Be an MVP host with these 50 Super Bowl party ideas.

The Super Bowl is a great time to get together with friends and family to watch the big game. With premium snacks, buzz-worthy commercials, and a spectacular halftime show, even casual football fans enjoy watching the final game of the NFL season. If you're planning to host, here are 50 Super Bowl entertaining tips from décor to food to ideas that’ll make you ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?” We’re pretty sure they’ll help your bid for the party hosting hall of fame.

Make it look good

1. Banners: Make sure everyone knows it’s a party with football banners that show your team spirit. Want to get the kids involved? These easy DIY pennants will keep your little ones busy while you prepare.
2. Tabletop décor: Décor shouldn’t get in the way of food, but you can still be festive with a stadium chip and dip tray to bring utility to your decorations.
3. DIY goal post: This Super Bowl party décor is fun for kids and adults alike.
4. Tablecloth: It’s so easy to make a green tablecloth look like a football field, and it’s the perfect festive backdrop for all of your party food and drinks! Plus, it’ll make for easier cleanup if you can just roll up and toss (in the trash or the washer) a game-themed tablecloth rather than scrubbing wayward dip off the counter.
5. Front porch décor: Welcome guests by lining your walkway with some football-themed signs. Or make your own wreath in your favorite team’s colors to get guests buzzing before they even walk through your door.

Make it taste good

6. Preparation: Figure out how much food you’ll need so you don’t come up short of the goal line. Better Homes & Gardens offers these quantity guides for appetizers.
7. Potluck assignments: If you’re counting on guests to supply some of the food, assign dishes so you don’t end up with all the chips and none of the dip.
8. Amazon Alexa: Put the voice assistant in the game by asking her for help in the kitchen. Get recipe suggestions, find ingredient substitutions or set timers.
9. Stagger: Put the food out in waves to cut down on waste. If you don’t put out all the meat and cheese at once, there won’t be as many questionable leftovers that sat out all night. What wasn’t needed will have stayed in the fridge, safe to munch on the next day.
10. Bar cart: Get an inexpensive bar cart and stock it with whatever ingredients your guests might need – alcoholic or otherwise. The added bonus is that you can wheel the drinks or food wherever they’re needed as the party progresses.
11. Keep drinks cold: Even if you choose a bar cart, a cooler or two for extra ice or alternative drinks will be appreciated. Keep it on the porch nearby to save room inside.
12. Keep food warm: Coolers keep ice frozen by keeping the warm air out. That same insulating property can keep hot food warm. Tuck warm snacks in there if you’re holding them back for later or plan on transporting them.
13. Crockpots: When set on warm or low, crockpots can keep your hot dishes the perfect temp, no matter how long the game lasts. We love crockpot liners as an easy clean-up solution, but did you know they also let you warm two dips at once.

14. Plates, cutlery and cups: Take into consideration what you’re serving. Saucy foods need a sturdier plate. Chili, of course, needs bowls. Choose disposable ones for quick clean-up. Serving finger foods? Be sure to have a stockpile of napkins.
15. Leftover food storage: Make sure you have enough storage containers for leftovers. Stock up on some disposable ones to share the bounty with departing guests.
16. Healthy chili: If you're sticking to health goals, lean turkey and veggies can make your chili healthier. Swap meat for beans and you have a vegetarian-friendly option. Make it in a crockpot and you just made life easier for yourself.
17. Chips: More options than a Super Bowl playbook! Tortilla chips, veggie chips, with or without ridges, sour cream and onion, salt and vinegar, pretzels (even if they aren’t technically a chip). If you plan on pairing them with dip, consider their strength and “structural integrity.”
18. Dip: From guacamole and nacho cheese to vegetable dip and hummus, dipping is always fun and tasty. Editors note: I once attended a Super Bowl party with nothing but dip – cheese dip, spinach dip, dessert dip, and I don’t regret any of it.
19. Desserts: We aren’t turning down any sweets, but individual-portion desserts such as brownies and cookies as opposed to cakes and pies that need to be cut will simplify serving.
20. Gluten-free desserts: If one of your guests is sensitive to gluten, make these easy flourless fudge cookies.
21. Fruit: It’s not the first food group you think of for a football party, but turn that melon into a helmet and you’re in business. Healthy, vegetarian- and kid-friendly, and theme-appropriate. Check, check and check.
22. Pantry purge: If your kids are still hoarding Halloween candy in February, set out a bowl of leftover treats for noshing. Skip the bat-shaped chocolate and your guests will be none the wiser.
23. Pet-friendly snacks: Be aware of what foods are at pet level, like on the coffee table, that might make them sick. Minimize risk by having pet-friendly snacks and be sure your guests know what’s acceptable for feeding your furry friend.
24. Grill: For those in warmer climates or who are immune to single-digit temperatures (Hello, Wisconsin!), fire up the grill for burgers, brats, veggies and even desserts.

