Make the Superbowl the Party of the Year

The Superbowl is an occasion for high expectations: an intense game between two well-matched teams, commercials deserving of awards, and an awe-inspiring halftime show. Make sure that your party measures up by including all the essentials that make game day great.

A Big Central TV

If you don't have one large room where everyone can view the game, include smaller TVs in other rooms, even outside on a patio. Just ensure the TVs are protected from the sun's glare.

Plenty of Seating

Allow for traffic flow to the food table, bar and restrooms. A U-shaped seating arrangement makes the best use of available space, as does utilizing tall cocktail-style tables with barstools in back, and comfy pillows and bean bags on the floor in front.

A Great Bar

Keep it simple. Beer is a must, and local microbrews from each team's region are fun to feature. With liquor, keep costs down by limiting it to a few basic types. Vodka, the most popular, is made very versatile with assorted mixers like tonic, soda and 7-Up; or cranberry, grapefruit, orange and pineapple juices. Another great option is tequila for margaritas and celebratory shots. Want to feature a specialty cocktail? Consider a "Cape Cod," which is simply vodka with cranberry juice and a twist of lime. A "Big Apple" Martini is made unique and a touch more masculine with equal parts Crown Royal, Apple Pucker and cranberry juice, evoking a red apple instead of the overly sweet Green Apple Martini. Be sure to supply glassware and cocktail napkins; garnishes like limes, olives and cherries; and lots of ice. Offer non-alcoholic options like regular and diet sodas, lemonade or iced tea for the designated drivers.

Thematic Munchies

With food, you have an opportunity to showcase your creativity. Obvious choices for this year's game include tomato-infused Manhattan clam chowder and creamy New England clam chowder. Include other delicacies that evoke these two locales: thin crust pizza bites and mini versions of hot dogs sold by street vendors in NYC, or warm crab dip and Boston baked beans from Massachusetts.

Superbowl Pool

Encourage friendly wagers by tacking up some large sheets of paper on the walls, filling in the squares with guests' initials, and awarding prizes at the end of each quarter. For more information on how to play, go to =


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