10 Tips For Throwing A Successful Game Day Party

With sports season at a close, we all want our game day parties to be a touchdown. Walmart has all the essentials you need to make your gathering extra special.

1. Do play with your food.

We’re not talking about table manners here. To really get into the spirit, be creative with your spread! You can serve themed treats like a football field–decorated guacamole dip or decorated cupcakes and other homemade sweets in your team's colors.

2. Don’t forget to take cover.

Buffalo boneless wings, buffalo chicken dip, and chips, oh my! You already know things are going to get messy. Before you lay out your spread, prep your table with tablecloth or paper for easy cleanup. 

3. Get all the glory with themed decorations.

We all know that people get super passionate about sports. You can elevate their spirits by bedecking your home with game day–themed decorations, like balloons and banners.

4. Don't fumble on food quantity.

There’s nothing worse than running out of food before halftime. Make sure to surround your small eats with snacks — cheese-filled soft pretzels, chips, cookies— so people have enough to munch on. If you’re really worried about quantity, host a potluck instead.

5. Set up games for the win.

It’s easy for folks to get glued to their TVs when their favorite sport is playing. If you want to encourage interaction between your guests, throw in a fun game like cornhole and spikeball. 

6. Make room for huddle space.

Encourage guests to gather away from the TV and to an area that makes more sense for socializing. This could be by the food table, on the patio, or in the kitchen.

7. Create a dedicated food area.

Unless you want to see the back of people's heads rather than the game, make sure to place your spread away from the TV, since guests are more likely to gather by the food. This is especially true when you're serving items that a crowd hovers over, like a vegetable tray, fruit platter, or cheese board.

8. Prepare your seating strategy.

It’s gonna get packed so plan where you want people to sit. Pull out chairs in a semicircle around the TV where you're streaming the game for optimal viewing and make room on the floor by setting out blankets and pillows.

9. Score points with goody bags.

If you really want to make your game day party a touchdown, you can send your guests off with goody bags filled with small gifts, which could be something as cool as team hats, jerseys, or shirts. 

10. Don’t forget to be a spectator.

When you’re throwing a party, it’s easy to get carried away with hosting duties. Don’t worry too much about scrambling to clear empty plates and cups, serve food, or refill people’s drinks. Relax, eat, and enjoy the game! 

Whatever you need for game day, Walmart is your trusty one-stop shop, from food to decorations to essentials.

All images via Getty.