A Last Minute Checklist for Your Super Bowl XLV Party

So you’ve decided to have a party for Super Bowl.  While many people are experienced veterans when it comes to throwing a great party, many do not know where to start, especially if it's short notice. Here is a list of ten items no Super Bowl party should be without.

1. Ice

It seems that many last minute shindigs have all the elements needed to make the party go smoothly and then all of a sudden some yells “where’s the ice?” Go to the store, gas station, or even a beverage distributor and grab at least a few 5 lbs. bags. But you may be thinking, what if it’s cold outside, we can just leave the beverages out on the patio. This is true, but the minute someone goes to make a cocktail, I doubt, you want to offer them two week old snow in lieu of ice cubes.  Speaking of cocktails…

2. Alcohol

Super Bowl is a day invented for beer. Grab enough and in plenty of varieties for your guests. From Budweiser to Bass, you really can’t go wrong. You can always visit the local beverage distributor and see if they have any deals on kegs.

Some of your guests however, especially if they are sophisticates, may not have the palate built for the delicious ambrosia that is beer. Make sure you have some alternatives to offer, like Smirnoff Ice or Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Have some liquor and mixers on hand too for mixed drinks.

3. Food

There’s two schools of thought here; you can prepare your own food or . Cooking your own stuff can be great and cost effective if you plan ahead. Try to get to the supermarket the day before the game as the lines the day of the game will leave you missing the lines at the DMV. For those willing to brave the cold, you can always use your barbecue. If it is a gas grill, make sure you have enough propane to sizzle your steaks and burgers.

If you are going to order food, make sure you do it early enough so that the food arrives right before the game starts.  This way your party guests won’t starve and your domicile will avoid becoming Cannibal Island.

Always make sure there are plenty of snacks to go around too. Chips, pretzels, nuts, cheese all will do. Having dips, like salsa and guacamole, is also a must. They’re real easy to whip up or you can just get the store bought kind.

4. Guests

You’ve got your ice, your booze, and plenty of food. Where's the people? Give your friends and family a heads up about your party at least two days before the game. This way you can make an approximate head count and plan accordingly.

Many New York fans don’t have a dog in this fight; however don’t be afraid to invite people who are fans the of opposing team. It makes for a great dynamic to the party, and people will be constantly talking, even if it is to talk trash.

5. The Television

This will obviously be the focal point of the party, at least for the duration of the game.  I know not everyone has caught up to the 21st century and run out and bought a 60” flat screen TV. As long as everyone watching the game has an unobstructed view of the screen, everything should be fine. Rearrange some furniture if you have too. If you are still watching Television on a 15” Magnavox from 1978, you may want to consider renting a newer model just for the game.  You can find them at places like Rent-a-Center, or go online and see what’s near you.

6. Paper plates, cups, napkins

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.

7. A pool

Ahh, nothing brings people together like a friendly wager. You can make boxes, or straight bets on the outcome of the game. You can even have the guests make side bets on whether the quarterback will have his helmet pop off or whether the kicker will shank a field goal. Nothing like a bunch people yelling “Noonan!” at the TV.

8. Water and soda

While I am philosophically opposed to being a teetotaler, especially on Super Bowl, I understand that many people have to be responsible, and that is a good thing.  Make sure you have plenty of water to for everyone. Pick up one or two 24 packs of bottled water. Make sure you have some soda too, this way your guests who are not imbibing don’t have to look totally lame.

9. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies

Strategically place garbage pails or bags around to make clean up easier.  You may want to leave some rolls of paper towels around too.  Nothing worse than looking at your grown up friends with wing sauce slathered across their faces like war paint. 

Keep an all-purpose cleaner handy too in case of any party fouls.

10. Pillows, bedding

For those guests who decided to throw caution to the wind and really tied one on, make sure they don’t go driving home. Offer them a place to crash, whether it be on a couch or on the floor. A good idea might be to invest in a few air mattresses, which you can pick up at any Wal-mart or Target. Throw some pillows and blankets at them, scold them for not being able to hold their liquor and pat yourself on the back for being a good and decent person…and a heck of a party host.

Feel free to add your own flourishes, after all it is your party.  Above all, have a great time.