Game day has arrived and you’ve opted to host this year. After you’ve cleaned the house, what can you do to make sure the party goes well from kickoff to touchdown? 

1. Decorate to get everyone in the spirit. Who are you rooting for and what are their team colors? Paper or melamine plates, napkins and plastic can all be coordinated. Use streamers to create a festive atmosphere. Tie balloons to your mailbox so guests can spot the party from down the street. Blow up more balloons to scatter throughout the house, tie to chairs and for kids.
2. Prep a large batch of a classic beverage with a unique twist and create a football inspired nickname for it, or name it after the team you’re rooting for. Infuse iced tea or lemonade with a few drops of food coloring, or find soda with cans in your team’s colors. For alcoholic beverages, try sangria; it’s traditionally red, but with white wine you can make it any color. Vodka drinks could also be dyed. Name drinks after your favorite players or fun football lingo.
3. Set up a face painting station so everyone can declare loud and proud the team they are rooting for. This is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Set up free-standing mini mirrors, baby wipes and a new, damp sponge in a bowl (to wet face paints). Will you sport the team logo, perhaps eye-black (what football players use to reduce glare on the field), or go all out and paint your entire face?
4. Giving each guest a tour of the food and beverage area can be difficult, so a little creativity comes in handy. Use a large chalkboard or black poster board to list food and/or drink items. Write and decorate in the style of a coach's game plan strategy. You could also use this idea for a welcome sign at the front door.