I don’t know much about football, heck I don’t know anything about football. To be honest, the only part of the game I ever watch is the half-time show.
I do however, know that it’s a great time to get friends together to day drink and eat more than you thought your body could hold…literally.
Also it’s an excuse to throw a party and turn every type of treat or food into a shape of a football, because everything is better in theme. That’s why when Evite, a site that makes party planning a piece of cake, reached out about their five easy steps to throwing a football party with Qdoba, I jumped on the opportunity to share it!
Step 1: Plan your offense
I find it best to write down a list of everything I need from ingredients for food to streamers for decorations. Also, jot down everything you’ll need to do for the party, from sending invitations and shopping for groceries to cleaning the bathroom. Put the to-dos into your calendar so you have time blocked off to accomplish everything. Now you know you’re buying the beer on Wednesday, for example, and picking up ice on Saturday, instead of freaking out 10 minutes before everyone shows up because you forgot to get cups.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of my favorite football party ideas below.
Last minute DIY football balloons from Studio DIY
Oreo Ice Cream Football Party from Design, Eat Repeat
Kid friendly Super Bowl Party from Itsy Belle Studio
DIY football field table from A Night Owl
Step 2: Draft some players
As much as I love to over-do myself and think I can handle everything on my own, it always helps to have an extra hand. Gather a few friends or a boyfriend;) to come over a day or two before the party to help with any last minute prepping or hanging of banners. This way the day of you can focus on getting yourself ready and putting the food out without all of the rushing.
Step 3: Hut, hut…eat!
Whether you are doing a potluck style where everyone brings a dish or letting someone else do the work and having it catered, there are so many options to choose from. A few of my favorite game recipes are:
Football Sandwich Bar from The Pizzazzerie
Peanut Butter Football Cookies from Crazy for Crust
Cheeseburger Turnovers from Hostess with the Mostess
Cookie Dough Footballs from Life, Love and Sugar
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites from Two Peas and their Pod
Game Face Football Cookies from Munchkin Munchies
If you prefer to take it easy and have the food delivered to you, check out Qdoba’s Hot Taco Bar or Chicken and Steak Naked Burrito® Bar for the main event and their tempting snacks (such as Qdoba’s 3-Cheese Queso or Hand-Smashed Guacamole) for guests to enjoy even after the half-time show.
Step 4: Bench the team
Make sure you have enough chairs and seating options as most of your guests will want to sit and enjoy the game. Pull out the folding chairs hiding in the back closet or get creative and make it a BYOC (Bring Your Own [lawn] Chair).
Step 5: Set up a drink zone
Nobody wants to play bartender all day at their own party. Instead, set up a drink station with coolers or galvanized tubs filled with ice and beer. Let your guests make their own cocktail concoction with a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary bar or some pre-made Gridiron Punch. Drink in spirit of the game with these easy DIY Football Mason Jars.
Ready to get planning? Check out this Evite invitation or another one of their Watch-The-Game invitations to kick things off.
Sponsored by Evite