Last-Minute Super Bowl Party Ideas

Super Bowl Sunday is almost upon us, folks! And, if you're planning on throwing a Super Bowl party, you might want to act fast, because those chip aisles at your local grocery store aren't going to stay bountiful forever. Trust that if you wait until the last minute, your favorite neon-cheese dusted snacks and frozen pizza-flavored appetizers will be long gone. And what's a party without 'em? Carve out the time to get your snacks in a row, your party guests are counting on them.

Now, don't get overwhelmed, there are plenty of easy ways to put together a Super Bowl party that will don't take a lot of prep work. You just have to head to the grocery store with a plan of action and find a little bit of time to put together some activities. Because despite the fact that the game is the main event, and certainly entertaining enough, what makes a Super Bowl party extra special is the personal touches you put on it that make it different than all the other invites your friends turned down for yours.

Here are a few easy to prepare last-minute Super Bowl party ideas for you to impress your friends with and actually have fun at your own party:

Make It Cozy

Squishing too many people on your couch is far from comfortable for your guests — and if you have more than three guests joining you, you'll want to figure out some alternate seating. If you only have dining chairs, consider putting a pillow or blanket on the seats to make them more comfortable. Or if you're going for a more casual vibe, sprinkle some pillows around the floor.

Do A Little Decorating

You don't have to go overboard, but you should make the effort to spice up your space a little bit so people feel like they're at a party. Consider grabbing a team blanket from The Northwest — it'll keep things cozy and festive.

Do Something Festive

Give your guests an opportunity to feel festive. These black under eye stripes are the perfect low-key touch. They're easy to wear, easy to take off and will look great in photos.

Outsource Some Potluck

If you're worried you're not going to have enough food, call a friend and ask them to bring a dish. No one's ever complained about too much food, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, people like to help out, so don't feel like it's an imposition.

Get Booze At A Wholesale Club

Don't break the bank on getting booze, but do get enough booze. Head to your nearest wholesale club to get the best bulk deals on beer and mixers.

Make A DIY Beer Cooler

Take a laundry basket or garbage can and line it with a clean trash bag. Then, fill the bag with ice and use it as a cooler for your beer. That way, you don't have to overstuff your beer, and your guests don't have to go far to get a refill.

Buy Pre-Made Dips

Now's not the time to be overzealous in the kitchen. Save yourself some time and mess by getting some pre-made dips. They're delicious and simple and your guests won't care.

Use A Crock-Pot

Make your life easier and cook in a Crock-Pot. Whether you're making mac and cheese, chili or potatoes, just set it and forget it.

Don't Be Afraid Of Frozen Food

Listen, there's nothing wrong with frozen food. A few Bagel Bites never hurt anyone! Your guests will gobble up the nostalgic goodness.

Offer Water

With all the salty snacks and boozy drinks, your guests are going to need some hydration. To avoid headaches, stomach aches or food comas, make sure you keep your guests with glasses of water throughout the game.

Make A DIY Dinner Station

After the appetizers have been eaten up, put out all the fixings for tacos or nachos on the table and let your guests do the assembling. Everyone likes their food in their own way, plus this saves you some prep time while making it more interactive and fun for everyone.

Don't Forget Dessert

While appetizers are totally the main event on Super Bowl Sunday, you don't want to send your guests home without something to satisfy their sweet tooth. At the grocery store, grab some cookies, some ice cream and a bag of candies. Place them all out on the coffee table at some point in the fourth quarter and let your guests make their own ice cream sandwiches.