Playoff Party Planning

Playoff season is here and New England’s favorite team is back in it with chances for another championship. Between now and the big game in February, groups of friends and family are planning football watching parties. Whether you’ll be a host or a guest, we have a few ideas for celebrating with your fellow fans.

Party Space and Decor

Where will people be watching the game? For a crowd, consider setting up televisions in multiple rooms for them to spread out and move around. That helps provide more seating options but also can help with flow and encourage socializing. If one TV is the preferred option, some extra chairs or pillows on the floor will help make everyone comfortable.

Make the rooms where guests will gather festive with simple streamers, balloons, and football-themed paper goods. Choose the colors and small party favors based on your favorite team or the city it represents. Remind people to wear their favorite team’s gear.

Kids Play

Is your party family-friendly? If kids are joining their parents, it’s smart to plan some activities to keep them entertained because chances are the football game won’t hold the attention of little ones for long. Stock up on crayons, paper or coloring books, board games, and craft projects. If weather permits, send the kids outside to play or toss around some footballs of their own. Don’t forget to let the parents know to bring the kids’ boots and snow pants if necessary.

Beverages

Keep the bar options simple for a football party. A few different beer choices, wine, and mixing up a batch or two of a game day cocktail will be enough to satisfy most preferences. Visit our Wine & Spirits aisle to stock up on whatever you choose. Make sure to have several bottle openers and cork screws handy near the drinks so guests don’t have to search for them.

Keep several coolers available in the kitchen, out in the garage or out on the porch for guests to serve themselves. Soft drinks, water and juice for the kids or non-drinkers can be stored in ice-filled bowls and tubs for easy access. And don’t run out of ice!

Food

What’s a party for cheering on your team without food? There’s no need to prepare a complete meal because football fans love to snack and dip. For easy, no-prep ideas, order some of our party platters and veggie trays. We also offer all the ingredients to create your own. For something hot, wings are a traditional game-watching staple. We have teriyaki wings prepared for you to simply heat up, or you can cook them yourself.

A crock-pot of chili is a great way to feed a hungry group on a cold day. We make beef or turkey chili fresh in our kitchen that your friends and family will love. Sliders are another great option. Put out a small buffet of topping options and condiments so your guests can build their own.

If space or logistics make serving all the food at once difficult, how about splitting up the menu into game quarters or halves? Gradually offer your guests the next course as the football game progresses. Need more ideas? Check out some of our favorite tasty big game night recipes we’ve shared before.

Desserts

Whether or not New England’s team provides us the sweet ending we hope for, the right desserts will end your party on the right note. Simple brownies or cookies from scratch are delicious, but our own bakery has treats to choose from, including cakes and pies to round out the culinary portion of the evening.

No matter how the big game ends, you’re sure to score with a party your guests will remember for the fun, company and food!

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