The idea of having a Superbowl Party goes through many minds at some point in late January but implementing a successful gathering requires a good bit of planning. A successful party is a fantastic way to bring your friends together and have a ton of fun but if some key steps are missed, watching the big game together can become extremely frustrating for everyone involved.

I’ve thrown a lot of Superbowl parties in my time and I’ve learned a lot as I’ve gone. There are just certain things that you need to be aware of and prepared for to ensure your guests have a great time–and you do too. In the spirit of Superbowl Sunday, here’s a quick list of the items I think about before my guests arrive. If you have suggestions that work for you each year, please post them in the comments section below.

Accommodations and Entertaining

Get The Basics Down

Have you ever been invited to a Superbowl Party only to arrive and see 25 people standing around a 19″ television? It really puts a damper on the event. Make sure you have a large enough television and at least one chair per person you invite. If you don’t already have a large television, take a look at Vizio’s product lineup for a new set. It is perfectly understandable if a new television isn’t in your budget but if that is the case, keep the party small or let someone else be the host.

Make Room For My Beer

Expect many of your guests to bring their own beer for the big game even if you tell them that refreshments will be provided. Your refrigerator is going to fill up fast so have some coolers stocked with ice to keep their drinks cool. It is a great touch that your guests will surely appreciate.

Spread The Game Out In Your House

If you’re having more than 10 people over, consider turning some TV’s on in other areas of the house. Some people will want to hear the commentators and sitting in the crowded living room will simply be too noisy. As the host, make your rounds so nobody feels ignored if they aren’t in front of the big screen.

Feel Free To Use Any Bathroom

I know you don’t want some of your dirtier friends in your master bathroom but you invited them! Commercial breaks and halftime are rush hour for your bathrooms so make sure you have the space to accommodate your friends. A bathroom line isn’t acceptable at this event so open all of bathrooms to the public and let everyone know where they are. As an aside, I like to stock each one with a plunger to avoid embarrassing moments for my guests.

The Superbowl Shouldn’t Be The Only Game In Town

Let’s face it–at every Superbowl party there are a handful of people there that couldn’t care less about football. To keep them entertained, have a game prepared that encourages them to join in on the fun of watching the Superbowl. I like to have a squares game ready. E-How wrote a great article on setting up a squares game. Just remember to have some $1 bills ready to make change.

Visit Blockbuster If Kids Are Coming

If you know that kids are coming to the event or you have kids of your own, rent a movie or video games to keep the kids occupied. Have a room set aside for them to have their own fun. They’ll enjoy the event but more importantly, their parents will be free to do the same.

Food and Beverage Planning

The Game Starts When Dinner Normally Does

This is an awkward situation for many a party planner. The Superbowl starts right when people are normally eating dinner. I’ve always been a fan of creating a large main-course for my guests that may have arrived on an empty stomach. There are a handful of inexpensive dishes you can create in large quantities so it really won’t be an expensive decision. Consider baked ziti, roast beef or build-your-own-taco stations. Have something available in addition to the staples such as pretzels or chips and dip.

Not Everyone Wants Alcoholic Beverages

Visit Costco and get some soda and bottled water for the designated driver, children and those that can’t have alcohol. You can also make a great punch for the event.

Order Your Pizza Well In Advance

Pizza is one of those items that tends to make its way into the party every year. If you’re planning on ordering a pizza, expect a couple of hours for it to arrive. Instead, call your local pizzeria Sunday morning and order your pizza in advance. Let them know exactly what time you’d like it delivered or when you’ll be picking it up. Call an hour before that time to confirm that it is being made.

There’s Never Too Much Ice

That’s a rule–you can’t have too much ice. It’s cheap so buy what you think you need… then buy two more bags.

Be Aware Of Pathways In Front Of The TV

Before your guests arrive, pick a spot for your refreshments that minimizes people walking in front of the main television. You may find that the kitchen isn’t the best place for refreshments.

Courtesies And Other Things To Consider

Your Neighbors Will Feel Like They’re There

Your party will be loud. There will be a lot of your cars. Your neighbors will notice. These three facts make it imperative that you at least notify your neighbors that people will be coming over. Even better, invite them so there aren’t any hard feelings.

Make Room For Smokers

Pick an area on your deck or back yard that is easily accessible and tell your guests that it is the designated smoking area. Stock it with chairs, an ash tray and matches and insist that people use it. If weather permits, run a cable and put a TV there as well! Not only will it benefit you in the form of easier clean up but your non-smoking guests will appreciate it as well.

People Are Drinking So Be Ready To Call A Cab

Grab the phone book and write down phone numbers to taxi companies before everyone arrives. Never let someone that is clearly drunk to drive themselves home from your house. Be a friend and call them a cab.

Be Ready For Overnight Guests

If calling a taxi is causing a stir, have your guest bedroom sheets washed and ready for use. Make sure you have extra blankets in case other friends think spending the night would be best.

Don’t Start The Cleaning Until Guests Leave

The Superbowl doesn’t seem to end until sometime on Tuesday. Your guests need to get to work in the morning and they’ll feel obligated to stay and clean if you start the process before they are gone. Allow everyone to leave before you clean. Better yet, save it for Monday. You’ve thrown a great Superbowl party and you deserve the rest!

What Other Tips Do You Have?

Those are some of the things I think about when planning my own Superbowl parties but I’m sure you have some ever better ideas! Please share them in the comments below so we can all enjoy this coming Sunday!

Help Spread The Word! If you’ve enjoyed this article, please bookmark it on social networks such as Digg, del.icio.us or Stumbleupon to bring new readers to the site! Thank you for your help with this!