simple with a tray of cookies and brownies, or invite guests to bring their own sweet treat to share. And when it’s time to celebrate a big play, break out the stogies from your humidor to share with buddies.
Game-Time Beverages
Food and drinks are the name of the game here, so you’ll want to have a variety of beverages to suit all your guests. Stock up on a mix of options, including:
- Beer (consider having a mix of light and craft options)
- Wine or seltzers
- Soft drinks, water, and sports drinks for non-alcoholic choices
- A signature cocktail, like a game-day punch or themed margarita
All those bottles and cans can take up valuable real estate in your refrigerator. A freestanding beverage fridge keeps everything chilled and within reach. Look for one with:
- Adjustable racks to fit cans, bottles, and mixers
- Dual-zone cooling to separate beer, wine, and soda
-
Rapid chilling to quickly cool drinks before guests arrive
- Easy-to-use exterior displays and controls
This one is on sale!
No room for a freestanding beverage fridge? No problem. There are also built-in models that can be installed under a kitchen counter or basement wet bar.
And don’t forget the ice! Instead of constantly refilling trays or running to the store mid-game, a portable ice maker can keep up with demand, producing a fresh batch every 15 minutes. Check out our sales page for discounted options!
3. Add Extras for an Unforgettable Watch Party
Want to take your game day gathering to the next level? Add a few special touches:
- Set Up Squares: Let guests buy in for a chance to win money at the end of each quarter.
- Football Trivia: Challenge your guests with a football-themed quiz to test their knowledge.
- Appetizer Contest: Have guests bring their best game day dish and vote on their favorite.
- Commercial Bingo: Create bingo cards featuring common ad themes and see who gets the first win.
These activities make your gathering more fun for everyone, even those who aren’t big football fans.
Get Ready for Game Day with Newair
From beverage fridges and ice makers to pizza ovens and humidors, Newair has everything you need to host an epic watch party. Shop online for fast shipping, easy returns, and top-rated customer service—plus, you’ll be supporting a U.S.-based brand that’s here to help you entertain in style.
Make this year’s championship watch party your best one yet with Newair! Think of us as your home team advantage for entertaining success!
