It’s that time of the year again: Across the country, millions of sports enthusiasts will gather ‘round the big screen in an important seasonal bonding ritual—Monday Night Football. Here are play-by-play tips on hosting the big event:
Set the tone
Ask guests to arrive in their favorite team colors. Decorate the viewing area with balloons, crèpe paper and matching server ware and napkins. Wear your favorite jersey, hoodie or hat. If you have competing teams, split the room in half with décor in opposing team colors.
Offer plenty of seating
Four people—okay, five max—can fit on a standard couch. Beyond that, you’ll have to provide additional seating. If you have a large area, consider setting up a “tailgate” section with outdoor folding chairs (bonus: cup holders included), and position coolers as side tables in between. This will also eliminate multiple trips to the kitchen for food and drink. Beanbags and floor pillows work well for alternative seating.
Set up more than one TV
Serious viewers will want to sit in front of the television with the biggest screen, a place where they can keep their focus on the game and watch without distractions. But sideline the shenanigans: Place chatty guests around a second screen to avoid interference and unexpected party fouls.
Serve finger foods
When it’s game time, it’s hard to tear fans away from the screen, even for just a second. Offering a variety of finger foods will keep munchies under control and kitchen prep time to a minimum. Serve food and drink with paper plates and plastic cups (in team colors, of course) and cleanup will be a cinch, too.
Bring on the beverages
Cheering works up a powerful thirst, so it’s important to provide plenty of beverages for your guests to enjoy. Set coolers outside filled with various types of bottled drinks, and invite guests to grab one on their way in. Or, ask guests to bring their own; you’ll provide the snacks. Keep water and juice on hand as healthy alternatives.
Find a suitable comfort zone
Research shows most people are comfortable in a room with the temperature set between 68-72 degrees. Have a few sweaters or sweatshirts on hand to offer guests, and scatter a few extra throws around the room, just in case they want to feel warmer. The bonus of a crowded room? Each guest offers the equivalent warmth of a 175-watt heater, which means you’ll save energy—and money, too—by keeping the thermostat low.
Keep distractions to a minimum
Four quarters (approximately three hours) is a long time for non-game-watching guests (especially kids) to keep themselves entertained. If your get-together involves children, find another room for them to play. Set up a game area, create an art area, let them play video games, or pop a DVD or two into a laptop and let them watch movies. Invite adults to hang out in a separate room—such as the kitchen—where socializing will not interrupt the action on the screen.
Bring plenty of team spirit
Kids on hand? Turn them into fans. Hand out pom poms and let them lead cheers during half time. Energetic adults? Inflatable footballs are fun to toss around—or to throw at the screen when the ref makes a bad call.
Courtesy: http://www.lennox.com/newsletters/2011/cm/fall/football.asp
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