Growing up, I was not a sports fan. When it came to events like the Super Bowl, I was always more of a “catch you later!” versus a “catch me on the sidelines” kind of girl. When people talked excitedly about the rush of a good game, I smiled politely and did my best not to go glassy eyed.
As I grew into adulthood, something shifted. Perhaps it was my years spent living in a certain city of Brotherly Love, home of the most fervent of football fans. (Go Birds!) Maybe it was marrying into a family of athletic fanatics. Whatever the cause, their enthusiasm was electric and it became impossible not to join in the fun!
As another NFL season prepares to kick off, I’m gearing up to introduce our three year old daughters to the joys of bringing friends and family together in the name of the game. I’ve spent hours perusing the web for hosting tips, and I find myself eager for a season that brings with it a lot of football and fun.
Will you be planning your own sports-centered soiree? Here are a few plays (get it?) I’ve picked up along the way!
It’s Time to Set The Scene
Football-viewing party decor can be as simple or grandiose as your heart desires! Whether you’re rooting for a specific team and want to deck your home out in their colors, or just want to keep things more generally festive, things like felt banners, colorful table cloths, and themed centerpieces go a long way to creating a welcoming space for your guests.
DIYers of the world, rejoice! – a football themed party begs for your craftiness, in the form of hand made table runners or hanging decor. If you’re less inclined to break out the scissors and hot glue, no worries! There are tons of free printables and inspiration online that make the duty of decorating a breeze. Plump up your sofa cushions and break out your fluffiest blankets to encourage your guests to really settle in and get cozy for the game!
Bonus Tip: If you want to create a truly unforgettable night, spend a little extra time creating a photo booth station for your guests. Add silly football-themed props or masks, and set up a tripod in a corner for hands-free photography! Your guests will love snapping candids during breaks in the game, and those pictures will ensure that the memories last forever.
Snacks Everybody Will Love
Over the years, I’ve learned that when it comes to hosting parties for an all ages crowd, keeping things as easy as possible is the solution to success! From thoughtful decor to crowd-pleasing game day snacks, simplicity is key. Stock your food station with easily customizable fan favorites that are sure to please.
Crunchy snacks such as popcorn, pretzels and chips are as easy as opening a bag and pouring into a bowl! For the main event, options like a taco bar with a variety of fillings, a nacho station with different toppings, or a chicken wing snack board with various dips are all low-maintenance appetizers that won’t have you stressing while you’re prepping!
Does your guest list include a few mini sports fans? Kid-friendly treats such as fresh fruits with yogurt dip, raw veggies and ranch, or even homemade “Uncrustables” are sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
Bring In The Entertainment!
Any mom who’s attended or hosted a party with their children knows that social events are less “social” and a whole lot of “chasing after the kids”. Spare yourself some half-finished conversations by preplanning some game-day entertainment for the youngest fans in your crew.
Simple activities such as sports themed coloring pages and football shaped crayons will help keep your wee ones entertained, while older kids, teens, and even adults might enjoy a round or two of Football Bingo.
During more hectic moments during the game, you might consider setting the kiddos and their activities up at a dining table or in a playroom-–close enough to see or hear, far enough away to prevent some of the interruptions. Rest assured though, even if your little ones do interrupt, it’s totally okay. Football is for everyone and that’s half the fun of it!
Halftime: The Perfect Time For…
…Some friendly competition! Take the opportunity to get your guests up and moving during halftime by inviting them to join in for some good natured backyard rivalry. Bust out your trusty Corn Hole boards for a family face-off, or split into teams for an all ages mini football showdown! Make sure that even your smallest football stars are dressed for the action in the most comfy selections from the Little Sleepies Play Collection!
Made from our signature Soluxe® Bamboo fabrics, these playtime essentials are as durable as they are supremely soft. With a wide variety of tees, shorts, joggers and hoodies in wardrobe-staple colors and prints, the styling and layering options are pretty much endless. With our daywear, you can feel confident that your favorite athlete is well dressed for the crisp fall weather, and that even the most sensitive skin is snug in the softness of Soluxe®!
No matter which team you root for, football season is the perfect time for family, friendship, and the spirit of a great game. Nothing is more energizing than a room full of loved ones, and the memories of a good football watch party will far outlast the game itself.
Football has the ability to bring people together, and it’s an incredible experience to be a part of. Here’s hoping that these tips take the stress out of planning your viewing, and allow you to focus instead on the special moments you’re creating with your loved ones!
