Planning a Super Bowl party that's not just chips, dips, and beers is a tall order. We asked Abby Larson, Founder & Editor of Style Me Pretty Living, to share her 10 tips for a chic take on the typical football party.
1. Go Innovative on the Invites
Invitations are a fun and easy way to set the tone for the party and get people amped up before the big day. Consider printing out invites that look like tickets. See more on this and other Super Bowl party ideas on stylemepretty.com>>
2. Make Mini Versions of Everything
People will come expecting their old favorites, but spice things up by making mini versions of Super Bowl standards. That way, they get to try a little of everything before they are too full. See this recipe for three-bite tacos with guacamole cream and pico on stylemepretty.com >>
3. Pass Out Individual Servings
Although this sounds entirely off-theme for a Super Bowl party, February also happens to be the dreaded cold and flu season. Create individual portions of everything to alleviate double dipping. From seven-layer dip to crudite, keep your fans happy... and healthy. See how to make this single-serve seven-layer dip on stylemepretty.com >>
4. Dress Up the Usual Snacks
Presentation can make store-bought staples look wow-worthy. Use a white pen to customize containers that house popcorn, chips, or mixed nuts. See more Super Bowl party ideas on stylemepretty.com >>
5. Cook Creatively
Gussy up store-bought items so that they feel and taste even more delicious. Niman Ranch makes an amazing packaged pulled pork that your guests will think you slaved for hours over and it’s perfect for nachos, sliders, or tacos. And, store-bought guacamole will taste homemade with the addition of a chopped avocado, a squirt of lime juice, and a dash of salt. See how to make three-bite pulled pork biscuits on stylemepretty.com >>
6. Get Festive with Cookie Cutters
You can use cookie cutters to make just about anything feel on theme. Store-bought cheesecake or brownies cut with a football cookie cutter are a breeze and feel innately festive. See more Super Bowl party ideas on stylempretty.com >>
7. Don't Just Serve Beer
Beer doesn't have to be the star of the show. Mix things up with a specialty cocktail like a Hellfire, a Shandy, or these fun Champagne Jello shots that mimic the look of a frothy beer. See how to make these champagne jello shots on stylemepretty.com >>
8. Play a Game
Not everyone loves football, but most people love a good party. Keep the conversation going with a Super Bowl Commercial game. That way, you won’t interrupt the serious fans, but you’ll keep those clueless about football involved, too. See Super Bowl game ideas on stylemepretty.com >>
9. DIY Your Décor
Make pom poms with the sports section, some duct tape, and a paper straw. Or, use a bolt of unfinished fabric to cover your table in a great print like black and white stripes, and mismatched cake platters instead of trays to display your food. See how to make DIY newspaper party pom poms on stylemepretty.com >>
10. Keep It Simple with Favors
Party favors are always a good idea, but in the case of a Super Bowl bash, said favors shouldn't take themselves too seriously. A couple of bottles of artisan beer with a note to get together soon or a fun DIY margarita kit will do the trick. See how to make a margarita kit favor on stylemepretty.com >>
PHOTGRAPHY BY HELLO LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY (DIP, GAME, FAVORS); BY STYLE ME PRETTY LIVING (INVITES, TACOS, JELLO SHOTS, PULLED PORK, POPCORN, COOKIE CUTTER, POM POMS)