Superbowl Party Planning Tips

The Super Bowl is arguably the sporting event of the year. Whether you actually enjoy watching football or you’re solely in it for the funny commercials, the perfect Super Bowl party is not only within you’re reach, but also a fairly simple undertaking. Below are the best tips for throwing a fun and fabulous football bash, leaving you with plenty of stress-free time to brush up on your favorite team (and impress that cute sports fan across the hall!)

As counter-intuitive as this may sound, the basis of the best Super Bowl parties is minimal effort. The most important thing to remember is that people’s focus will be on the TV -- not the themed crepe paper that took you hours to painstaking hang from your ceiling. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still throw a great party that your guests will always remember.  As far as decorations, a clean apartment or dorm with lots of seating is ideal. Make sure there are plenty of chairs or cushions placed around the television, but also make room for a mingling area  for those who aren’t as dedicated to the game. If you’re committed to a specific team, some plastic plates and cups in your team’s colors will prove your loyalty. Other than that, the only decorations needed are those you have the time (and energy) to create or put up.

The key is try to keep it low-key. No one is going to show up to your door dressed to the hilt, expecting gourmet hors d’oeuvres and champagne (after all, this is a traditionally male-dominated event). However, your guests will expect is food—and lots of it. Pick anything portable: pizza, chips and dip, wings—or better yet, all of the above. Plus, don’t forget soda, beer, sweet tea, and any other beverage preferences. Although the grocery list may seem slightly daunting, the bright side is that these items are generally cheap, especially with all the great deals grocery stores and pizza places will inevitably offering on the big day.

But if you’re like me and feel inclined to throw your own culinary twist on the otherwise standard menu of a sporting event, try this wonderful queso recipe. It’s pretty easy to throw together, but tasty enough that all your guests will be begging for secondss. 

Super Bowl Champion Queso

Ingredients:

o 1 large package of Velveeta Original Cheese (32 oz.)
o ½ bag of fresh baby spinach (about 3 oz.)
o 1 Can of Ro-Tel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies

1. Slice cheese into medium slices. Place a large pan on medium heat and slowly add cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
2. Stir in the can of Ro-Tel. If the consistency of the dip is too thin, drain some of the water. Place on low heat for approximately 3 minutes   and continue to stir.
3. Finally, mix in the baby spinach. Serve with chips, and you’re ready to go!

**If you don’t have a stove, you can also melt the Velveeta via microwave for about 5 minutes. After adding in the Ro-Tel, heat again for about a minute. Pour into a microwaveable bowl and serve with chips and salsa. Once it cools, you can always warm it back up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and re-serve.

-- By Kristy Shaulis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign