Don’t drop the ball — get ready for some football with our homegating party timeline, brought to you by Evite and Dr Pepper.
2 weeks ahead:
- Send invitation. Choose a football-themed Evite invitation like the one below to get the party started. And be sure to include any relevant info — for example, if you want to host a potluck (as well as watch the game), ask guests to bring a favorite side dish.
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- Make decorations. Create DIY AstroTurf coasters with cork board (available at craft stores) to get game-ready decor together in under 15 minutes.
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- Shop for additional party decorations. Whether you’re looking for a football-field table runner, pom-poms for the cheering section, or mini chalkboards, find football party supplies online or at a party store.
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- Shop for tableware. Win your guests over with disposable football-themed plates, bowls, cups and napkins. Or present party eats in plastic baskets with paper liners, metal condiment cups and individual popcorn bags (available online or at restaurant supply stores). P.S. Don’t forget the cutlery!
- Plan big serving items. Gather your cooler, serving trays and bottle openers (best to have more than one). Don’t have everything you need? Buy or borrow whatever you’re short on.
- Plan seating. Make sure you have enough seating for all your guests. You may be able to bring in couches and chairs from other rooms or borrow or rent folding chairs. You may also want to buy folding tray tables to minimize spills.
- Plan activities and shop for supplies. Whether it’s touch football or touchdown toss (a version of cornhole using soft footballs), you’ll get extra points for having an activity planned. Don’t forget prizes!
1 week ahead:
- Shop for or order food. If your game plan is to make your own spread, get ingredients now. If you prefer to buy game time-ready food, put in big orders for wings, subs and/or other dishes well ahead. Either way, don’t forget additional snack items such as pretzels and chips.
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- Buy the beverages. Purchase a wide variety of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Purchase brews (extra points if they’re from each team’s city) and pick up soda (like Dr Pepper) and/or other nonalcoholic, crowd-pleasing beverages.
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2 days ahead:
- Clean. Thoroughly clean the house (or if you can, hire someone to do it for you).
- Set up tableware. Put out serveware, the cooler, bottle openers, etc.
- Set up decorations and party activities. Put up decorations and set up activities so everything’s ready to go.
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- Ask a close friend to pick up ice on party day. Since this is a last-minute task, and you’re likely to be busy with party prep, ask a good friend you can count on to come 15 minutes early and make an ice run for you on their way to the party.
Day of:
- Pick up or make food. Prep food or pick up any dishes you may have ordered ahead of time.
- Put out food and drinks. Fill the cooler with ice and drinks and set out snacks.
- Set up seating. Move and/or set up any additional furniture.
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Planning ahead means you can throw a winning party and still chill on the sidelines with your guests once the on-screen action begins. Game on!
NEXT: Get more game day party ideas and tailgating tips!
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