The Super Bowl is on its way, how will you get ready for the BIG GAME? You know what that means: team colors, competitive spirits, and endless invitations to parties – unless, of course, you’re the one hosting. Whether you’re getting ready for a game day party or just an average Sunday, we’re got some advice on how handle game day entertaining for a full-sized team. Hosting a crowd shouldn’t mean getting stuck in the kitchen. Follow these tips to make sure you score big with your guests and still get to enjoy every play.

SuperBowl Food Ideas : How to Host a Crowd

Create A Pre-Game Party Checklist:

Planning ahead is a must for every party, but is especially necessary when you are dealing with a long guest list. Once everyone starts to arrive you’ll be too busy mingling to worry about items that have been forgotten. Sit down a week before your big day and make a list of everything you could possibly need. Then, take that list and create a play-by-play schedule of when you’ll get tasks done. Use the checklist to keep yourself on track as the big game approaches and you’ll be able to watch it worry-free.

Super Bowl Menu: Set Up Snack Stations:

Life’s too short to spend the day playing waitress. Embrace football’s easy-going nature and offer your guests a smorgasbord of snacks. Finger foods like hotdogs, wings, or even football sugar cookies are perfect. To avoid having your friends and family bottleneck around a buffet table, stagger the stations throughout your party area. Think appetizers by the TV, hot foods in the kitchen, and dessertson the dining table. That way, people can serve themselves quickly and focus on the foods they love.

Build Your Bar Beforehand:

For bigger parties, alcohol is often the steepest cost. Limit your budget and mess by offering your guests selections from a pre-stocked bar area. You’ll need six items: two beers, a wine, a pre-mixed cocktail, and two non-alcoholic drink options. As a rule of thumb, provide enough so that each guest can have one drink per hour, tapering off towards non-alcoholic options toward the end of the night. Then, stock the bar area with plenty of cups and ice. Don’t forget a marker to encourage guests to label their drinks

Don’t Forget The Non Football Fans at your Super Bowl Party:

Let’s be honest, not everyone is going to be glued to the TV. As the host(ess), you want to make sure that all of your guests are entertained, even if they’re not the biggest sports fan. If you have the room, set up a separate area where people will be able to sit and chat comfortably without having to yell over cheers. Offer games like bingo to add another level of friendly competition. Don’t forget the little ones, either. You may want to create a child-safe play area to keep the kiddos occupied and offer a few small versions of your snacks.

Parties are one of the best parts of football season. After all, how often do you have the chance to get together with friends for beers, bar food, and everyone’s favorite fall pastime? However, if the idea of hosting one of these big events seems too overwhelming, listen up. Use these tips and we guarantee that you will have as good of a time as your guests. We’re all about game day entertaining that lets you relax too.

Do you entertain during football season? If so, what game day entertaining hints do you love? Share your favorite tips with us in the comments.

For more Super Bowl Party Ideas , check out Stagetecture’s archives.