A winning recipe for a super Super Bowl party!

If your house is like ours, Superbowl Sunday is a day of friends, family, and football. We have hosted some pretty amazing football gatherings over the years and nothing beats the ultimate tailgating party.

I’m not much of a football fan; the highlight of the game for me is the half time show! I do, however, love any excuse to make our favourite party foods: nachos with guacamole, chips with a selection of dips, a veggie platter, a large pot of chili with cheese biscuits and beef sliders. Of course, the star of the show is the dessert table.

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, it is time to start planning for the big day. This year’s festivities will look a little different since you’ll be watching only with those with whom you live but here are some tips for next year’s game – when hopefully we’ll all be all be able to gather in a big, noisy group.

First, start by deciding which room will be the best space for your group to sit and watch the football game. Large enough for a good size television and enough seating to include folding chairs and cross-legged space on the floor.

Next, decide where the best space is to set up food tables, close to the kitchen to keep items heated, yet close to the TV so everyone will feel comfortable getting up and helping themselves. Most of the time your kitchen island is the perfect spot.

Selecting a menu for game day should be a fun task. You can choose to make the items yourself or you can start with ordering larger items from a local restaurant and fill in the spaces with chips, dips and nuts. You could also create a list asking each person to bring an item that complements your main items. This is to be a fun day with friends, not a full day in the kitchen.

Your game day menu should resemble a tailgate party. Think appetizers, snack foods, finger foods, small bites, nuts, chips and dip. A selection of beverages should be set out and available for guests to help themselves, but keep it simple with wine, beer with some non-alcoholic options of bottled water and soft drinks.

Round out your party with some fun party décor. Your local party store should be a big help here with football-themed party plates, napkins and table covers.

Though this year’s big game celebration with be . . . well less big . . . it can still be special by formulating a menu of family favourites, adding some decorations, donning the colours of the team you’ll be supporting and getting a bit rowdy.

Here’s to some great gridiron action and a bigger party next year!

How will you celebrate? Do you watch the Super Bowl for the game, half-time show or commercials?

Would love to hear your menu choices in the comments below.