Football and food. Is there anything more perfect than that combination? I can think of many things, but most of America begs to differ. I’m not much of an NFL fan, partially because my team is downright awful every season. I rarely watch any games, hardly know any players, and could only tell you a handful of teams in the league. However, I know that the beginning of every February brings a lot of hype for football, media, and of course, food.
Super Bowl Sunday could almost be considered a national holiday. It has evolved into such an extravagant and important annual event not only for football and sports fanatics but also for social butterflies, pizza shops, home-cooks, and the average person like myself. Everyone looks forward to at least one part of the day whether it is the game itself, the commercials, the tailgate food, or a loud and crammed living room. If you are the host of a party, then get your kitchen, big screen, and voice ready for all four of these game day necessities.
Let’s tackle the menu first. Unless you prefer delivery, make sure your fridge is stocked up before the weekend. Plenty of last-minute grocery store trips have taught me to avoid the supermarket at all costs, beginning the Friday before the game. Chips and salsa are a must, but Pinterest, an online site that allows you to visually share your most desired wants, needs, and interests, has such a wide variety of unimaginably delicious and unique recipes for the classic television snack. Chicken wings are another go-to oven-made favorite, so spice up the recipe with a flavored barbeque sauce or toss them on a charcoal grill instead.
Looking for something healthier? I plan to make my own fajitas by baking strips of chicken or steak, frying up fresh vegetables and tossing it all on a multigrain tortilla. I have a sweet tooth, and it is guaranteed that you and your guests will crave some sweets. So put the icing on the cake to your day, literally. Football cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, or peanut butter cookies are sure to make your party a real treat!
Time to hit the big screen. Surround sound is a favorite in my house, especially if the remote control lies within the power of my dad’s hands. If you have it, use it. As much as my mother and I are not fans of the extremely loud booming in the speakers, we appreciate the fact that it is the only noise being made in the house. Space in your living room is of obvious importance too, so put up some folding chairs if necessary. Keep some room for walking too. As much fun as it would be to climb over each other, being a distraction from the television would be a crime.
Maybe you aren’t the biggest football fan. I get it. Neither am I, but I still want to have fun wherever I watch the game. So when the action is on and all eyes are on the TV, try to keep your chit chat about anything other than that aggressive tackle or insane seventy-yard throw for a touchdown to a minimum.
To get into the football spirit, wear a jersey. Even if your team didn’t make the big game (you get used to it), show your true spirit for the sport and dress for the occasion. It makes for a great scrapbook picture, too.
The most anticipated moments of the Super Bowl are the commercials, which are my favorite times to run back into my living room and pretend I have been watching the game the entire time. Laughing at the commercials is like watching a victory dance after a touchdown. Something unique and hysterical is bound to happen.
If you are hosting or attending a Super Bowl party or are hanging low at home with your family or friends, there are countless ways to make it fun. With the four essentials for game day mentioned above, you and your guests will have much to look forward to and enjoy. Want some unique and never-thought-of ideas for appetizers, entrees, party tips, and more? Visit Pinterest.com to prepare you for your best game day performance.
