Use these frugal Super Bowl Party ideas to host a game day party on a budget.
It’s almost that time! Super Bowl parties are a big part of many households. Even if “your” team is not in the Super Bowl, you might even host one and root for the team you hate the least. While a lot of fun, Super Bowl parties can also get expensive if you don’t plan right. Below are some tips for hosting a budget-friendly Super Bowl party.
How To Host a Frugal Super Bowl Party
Start with a Budget, a List, and a Plan
Set a realistic budget upfront. Decide your total spend (e.g., $50–$100) and prioritize food over extras. Focus on good company, the game, and fun. Making it memorable is more important than fancy touches.
Analyze your guest list. Is it too big? Cutting the size of the guest list can help in saving money on a party. If you want to keep it large, consider co-hosting the party with a friend so you can split the costs.
Host a game day potluck party. Another way to save if you are hosting a large event is to be responsible for one aspect of the party, maybe the “main dish”, and ask guests to bring sides, dips, drinks and anything else that would help throw it together.
Once you have decided your budget and your guest list, create a basic plan for how your party will flow. Will you just serve appetizers and drinks? Or will you provide a meal during half-time? Having a plan allows you to more accurately predict costs and avoid last minute expenses. For example, if you are serving a meal during half-time, you will need to plan for dinner plates and utensils, instead of just small plates and napkins for appetizers.
Here are more tips for Planning a Super Bowl Party.
Game Day Food Ideas
Shop smart for deals — Check grocery sales, game-day promotions as you are making your party menu plan. Food manufacturers know this is the season to push snack foods, drinks, and even things like meat and cheese, so take advantage of those sales.
Check for coupons you can combine with the grocery sales. Pair coupons with sales going on at stores at the same time to maximize your savings. Download your grocery store’s app and then select the coupons you want to use.
Check out the bulk food section. You can buy things like nuts, pretzels, crackers, and sweets from the bulk foods section of your favorite grocery store for much less than buying them in smaller packages.
Plan make-ahead and easy recipes. If you really want to save some serious money, skip the convenience foods. Prepare dips, chili, or casseroles a day ahead to save time and stress. Finger foods that don’t require fancy cooking (e.g., veggie trays, popcorn, or slow-cooker meatballs) keep you out of the kitchen during the game. Here is a list of The Best Party Dip Recipes and our Favorite Party Appetizer Recipes you can make for your party.
For a main course that won’t break the bank, think of classic American foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chilis, and even BBQ. I like to make a batch of Barbecue Chicken instead of burgers, because all you need is buns and barbecue sauce and you don’t have to worry about all the condiments needed for burgers and hotdogs. Serve inexpensive sides like baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.
Drink Ideas
Set up self-serve drink stations — Provide inexpensive basics like soda, water, and a big batch of punch, lemonade, or ice-tea. Add fun labels or stirrers for a festive touch without bartending all night.
Consider a non-alcohol event. Alcohol is a huge expense during a Super Bowl party and by cutting it out, you will be saving a lot. If you would still like to have it, ask that guest’s BYOB (Bring your own beer).
If you are serving sodas, buying them in larger sizes will save you in the end. When you buy individual cans of soda, you are paying a lot of the can. Instead, buy two liter bottles of soda and add them to your drink station.
Use Labels on Cups. Provide a marker or labels and a pen, so your guests can write their name on the cups. This will prevent confusion and waste as guests throw out cups they are unsure of and grab another one.
Game Day Decorations
Dollar stores or household items work great for team colors. For decorations, stay away from officially licensed gear from the NFL, such as plates, cups, wall hangings, etc. They will cost you a lot and consume a significant portion of your budget. Instead, opt for more subtle, but still team-inspired paper products by going to the local dollar store and buying cups, napkins, and plates in the team colors. These plain paper products will still show your guests’ team spirit without blowing your budget.
Keep decorations simple and DIY — Downplay fancy deco and instead make or print free football-themed printables (banners, signs, or labels) from online sources. You can use use green felt or construction paper for a “field” table setup instead of using a tablecloth. Do you have a chalkboard? Draw some “plays” on it and use it as a backdrop. You can create an inexpensive Lombardi trophy from a foam football and silver spray paint and use it as your centerpiece.
Entertainment
Kids
A Super Bowl Party is much longer than most parties. If possible, have a room set aside for the kids to play. Have some games ready for the kids to play when they get bored of the football game. Also consider staging some toys that work well for several kids to play with at the same time such a Legos.
Have some low cost craft projects on hand to keep kiddos entertained during the party. You can print out free football-themed coloring pages before the game. You can even let the kids use the paper plates to make a team banner.
What team are you rooting for this year?
More Super Bowl Planning Tips:
How to Plan a Super Bowl Party
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