5 Tips for Hosting a Budget-Friendly Super Bowl Party

So who doesn’t love a party? It’s a time to get together with your friends and let your hair down. I believe in taking any opportunity, whether it’s a fake holiday, a milestone, a promotion, and even a sporting event to throw a party and let loose.

And with Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner, I thought I’d share some tips for hosting your own Super Bowl party without breaking the bank.

Can you believe Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest unofficial holidays in the US? So much so that more food is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday, than on Christmas and Easter!

The good thing about Super Bowl gatherings is that they are laid back and casual. A Super Bowl party is like being at your favorite bar, except from the comfort of your own home. And because the very nature of the celebration doesn’t require high-brow, frou-frou foods or drinks, you can throw a party on a budget.

5 Tips for Hosting a Super Bowl Party on a Budget

1. Make it a Potluck. A potluck is a great way to keep the cost down and add some variety to your menu. By asking your guests to bring a covered dish, chips, salsa, or even dessert, you ensure that you keep the cost down. A big bonus is that people will usually bring what they like to eat so there will be something for everyone.
2. Frozen Snacks are Your Friend. I personally love the frozen appetizers and snacks in the frozen food aisle. Even better if you buy them at Costco. I’ve bought pigs in a blanket, mini quiches, meatballs, chicken tenders, and delicious cheese puffs in the frozen section. They’re not uber expensive and they’ll save you time in preparation and cooking. Winning!
3. Go to Your Pantry. A well-stocked pantry is a must. And if your pantry is full of the essentials, you could probably whip up a simple dish with ingredients in your cupboard. Take a bean chili, for example. If you have kidney beans, green chilis, and crushed tomatoes, you have the base for chili. If you have Velveeta and a can of Rotel tomatoes, you can combine the two in a microwave proof bowl and nuke them for a few minutes to get a delicious cheesy tomato dip. Serve with some tortilla chips that you asked your guests to bring.
4. Pizza to the Rescue. When all else fails, you can always call your neighborhood pizza delivery joint and order a few pizzas. You can never go wrong with pizza and you can order assorted varieties so that everyone can enjoy what they like. And what’s best, a lot of these pizza delivery places will offer specials on Super Bowl Sunday so that you may get a drink or drinks along with some complimentary garlic or cheese bread.
5. Don’t Go Crazy on the Decorations. Buying decorations to make the perfect tablescape or banners to show your support for your team can send your budget over the edge. You don’t need to buy themed paper plates or streamers or banners. In the end, it’s a waste of money. Save money on the fancy paper goods and get the generic one. Even better, use real plates and utensils. Gasp! It’s a thought.

Hosting a Super Bowl bash can be ridiculously simple and affordable. So it’s not too late to round up a couple of friends and neighbors and ask them over for a party planned on a budget but with a crowd-pleasing menu. Your friends will be cheering from the sidelines as they celebrate the hostess with the most-est. And you’ll score a winning touchdown because you know you didn’t break the bank to put your fabulous party together. SCORE!