Have some fun with it

25. TV: If what you have seems just a bit too small, now is a good time to invest in something that matches the size of the event. Many stores offer deals on televisions and entertainment systems just in time for this game.
26. A second TV: Some people are less interested in the actual game, so a second television in another room lets them watch on and off without disturbing others. Put it in the same room as your main TV and you have all the viewing you could ever ask for.
27. Puppy Bowl: Just make sure it’s on one of those TVs. That is all.
28. Wireless Bluetooth speakers: Stream party music before the game starts if no one wants to listen to yet another hour of pre-game coverage.
29. Alexa again: Ask her to settle a trivia dispute, get rule clarifications during the game and even request burns for the other team.
30. Seating: Big couches seat a crowd. Chairs that can be moved easily are also a plus if people like to rearrange themselves according to conversations as the night wears on.
31. Super Bowl bingo cards: Make your own or use this template. Squares could be based on game action or commercials. Do it just for fun or offer prizes at the end.
32. Friendly wagers: How long will the National Anthem last? What will the first commercial be? Use a dry erase board or simple cards for each guest to track who’s “winning.”
33. Cornhole: Good for adults and kids, cornhole keeps guests entertained without interrupting conversations or snacking.
34. Pinata: They come in all shapes and sizes, so why not get a football pinata, fill it with candy and let the fans of the losing team work out some frustration?
35. Photo booth: If you really want to commemorate the evening, create a unique photo booth for Instagram-able shots, and don’t forget the football-themed props.

Why didn’t I think of that?

36. Invitations: Make sure guests know when and where to join the fun. Remember to include any assigned potluck dishes or supplies you’d like them to bring. Snail mail it, text it, put it in a Facebook group.
37. Ring Video Doorbell: See who’s at the door without having to leave your other guests. As a bonus, the Ring Video Doorbell works with the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt for security and convenience year-round.
38. Schlage Home app: Did you lock the door after the last guest left? Use the Home app on your smartphone to lock your Schlage smart lock with the push of a button. No need to get out of bed.
39. A place for coats and shoes: For most of the country, February means parkas and snowy shoes. Prepare your entryway for hanging cold-weather gear and maybe a boot tray to protect your floors.
40. Slippers: A nice touch for this gathering or any winter party is to offer guests slippers or warm socks, especially if you’re asking them to remove their shoes when they come in the house.
41. Electrical multi-outlets: For when you’re short on outlets and guests need to charge their phones.
42. Pet retreat: If your pet gets nervous around crowds or unknown visitors, or if your guests aren’t animal fans, have a safe place for Fido and Fluffy to retreat to, like a spare bedroom. Give them water, treats and their favorite toys to keep them occupied.
43. Stain remover: When spills happen, be ready to get that wing sauce/wine/chocolate stain out of the carpet before it’s too late.
44. Trash cans: Have more than usual available and pull them out of their hiding place under the sink so people don’t have to hunt.
45. Trash bags: You’ll likely go through more than one over the course of the party. Make replacing them easier by lining your trash can with multiple bags before the festivities even begin.
46. Cleaning supplies: Make sure you have everything you need to get the home in tip-top shape before and after the game. The right supplies probably won’t motivate you to clean up afterward, but they will make it easier to just get it done and over with quickly.
47. Bathroom supplies: Lots of eating and drinking plus more people in your home than usual can equal more traffic in the bathroom. Toilet paper, clean towels, hand soap and, yes, a plunger, are required.
48. WiFi password: If you’re comfortable giving your password to guests, make it easy for them to log in. Create and display a QR code. Not everyone has unlimited data for posting their favorite party pictures or looking up NFL trivia.
49. Outdoor heaters: Even in more moderate climates, you might need some temperature assistance from outdoor space heaters during the second half.
50. Guest room: If guests are coming from farther afield or like to experience all that a party has to offer, make sure your guest room is prepared for overnight visitors sleeping off the revelry.

What did we miss? Share your Super Bowl party hacks with us on Facebook and Instagram.