A lot of things have been different about the way we live our lives over the past year, especially when it comes to how we celebrate the big moments. Celebrating holidays has been a bit more challenging when we're trying to avoid gathering in groups, and that also includes any Super Bowl parties we might have been hoping to have. Though many of us look forward to our big game traditions every year, this time around, staying at home is probably the safest bet — but that doesn't mean it has to be boring.
There's definitely something wonderful about not having to get off the couch (or even get dressed, if we don't feel like it) to watch the game, the amazing commercials, and, of course, the half-time performances — in 2021, it's The Weeknd's big moment, after all. Why not embrace that part of what this year has been about and go all out on an at-home Super Bowl party that we can remember for years (and that our kids probably won't stop talking about)?
It's still totally possible to have fun watching the Super Bowl without leaving our houses. Need proof? Read on for some ideas.
Go All Out on Appetizers
Like a lot of other American traditions, food is at the center of any great Super Bowl party, and that doesn't have to change just because we're celebrating at home. Using this year to go all out on creating all of the appetizers we normally don't have time to create can make it feel special, because this time around, we've been given the gift of time.
Create a Special Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards have been more popular than ever lately, and the Super Bowl is a perfect occasion to create a football-themed one. Not only will it make the celebration feel a little fancier, but it's also actually pretty fun and get creative with food. Don't forget to show off the finished product on Instagram!
Or Order Takeout
Not in the mood to cook and want to focus on the game instead? This is the perfect excuse to order out and have some yummy wings and pizza ready to go. Tip: Order ahead of time, because the Super Bowl is obviously a busy day for takeout everywhere.
Decorate
It might feel a little silly, but one of the best ways to make a home Super Bowl celebration actually feel like a party and not another night on the couch watching sports is the decor. There are tons of decorations at retailers like Party City, or get the kids involved and DIY some things to make everything more festive.
Watch the Game Outside
Need a change of scenery? Look no further than the backyard (as long as the weather is good, of course). This can be as simple as bringing the TV outside with some extension cords and laying out sleeping bags and lawn chairs on the grass or as elaborate as renting an inflatable screen and projector. Bonus: The kids will love it.
Zoom With Friends
If one of the most important Super Bowl traditions is celebrating with friends, that can still happen from home. After all, isn't that what Zoom and FaceTime are for? Get on the call and sync up the game so everyone's watching (and reacting) together.
Have an Appetizer Exchange
Another way to celebrate with friends? Have a no-contact appetizer exchange. Make enough to share, and then drop off on a friend's porch and pick up the appetizer they made. It lightens the cooking mode and adds that feeling of togetherness.
Play Games
Let's face it: Sometimes, football can get a little boring for those of us who aren't super into sports — and a lot of the time, that includes our kids. So why not keep things fun with games? Pull out favorite board games and play while watching the Super Bowl and the commercials.
Make Fun Drinks
It's a rare opportunity to break out the punch bowl, but the Super Bowl absolutely calls for it. Make a fun, fruity drink to enjoy, and don't forget to make a kid-friendly version as well if the punch happens to have alcohol involved.
Dress Up
Don't forget to get all dressed up for the big game — and include the whole family. If jerseys aren't an option, opt for wearing T-shirts in the color of the team everyone's rooting for, and if the family is split, that makes it even more fun.
Make a Snack Stadium
Here's another fun way to get creative with food. Create a snack stadium out of appetizers, snacks, and other yummy bites to display proudly as a Super Bowl centerpiece. (And again, this will score major points on Instagram and other social networks.)
Play Super Bowl Commercial Bingo
There are tons of printables available for this, and it's a fun way to keep the kids engaged while watching the game and finding how many items on their bingo cards they can spot when commercials come on. Take it a step further by offering a prize to the winner at the end of the night!
Get the Kids Involved
After all, why should mom have to do all the prep work? Getting the kids to help with decorations and cooking all those yummy snacks everyone's going to eat can be a lot of fun and will create fun memories everyone will look back on — even when actual Super Bowl parties are a thing again.
Play a Family Game of Football
What's more fun than running around in the yard with our kids before settling in for a night on the couch with yummy snacks? Start a tradition of playing football together as a family — and feel free to modify the rules as necessary for the littlest players.
Play Super Bowl Trivia
Compete as a family with a series of questions about the Super Bowl, the rules of football, and the players on the teams going head-to-head in the biggest game of the year. Obviously, have a prize for the winner! And for those of us who don't want to come up with our own questions, there are hundreds online to use!
