host a game day party

Football season is here, and that means it’s time to gather your friends and family and host a game day party!

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or enjoy the camaraderie, here’s how to host a fantastic football viewing experience.

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set the date and time

Choose a game that you and your guests are excited about.

Check the schedule and set a time that works for everyone.

Make sure to send out invites well in advance, so your guests can plan accordingly.

create a comfortable viewing area

Ensure you have ample seating for your guests.

Arrange chairs and cushions in front of the TV for optimal viewing.

Consider using outdoor space if the weather permits—just have a backup plan in case of rain!

people sitting on a sofa watching television
foodal

decorate the space

Obviously, this is my favorite part! Show your team spirit with decorations!

Use both team’s colors for table settings, banners, and balloons.

If you have jerseys or memorabilia, display them proudly to set the mood.

plan the menu

Food is a crucial part of any game day party. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
 
  • Finger Foods:
  Wings, nachos, sliders, and popcorn are easy to grab and eat.
  • Dips:
  Guacamole, salsa, and queso are perfect for chips and veggies.
  • Drinks:
  Provide a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  Consider a signature cocktail or mocktail themed around the teams.
snacks on a table designed to look like a stadium host a game day party
inspire me 2 diy

prepare for the game

Ensure your TV and sound system are functioning properly.

Test everything beforehand to avoid any technical glitches during the game.

Consider streaming options if the game isn’t available on cable.

You will be surprised how many forget to do this until right up to game time.😦

music and atmosphere

While the game is the main event, background music can enhance the atmosphere before kickoff and during halftime.

Create a playlist of upbeat songs or even include the team’s fight songs to get everyone pumped!

a menu listing a game day playlist
nikkilo

engage your guests

Create a fun atmosphere with games and activities.

You can host a friendly betting pool on the game’s outcome or set up a trivia quiz about the teams.

We like to have noise-makers for our guests to cheer on their team.

We also make penalty flags up ahead of time for fans to throw during the game.

Encourage everyone to wear their team’s gear!

provide comfort

Make sure your guests are comfortable.

Have plenty of blankets if it’s chilly, and keep the bathroom stocked with essentials.

A cozy environment keeps everyone happy and engaged.

keep the game flowing

During commercial breaks, keep the energy up with quick games or discussions.

This can be a great way to engage guests who may not be as invested in the game.

capture the moment

Set up a photo booth area with props related to the teams or football in general.
 
Capture the fun moments throughout the day, so everyone has memories to look back on.
 

post-game activities

Once the game is over, keep the energy going!

Consider having a post-game discussion where everyone can share their thoughts on the game.

You might also want to play some fun games, like charades or Pictionary, to keep the party alive.

wooden cornhole boards and bean bags host a game day party
amazon

plan for clean-up

Have trash bags and recycling bins readily available to keep your space tidy.

Enlist a couple of friends to help with clean-up as the game progresses, making it a shared effort.

thank your guests

After the festivities, don’t forget to thank your guests for coming.

A simple message or social media shoutout can go a long way.

If you have photos from the day, share them to relive the fun moments!

Hosting a football game day party is all about creating a fun environment where everyone can enjoy the excitement of the game together.

By planning ahead and focusing on the details, you’ll ensure a memorable experience for all your guests.

So, gather your friends, prepare your snacks, and get ready to cheer for your team—game day is just around the corner! Enjoy!

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Hi, I’m Danielle!

I am the designer, writer and diy’er behind this blog. I enjoy decorating my home for practically nothing by doing most of the work myself, finding new and imaginative ways to make it beautiful and by watching for killer sales. I find humor almost anywhere and can laugh at myself through it all. I have learned that most projects don’t go exactly as intended, but can be more beautiful than the original plan.

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