Let’s talk FOOTBALL! Remember, my approach to entertaining is KISS(*). I feel strongly that the more complicated a party becomes, the less likely we are to entertain. If our goal is to bring people back to the table and open our home more frequently, then we need to remind ourselves to KISS. With this philosophy in mind, my decorating focuses almost exclusively on the table where we will be dining, and I also put a few decorations around the buffet table if that is how I am serving food. I do not attempt to decorate other areas of my home (unless it is during December). These are my simple and top tips:
Football Party Decor:
My centerpiece is a football vase with flowers placed on the tables. You can order these vases online or create them yourself. Cut the top and bottom off a real football, place a glass vase inside, and you are set.
During a football game, I like to have a game of Squares going on (this is an activity where guests can bet on the score of the game at the end of each quarter). This keeps guests interested and adds another dimension to the event. I place a big poster board on an easel as part of my decorations. I then place the easel in a prominent place for easy access. I usually do this next to the food table.
Colored pom poms: You can buy any color online or at the local craft store. This is a simple way to add the colors of the teams that are playing. Just put the pom poms in the vases with the flowers or fill a stand-alone vase.
Napkins: For a casual party like football, purchase football themed paper napkins.
I pass out a signature drink in a brass Moscow Mule cup. I love these cups because they look like footballs!
Have the game turned on every TV in the house. Guests enjoy walking around, but they do not want to miss the action. I like to offer two types of rooms. One room has the game on with the volume turned up. I then have one designated room with the TV on mute. This allows those guests that might not be as interested in the game to have a place to chat. I call these the Watching Room and the Talking Room.
Party Favor: For our son’s Super Bowl engagement party, I had cookies made in the shape of jerseys and the number 20 written on them, because he and his future bride were getting married in 2020.
Football Party Menu:
1. Main Dishes:
Pulled Pork Sliders
Super Bowl Beef Kebab
Chicken Quesadillas
Italian Herb Crusted Shrimp
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Texas Chili
2. Sides and Accompaniments:
Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad
Queso con Carne Dip
Guacamole Dip
Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Chips (assortment of choice)
3. Desserts:
Football Whoopie Pies
Homemade Cookies of Choice (save time and buy at bakery)
4. Additions to Place Around House:
Pretzels
Nuts
Bowl of M&M’s
5. Suggested Wines:
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling
Olema Sonoma County Pinot Noir
6. Drinks:
Coffee
Cider
Hot Chocolate
Water
*Keep It Simple Silly (you know what that last word really means!). The above menu represents a large selection. I do not usually offer everything on this list. I am providing it for your benefit. Thank you, as always, to the Celebrate chefs, Penny and Eli.
Together with you,
Lisa Lou